What to Ask Yourself When You Feel Overwhelmed, Stressed, or Anxious

a post by Kamsin Kaneko for the Tiny Buddha blog

“Clear your mind. Your heart is trying to tell you something.” ~Unknown

Words have incredible power. I’d like to share three little words that can unlock your inner magic. They can help you cut through the layers that stand in the way of your inner truth and help you get in touch with your highest self. The peaceful, compassionate, loving self that knows what you need in any given moment and wants to bring goodness to the world.

But I better tell you now that they are simple words that may not seem earth shattering at first.

These words have become part of my life in the last few months. When I am feeling tired, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed I ask myself this simple question. It forces me to stop and listen to myself. Then I can take action from a calm and peaceful state.

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How to Calm Anxiety in Uncertain Times, According to This Famous Buddhist

a post by Philip Perry for the Big Think blog

Jack Kornfield originally studied Buddhism in Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and India, in order to become a monk. Today, he is an award-winning writer, public speaker, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Mass., and the Spirit Rock Center of Calif.

At the Wisdom 2.0 Conference, recently held in San Francisco, Kornfield talked about the current socio-political atmosphere and the anger, distress, and anxiety many feel surrounding it. He shared insights on how to calm these feelings and supplant them with courage, compassion, and wisdom.

Kornfield began by polling the room. He asked how many people were feeling anxiety over the current political environment. A large swath of attendees raised their hands. In Greek mythology, he explained, the furies were unleashed upon the Earth when oaths or rules were broken, or the vulnerable or the populous had been offended. These were monstrous harpies named jealousy, hatred, and vengeance.

The results of the last US election and the social and political turmoil that erupted in its aftermath, is bringing to the surface a tempest of negative emotions. But the problem is, “The furies can’t be stopped when they’re released.” Only Athena, the goddess of wisdom could neutralize them. How?

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Using Greek mythology and Buddhism confused me more than somewhat but the underlying ideas seem quite reasonable. Personally I would translate it all into a Christian context but that will not be right for all readers.

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