In the mind of anxiety, lies the seed of greatness.
Written by : Javeria Khan
I say unto you: one must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star. I say unto you: you still have chaos in yourselves
Often, in today’s society, anxiety is seen as a kind of evil or negative emotion, something to be ashamed of, something to be ashamed of, something to be ashamed of, something negative. What we fail to see, and how this ongoing chaos within ourselves can be channeled into achieving something great. We must acknowledge our anxiety and the reasons for this in order to escape the mundanity, the mediocrity and the stagnation of life. What is the cause of our anxiety? Is there anything we can do to prevent this from happening?
Difference between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety may be defined as apprehension, tension, and uneasiness that stems from the anticipation of danger, which may be internal or external (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Anxiety becomes a clinical anxiety disorder when its frequency and intensity increase, interfering with your routine activities and showing physical symptoms beyond one’s control. When unpleasant symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, palpitations, feeling fatigued easily, trouble sleeping, excessive fear, and panic attacks occur, it is advised to visit a doctor.
The difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder lies in the intensity, duration, and impact of the feelings experienced.
Anxiety is a natural and universal human response to stress or perceived threats. It can help you stay alert and focused, motivate you to take action, and solve problems.It typically arises in response to specific situations, such as an upcoming exam, a job interview, or a significant life change these feelings are usually temporary and subside once the stressful situation is resolved. Normal anxiety doesn’t significantly interfere with your daily life and can often be managed with coping strategies like relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking to a friend.
Anxiety Disorders are Persistent and Excessive, which involve excessive and persistent worry or fear that is disproportionate to the actual situation.
Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing when anxiety might be a normal reaction to stress and when it might be indicative of a more serious condition that could benefit from professional treatment. If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it might be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.
The Positive Effects of Anxiety.
Anxiety is indeed a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in certain situations. Mild anxiety helps us stay alert and prepared for upcoming challenges, enhancing our ability to cope effectively. When we face adversity, feeling anxious and disturbed is a natural response that aids in strategizing and problem-solving.
However, it’s crucial to rethink the role of anxiety in our lives. This feeling of angst shouldn’t be something we shy away from. The stigma surrounding anxiety often stems from the culture of toxic positivity, which promotes the idea that we must always feel positive, content, and peaceful. This perspective can be harmful, as it dismisses the importance of experiencing and processing negative emotions.
The historical reference to Nero being at peace while Rome burned serves as a reminder that ignoring or suppressing negative emotions can lead to greater issues. Our tendency to avoid feeling and processing emotions like anxiety has contributed to the rise in anxiety levels, particularly among younger generations, often referred to as “The Anxious Generation.”
Understanding and accepting anxiety as a part of our emotional spectrum is essential. It allows us to address it constructively rather than letting it fester and grow. By acknowledging our anxiety, we can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the overall impact it has on our lives. This shift in perspective can help us manage anxiety more effectively and lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.
The Perspective of Miyamoto Musashi on Anxiety.
Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese master swordsman and author of “The Book of Five Rings.” He explained that when we are restless, it is a sign that our internal energy is guiding us toward achieving our goals. It is a heightened emotional response to perceived threats. It can bring out the best in you if you harness it in the right direction. We frequently wonder why certain situations make us uncomfortable and cause internal anguish. It is because the journey of self-discovery and self-transcendence is not an easy process. One must experience inner turmoil to undergo self-transformation and discover our authentic selves, which we may have lost connection to either in childhood or adolescence.
Hard times shape a great man. Your ease is the adversary of your expertise. Greatness necessitates persistent toil, sacrifice, and obsession. When you’re insanely passionate about your aspirations, it’s your anxiety that keeps you focused and determined. The path to greatness and excellence is terrifying, hard, and ugly. No one has ever achieved greatness by playing it safe; you need to break your chains, and for that, you need intense emotion within yourself that will keep you focused, alert, and persistent. Another recognized benefit of anxiety is that it aids memory formation. When we are anxious about anything, such as a celebration or an event, we create powerful memories that last our entire lives. This tendency leads to increased performance before a major event.
Misunderstanding anxiety can indeed lead to further anxiety disorders. Recognizing that our emotions have a purpose is crucial. Emotions, including anxiety, are powerful motivators that can drive us to take action. When we dismiss our emotions as irrational or unreasonable, we overlook their significance and the messages they convey.
Consider a groundbreaking idea: without ambition and passion, it remains just an idea. These emotions are essential to transforming thoughts into reality. Understanding that everything has a purpose allows us to channel our internal anxiety into calmness and productivity. Anxiety, when viewed positively, can be the driving force behind our actions, pushing us to achieve our goals.
In every success story, emotions play a pivotal role. Anxiety can act as a “speeding gear,” propelling us forward. Even with clear goals, achieving greatness requires more than just a plan; it demands passion, ambition, obsession, and devotion. These strong emotional drives help us stay focused and ignore distractions, enabling us to concentrate on our objectives.
By embracing our emotions and understanding their purpose, we can convert anxiety into a powerful tool for success. This perspective shift helps us harness our emotional energy, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and achievement.
Now that you understand its importance, you must listen to it if you want to harness its energy in the right direction. Get up and start learning if you are anxious about your exams. This feeling shouldn’t be bottled up. It will lead to procrastination and a delay in the process, which needs to be urgent. Be anxious, because anxiety increases your focus, and focus cultivates persistence and perseverance. You will achieve excellence and greatness through your continuous toil; this is where magic happens. As soon as Charlie Parker, the most influential jazz player, was humiliated on stage by the judges, he practiced endlessly for months; whenever he felt demotivated, a certain uneasy feeling helped him get back on track. He played one of the greatest jazz solos in history after months of practice.
The Concept of Anxiety by Kierkegaard.
“The Concept of Anxiety” by Soren Kierkegaard is indeed a profound work that delves deeply into the nature of anxiety. Kierkegaard, a renowned philosopher, explores anxiety not as a mere psychological condition but as a fundamental aspect of human existence. He suggests that anxiety is tied to our freedom and the infinite possibilities that come with it.
Kierkegaard argues that anxiety arises from the realization of our freedom to choose and the responsibility that accompanies this freedom. This can be both overwhelming and enlightening. Instead of viewing anxiety solely as a negative emotion, Kierkegaard encourages us to see it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. By confronting and understanding our anxiety, we can gain a deeper insight into our true selves and our potential.
Reading “The Concept of Anxiety” can transform your perspective on this emotion. It helps you recognize that anxiety is a natural part of the human experience, one that can lead to greater self-awareness and empowerment. When you experience anxiety, it serves as a reminder of your freedom to make choices and shape your life according to your values and aspirations.
Embracing this viewpoint can reduce the fear associated with anxiety and allow you to harness it as a positive force in your life. It shifts the focus from avoiding anxiety to understanding and utilizing it as a tool for personal development. This philosophical approach can be incredibly liberating, offering a new way to navigate the complexities of human emotions and existence.
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