Sometimes anxiety, fear and worry feel like they overtake us, like there is nothing beyond them. But rather than “being anxious,” you can be someone who is experiencing anxiety. That way, you know you are more than the anxiety. Because you are. We have the inner ability and wisdom to help ourselves through difficult emotions and experiences, rather than be consumed by them. Again, it starts with awareness.

Below is roughly 40 seconds of a baby aspen quaking in the autumn wind. Notice that the aspen doesn’t become rigid, resisting the wind. On the contrary, its branches sway and its leaves tremble and shiver, some even blowing away as its core remains firmly rooted. When you’re afraid or anxious or worried, you might take a few seconds to envision yourself like this humble little tree: not someone who is necessarily big and mighty or who has no troubles, but someone who is rooted, yet flexible amidst it all.

As you watch, let yourself really take in the colors and the movement and the sound. Notice any sensations you might feel in your body.*


*When some folks are especially hyperaroused, any stimulus at all - even seemingly pleasant or happy ones - can temporarily increase anxiety. If the quaking leaves increase your experience of anxiety, stop the video and do what you normally do to find a sense of calm. Something you might try is putting one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Take a relaxed, normal in-breath and slowly and comfortably start to make your out-breath a bit longer. As you breathe, feel the gentle contact of your hands as they "send" peace and calm to your heart and belly, helping you to connect to your core to root you amidst whatever experience you're having. Feel the softening of your body and mind. Do this as long as it feels right.