What is stress but resistance to that which is arising in the moment?
Resistance to that over which we have no control.
Look into it deeply, quietly, for some time, to find that it loses its big dense painful mass of a form, and becomes smaller more subtle parts that are actually quite easy to deal with.
It becomes a teacher, a friend, a door at the end of a long dark tunnel. Use it. Wisely.
Come out of that which no longer serves you.
December 16, 2008 at 11:45 am
I get stressed at work; not sure how much I can do about that? is it anxiety about performance? knowing you are being observed and monitored constantly. Some situations, I think, are inherently stressful. Maybe its time to get out!!
December 16, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I agree that some situations are inherently stressful. And there are times in this life when maybe it is better to alter things if the stress is too much. But, in general, I don’t think it is time to “get out”. I think that it is time to alter the response to the stress. We don’t have any control over it arising, but we do have control over our reaction/response to it, and eventually over time (maybe life times), that stress will not come any more.
December 16, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I agree that some stressful situations are worth escaping. I only have so much presence of mind to work with each day and occasionally something will demand too much over and over again. But these tend to be things that were never really important in my life, work, relationships, etc…so perhaps those stresses just teach me how to make better choices for my time/love/energy/etc.
December 16, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Ahhhh….I like the angle, Laura. Life seems to be a series of choices. Choices that are more in alignment with our nature are a wonderful outcome of stressful situations.
December 16, 2008 at 2:30 pm
As I study my own anxiety and stress, it seems like it arises primarily from my unwillingness to do the responsible thing – and instead to remain defensive or in denial.
If I’m stressed in my relationship, there’s a good chance that I’m not doing the responsible thing.
If my work stresses me, there’s a good chance that I’m not doing the responsible thing – which could be to find a different livelihood.
This resistance to being responsible in the moment – yes, it makes waves of stress and anxiety.
December 16, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Great post! I agree, stress can be a really good teacher. At least, it can teach us of the importance of daily practice; balanced mind and body, friends with stress (what stress?)
It’s only in our minds. Stress = great delusion. Practice, practice, practice.
Thank you, Molly.
With palms together,
Uku
December 16, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Barry, really nice examination of stress and where it arises from. Thanks for sharing it. Hadn’t thought of that….”not being responsible”. I’ll have to sit with it.
Peace,
Molly
December 16, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Uku,
Friends with stress…..yes……..
Stress=Great Delusion
Nicely put.
Thanks for sharing,
and
back to the cushion, our recurring theme.
With Metta,
Molly
December 17, 2008 at 8:13 am
What a beautiful way to look at it–instead of stress being an energy-zapper, it can be an energy-giver.
December 17, 2008 at 5:12 pm
i agree Chehaw, but its work getting there!