Anxiety

Anxiety, a displeasing feeling of worry or concern which is psychological and physiological, is a common part of the learning process. Learning entails approaching the unknown to acquire understanding and competence. Submitting to a practice of learning in daily life entails experiencing some anxiety in reaction to challenges. 

Avoidance of anxiety becomes more appealing with age, in my experience. The aging process brings more and more unavoidable adjustments. Physical and cognitive changes, despite pop culture's attempts to deny them, are inevitable. A certain amount of accompanying anxiety is also inevitable, since there is a constant learning curve imposed on even the most routine activities when disease or disability strike. 

Maintaining a daily practice is an intentional process which assists with adjustments to unintentional processes as they occur in life. A practice, with clear priorities and values, clears the way of the unnecessary and insignificant. This facilitates clearer vision, more concise action and openness to learning important information. 

Recognizing the presence of anxiety in the mind and body is the first step to healthy change. Rather than avoiding anxiety, the mindful person uses it to learn and move on. If overcome by anxiety, the mindful person seeks help. The process of dealing with anxiety constructively is part of living a conscious and intentional life. Denial or avoidance of anxiety is unhealthy and can lead to dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors.