Overcoming Worry & Doubt Archives - Page 29 of 38

February 9, 2019

EVERYTHING’S ALRIGHT — IT REALLY IS!

worry less now

I’ve always found great comfort from the the Jesus Christ Superstar hit, “Everything’s Alright” because I used to desperately try to believe it. After years of trials, I’ve finally found the tools that help me trust that everything’s alright. I know you can gain that trust, too. It just takes a few new choices.

These song lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice offer a few hints.

Try not to get worried,

Try not to turn on to problems that upset you, oh.

Don’t you know, everything’s alright, yes, everything’s fine.

And we want you to sleep well tonight.

Let the world turn without you tonight.

Everything’s alright, yes, everything’s alright, yes.

Sleep and I shall soothe you, calm you, and anoint you.

Myrrh for your hot forehead, oh.

Then you’ll feel everything’s alright, yes, everything’s fine.

And it’s cool, and the ointment’s sweet, For the fire in your head and feet.

Close your eyes, close your eyes, And relax, think of nothing tonight.

So, what is the song trying to tell us?

Try not to turn on to problems that upset you. Don’t dwell on the
“hopelessness” of your problems; instead, redirect your mind toward hope, care, and positive thoughts. Here’s how to do that.
Let the world turn without you tonight. You don’t have to fix all the problems of the world. Just let it spin. Try detachment as explained here.
I shall soothe you, calm you, and anoint you . . . And relax, think of nothing tonight. Turning to a higher presence to soothe your worries allows you to relax, to let go of “figuring it out.” From this cool, sweet place come the insights, inspiration, and solutions for all your worries. More about this power here.

Just imagine the relief flowing over you as you trust a loving power to take care of every aspect of your life, knowing that guidance and comfort will take care of whatever vexes you. Ahhhhh. Relax, Try not to worry. Everything’s alright–it really is!

Gigi Langer is the author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection. 5 Stars on Amazon and winner of the Indie Excellence Award. Get 20% off herewith promo code 20lessnow. (No discount at Amazon or e-books)

Gigi had a long career teaching and writing in education. She holds a PhD from Stanford University in Psychological Studies in Education, and has been clean and sober for 33 years.

February 1, 2019

Even The Poet Mary Oliver Worried!!

HAPPY DAY TO ALL OF YOU! This week, I’m sending a snippet from my last monthly newsletter. Thanks for reading and pondering the meaning of Mary Oliver’s wonderful poem!

PS: If you would rather get a monthly newsletter instead of weekly blogs, it’s easy to change. Just unsubscribe & sign up at the Newsletter link below.

I Worried

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.

From Swan: Poems and Prose Poems by Mary Oliver.

(Thanks to my friend Judy Staples for sending me this poem — so perfect!)

Gigi Langer has been clean and sober for 33 years, and holds a PhD in worry less now Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She’s a sought-after speaker and retreat leader who has helped thousands improve their lives at work and at home. Order her award-winning book at Amazon or get 20% off with promo code 20lessnow here.

January 25, 2019

BREAK THROUGH YOUR DOUBTS!

It’s so weird how my gut prompts me to take on these big goals—yup, like narrating my audio book of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now! And then I get frozen with doubts for a while while “whispered lies” play on in my head: “It’s too much work!” “It won’t be good enough!” Indeed, in the FB video I posted last week, I had decided to hire a narrator for the audiobook. Then something amaaaaazing happened. Watch the 5-minute video to see how providence moves, in spite of our fears and doubts.

January 18, 2019January 19, 2019

Beat Stress by Wanting What’s HERE RIGHT NOW

stress worry less now

They say the past is over and the future is yet to be. The only thing that remains is the present moment. That’s sure been true for me!

Years ago, I had a chance to learn how stress about the past or future can rob our experience of the present.

Mindfulness

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the developer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs, teaches people to fully appreciate the present by taking several minutes to eat one raisin. As they chew, they savor the full sensory experience—the texture, taste, and sound. Give it a try sometime.

If you don’t have a raisin, wash a few dishes very slowly. Feel the texture of each one. Listen to the sounds they make as they clink together. Smell the moist air lingering around you.

When you mindfully immerse yourself in the present moment, you can feel your mind unhinge from all the distressing thoughts about your past and future.

The Present Moment

In my late 40s, I spent two painful years with both of my shoulders “frozen.” Eventually, I sought help from Pema Chodron’s popular book, When Things Fall Apart, and was struck by her suggestion that one could attain peace by simply being present with each moment, even the distressing ones.

After reflecting on this idea, I realized that during my illness I had been searching through my past actions, worrying about what I’d done to make my shoulders worse. When I wasn’t dwelling on the past, I was trying to figure out what treatment to try in the future.

As I followed Chodron’s suggestion to be fully present with my body’s sensations, my stress diminished greatly. Even though my shoulders didn’t heal right away, I was able to handle the pain and limitations with more peace and grace. (Need I say I had been a basket case before trying this?)

That experience taught me to make friends with my present circumstances, even when I don’t like them. Today I’m so grateful for my healthy and flexible shoulders–and for learning to appreciate every moment as it comes.

Try It Now

To experience mindfulness, try focusing 100% on what’s happening right now. What do you hear? What are you touching? What noises are you hearing? What tastes fill your mouth? When you’re this attentive to the present, your stress and worries melt away. I’d love to hear how this works for you!

Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

Category: Overcoming Worry & Doubt