It is easy to become “anxious about being anxious” and “depressed about being depressed.” By learning to have compassion for ourselves and understand the patterns that keep us from a healthier lifestyle, change is possible. Identifying self-defeating patterns whether due to family of origin issues or current experiences can lead to new choices. Giving ourselves permission to make these changes can actually increase anxiety at first allowing us to “sit with the pain” helps build resiliency. Mindfulness practices can provide a mini-retreat to learn to breathe more deeply, relaxing our mind, body and spirit. Everyone benefits when we learn to take care of ourselves first.
