Michael L.
I struggled with anxiety attacks throughout my life. I was always scared of making mistakes or appearing weak. Even small things, like being corrected by a coworker or using the wrong word, would trigger anxiety that lasted for days. I envied people around me who didn’t seem to take themselves so seriously. They could easily move past awkward moments, while my mind replayed them over and over.
By my thirties, the anxiety attacks were so severe that I couldn’t function normally. I knew I needed to actively address the problem if I wanted to get my life back.
I tried many self-help books and saw a psychologist. While these helped a little, my attacks were still overwhelming. It wasn’t until I began meditating with the guidance of a professional instructor that I found a real solution.
Through meditation, I learned to look within myself to understand the triggers and root causes of my anxiety. I discovered that I had extremely high self-expectations and a tendency towards perfectionism. My anxiety stemmed from the large gap between my expectations of the world and the reality of it. My pride was hurt by this disconnect.
Once I recognized this, meditation helped me release those feelings. Instead of fighting my anxiety, I began to accept and embrace it. A turning point came when I realized, “Why should I fear these feelings when I now have a way to manage them?” This shift allowed me to let go of shame, guilt, denial, and fear that had been bottled up for so long.
I no longer feel the need to be perfect or always strong. Trying new things has become easier, and my mind feels lighter and clearer. I feel like a new person. I want others to know that it’s possible to live without being controlled by anxiety. If meditation worked for me, it can work for anyone. I highly recommend it.
