–the cure for physical symptoms of anxiety–
Four simple rules
FACE: Do not run away
ACCEPT: Do not fight/floating
FLOAT PAST: Do not stop/pause and listen in
LET TIME PASS: Do not be impatient with time
For example, the nervously ill person usually notices each new symptom in alarm, listens in apprehension, and yet at the same time is afraid to examine it too closely for fear this will make it worse. So he/she agitatedly seeks occupation to try to force forgetfulness.
This is running away, not focusing
He may try to cope with the unwelcome feeling by tensing himself against them, thinking, “I must not let this get the better of me.”
He is fighting, not accepting and floating.
He is listening in, noticing each new symptom with alarm
He also keeps looking backward and worrying because so much time has passed and he is not cured -and if there is an evil spirit that could be exorcised if only he or the doctor knew how to do it.
He is impatient with time, is not willing to let time pass.”
Check in tomorrow for a more account of how this all works, especially whilre learning more about the First fear and the Second fear.
The two works which have helped me most of my life in recovery are these two books written by Dr. Clair Weekes:
Hope and Help for your Nerves
Peace from Nervous Suffering.