by Cathy Vartuli Your heart is racing, breath is coming fast, palms are sweating. You feel scared, jumpy, and vigilant. Panic attacks, anxiety attacks… whatever you call them, they are terrifying. They are especially overwhelming because we are stuck in a fear-based feedback loop. Understanding what’s going on can give you an edge on releasing them.
We enjoy life and function better when we feel safer. No matter what you are doing… from enjoying a BBQ with friends, weeding the flowerbeds, taking a walk, or doing spring cleaning… you will feel more present and focused if you feel safe. When we feel even “a bit” threatened or nervous, there is a constant underlying tension and worry. Part of our attention is always focused on the threat. Yet for many of us, we don’t even know what the danger is! We just feel unsafe.