Worry is something nearly all of us experience.
Whether it’s the state of our finances, our jobs, our health, or the safety of loved ones, it can feel overwhelming.
On a broader scale, we may even worry about larger issues like the environment and global destruction.
But why do we worry so much?
What is at the root of this behavior?
Understanding The Root of Worry
Worry often manifests as a tangled mix of thoughts and feelings about something going wrong.
But what does “wrong” really mean?
It’s typically defined by our expectations, what we hope will happen versus what we fear might happen.
Underlying this worry is fear, the fear that our expectations won’t be met.
For example, if a loved one is sick, we might worry about their recovery.
Why?
Because we fear they may not get well or that complications might arise.
This fear leads us into a spiral of worrying thoughts and emotions that ultimately steal our peace.
The Nature of Fear
Fear arises when we think that our expectations might not come true.
But here’s the crucial point: our thoughts about things not working out are often based on false evidence.
This concept is captured in the acronym “F.E.A.R.” | False Evidence Appearing Real.
So much of our worry comes from these imagined scenarios that aren’t grounded in reality.
When fear sets in, it triggers the cycle of worry, which robs us of our inner peace.
Cultivating Peace to Overcome Worry
On the flip side, when we cultivate peace within ourselves, we invite clarity.
Peace enables us to remain calm in the face of uncertainty, rather than being consumed by fear.
It allows us to be okay with whatever outcome arises, knowing that we are strong enough to handle whatever comes our way.
The practice of cultivating peace is a powerful antidote to the stress of worry and fear.
By developing a peaceful mindset, we can flow with life, accepting both the challenges and rewards that come our way, without getting lost in anxiety.
A Guided Peace Practice:
To begin the process of cultivating peace, let’s engage in a brief practice.
Find a quiet place and follow these steps:
1. Close your eyes and check in with your body. Are you relaxed?
2. Take a deep breath, letting your body relax even further.
3. Take another deep breath, and set aside all the tasks, responsibilities, and worries that fill your mind.
4. Take another breath and be open to the experience of peace.
5. Gently allow your attention to drop into your heart center. This is less about forcing relaxation and more about letting go—returning your focus to where your attention rises from in the first place.
6. As you breathe evenly, don’t worry if your attention wanders. Simply notice and gently bring it back to rest in the heart center.
This simple practice can help you center yourself and return to a state of peace, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed by worry.
Learn more about the Peace Practice here.
The Takeaway: Choosing Peace Over Worry
When you catch yourself worrying, take a step back.
Rather than fighting against the worry, which often makes matters worse, choose to return to peace.
This shift in perspective, choosing what you want (peace) instead of fighting what you don’t want (worry), can make all the difference in your daily experience.
The next time worry creeps in, remember that you have the power to choose peace.
By returning to this state, you align with what you truly want and allow that peace to guide you through life’s challenges.
May peace be with you wherever you are in the world.
About the Author
Sundar Kadayam is an author, spiritual teacher, mentor, and healer. Midway through his 34 year career as a technologist and entrepreneur, life circumstances pushed him into an unlikely journey toward healing and awakening. His offerings provide guidance on self care and healing, self transformation, and self realization.
Sundar’s Website: Being YOU with Sundar Kadayam – Resources for self-care and healing, continuous self-transformation, and Self-Realization
Sundar’s Bio: About Sundar Kadayam
Sundar’s Writings: Articles and Pointers to Being YOU – with Sundar Kadayam
The Peace Practice: The Peace Practice – Simple Meditation to Cultivate Inner Peace (sundar.com)
Life Coach Code Interview: Find Life Coach | Meet Sundar Kadayam: How to Go from Weakness to True Power and Limitless Potential? (lifecoachcode.com)
