The idea that worry and anxiety could be seen as arrogant attributes due to their selective nature is an intriguing perspective. Here's a way to explore this concept:
Worry and anxiety often center around specific concerns, which can reflect a narrow focus on particular outcomes or scenarios.
This selectiveness may stem from a deeper desire to control or predict the future, emphasizing the importance of certain aspects of one's life while neglecting others. From this viewpoint, such selective attention might be seen as a form of arrogance, as it implies an overestimation of one's ability to foresee and manage future events.
When the worry, a fear and associated anxiety impact the quality of our life in this present moment, then there is benefit in managing that anxiety. Anxiety, worry and fear are normal human reactions to life events. It's when it gets out of control that it becomes problematic in our day to day life. When I questioned, in a way, is it arrogant to worry too much, I was hinting at the worries my clients have that motivates them to reach out for support. Many clients are so stuck to a worry, fear, a problem that they cannot separate themselves from it. But when I ask if they may be worried that at any time they may have an aneurisym, a heart attack, the roof might fall in, I'm often met with a perplexed look and the answer 'no'. That's why worry is often selective. Ultimately we have no control over the future. Any of these events may happen. If we can factor that in, in our day to day lives and then hold on 'lightly' to those potential worries and concerns, fears and associated anxiety, we then allow more of our energy to go into what is actually happening right here, right now.
Anxiety and worry often involve an implicit belief that one's thoughts and concerns are of utmost importance, overshadowing the broader context of life. This could be perceived as a kind of self-centeredness, where the individual's immediate fears and doubts take precedence over a more balanced, holistic understanding of their circumstances.
However, it's essential to approach this perspective with compassion and understanding. Anxiety and worry are natural human responses to uncertainty and perceived threats. They often arise from deeply ingrained survival mechanisms and can be exacerbated by various psychological, environmental, and biological factors.
Acknowledging the potential for arrogance in worry and anxiety doesn't mean diminishing the genuine distress they cause. Instead, it can offer a path toward greater self-awareness and humility. By recognizing the selective nature of these emotions, individuals can work towards a more mindful and expansive view of their lives, cultivating a sense of acceptance and balance, no matter what is happening. Perceived suffering can often be the gateway to beneficial life changes that would not have been explored had it not been for the 'suffering'.
This approach aligns with the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages embracing thoughts and feelings without letting them dominate one's actions, fostering a broader perspective on life's challenges. And of course regularly 'checking-in' throughout the day by stopping, a couple of slower breaths, checking our thoughts, scanning our body, getting a sense that we are more grounded in the present moment, right here, right now, and from there deciding what comes next in our day. More worry? I doubt it.
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