I was lucky, the author was later described as 'the woman who cracked the anxiety code'. She was nominated for a Nobel Prize for her major contribution to helping so many recover from anxiety disorder. She did this through her short books, consultations, newsletters and public appearances in person and on TV.An emeritus professor of psychology and psychiatry claims she helped tens of millions throughout the world to recover. She died 40 years ago after a lifetime of labour and her teachings continue to bring recovery - no matter how long or how deeply people have suffered.
She should be better known than she is though I know she has many admirers on this forum. Her entire teachings can be summed up in six words.
'Face. Accept. Float. Let time pass'. But you have to read her first book 'Self help for your nerves' to understand what that means and how to implement it.
I first read the book in 1974, I'm over 80 now and so glad I chanced upon that book all those years ago.
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Jeff1943
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You float using your imagination: just imagine you are being propelled forward by some invisible force. It is effortless requiring no special effort by yourself. Practice it, again and again, and it will come to you as second nature. Reread the book, specially the section on floating, again and again.
Thank you. I will read the book again and see if I get better insight the 2nd time around. I have a really hard time just relaxing. When I don't control my thoughts, they run wild.
You can learn to relax, Barbloki, oh yes you can. Sit down for a moment if possible and feel every muscle in your body going limp. First your limbs, then your body, then your jaw muscles (most important) and then imagine there is a large muscle where your brain is and imagine that unwinding like a spring. Feel your whole body going limp and relaxed. Hold that looseness for as long as time permits.
Do not concern yourself with thoughts running wild. They are allowed to run wild, they will do you no harm, Accept them and don't fight them.
Fighting your symptoms is taboo to recovery for fighting means stress and strain and you need less of that and not more. This is what Claire called 'masterly inactivity'.
Practice this way of relaxation and all will be well. All manner of things WILL be well.
I don’t think I’ve ever said anything to you- but thank you. I have been following you for a while now and truly look forward to your posts. You have played a huge role in my journey. You are so thoughtful, wise and intentional with your words. Thank you for all that you do for this community. (And yes, the book is wonderful!)
Hi Jeff. This is the first time that I have read on of your posts. I have seen evil and horror. I can't float in that. Anytime, I fully feel reality, I fall apart. I need to run.
I am; however, going to bring this up with my psychologist. Thanks for the post.
It's still worth reading the book, not only does she explain how to recover from anxiety, she explains awfully well exactly what's going on both mentally and physically, which is a major part of my recovery and something that not one single doctor or counsellor has ever managed.
Acceptance does not mean accepting the evil we encounter, it means temporarily accepting the symptoms of anxiety disorder caused by these traumas in order to desensitise our nervous system and recover from those symptoms ie health anxiety and agoraphobia.
Sillysausage, I will always remember your hilarious video clip from 'Monty Python, the Life of Brian' just before I was banned from this forum for 6 months for bullying which went: 'He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy'. Brilliant!
Hello my dearest Jeff and thank you as always for this helpful and so important post. You are such a pivotal member of this community and I am sure I speak for many in how much we value and gain from your posts. Thank you so much xxxx Rachel
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