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 | How do we deal practically with the anxiety in our lives, the difficulties that come our way, the very things that make us feel like we are stuck in a rut and unable to overcome basic life challenges?
19 Comments Posted
We must stop putting unnecessary pressure and stress on ourselves and others to be perfect and happy all the time! We must know that there is a time for everything, and we are allowed to be imperfect human beings! It is ok to make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them, and not to repeat the same ones over and over again. We must treat others as we want to be treated.
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Well said and well thought out. I'm going to pass this one on. And as usual... it came at the right time.
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Sarah Esther,
Thank you for your well written and informative piece. I really liked the way you explained anxiety with passages from the Torah. No doubt your research will help many people suffering with anxiety. Also, the fact that the Torah was written nearly 3,320 years ago and is very pertinent today is evident from your article. Thanks again.
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In my siddur (prayer book) there are a list of passages that pertain to people's names--you can find out which is yours by matching the first and last letters. My passage happens to be Proverbs 12:25, and so I searched on this site and found this article. I think it is a part of my rectification, since my nature is very anxious and I often lose sight of the bigger picture when I let negative thoughts fill my mind and heart. I appreciate this article and will do my best to take its advice.
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Thank you so very much for the excellent article that I will immediately put to use all the good information and revelations.
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Thank you for your article. We joke in our family that anxiety is a Jewish trait. How perfect that the torah addresses this. I read somewhere- "He who has given me burdens, also gave me shoulders". This also makes me feel better.
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Sara Ester, This article was really helpful. I had one of those days yesterday...Today is so much better. Thanks.
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I want to say the information shared from the Torah is a blessing! I have been attacked with numerous depressing thoughts. I have spoken with Christian Pastors and a Counselor. This has helped tremendously. However, even with this help, I realize each one of us have be the gate keeper of our thoughts!
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very nicely written and useful.
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Very well written and helpful. Some people are anxiety prone and I, as one of them, see light (you wrote about light) coming from your article on this verse. In fact the details are the essence in this article, and each detail is both factually correct and an informative guide on the subject of dealing with anxiety. I wish to be as healthy as I would be if I followed the directives- I've made it to the second explanation but the third, finding some sort of spiritual guide in an actual person, has eluded me, despite much effort on my part. Am I kidding myself that it's direct to G-d because that's what He gives me? I can't say the concept of relating to a human in this way seems like a bad idea, just relatively impossible leading to my inevitably giving it up for self therapy (ambiguous term, but there's a lot under the hood). Not a popular concept to professionals, but at least I'm moving along in my life and not moving backward with a professional's help. Sorry. Just my take.
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Hi. I am facing gallbladder surgery in a week and am an emotional wreck. I'm so scared... and reading the Torah or my siddur helps...for a while. What i need is a friend...someone to talk to....but i have no one. If anyone wants to, they may email me at mazinn@localnet.com There is no synagogue near me where i can go for comfort...and i feel so alone.
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Dear Mari,
My Dad just had gall bladder surgery and although it's not the same as if I had it, it's still pretty scary to go through. I can't pretend to know what you're going through but I send you my best for a full recovery.
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I left my faith behind years ago and want to embrace it again. I am 53 and left it when I was about 15. I would love to hear from women who may be in the same situation and would welcome any advice on re entering gracefully
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I am challenged by ADHD and PTSD, and anxiety plays a major part in my daily life.
I love that you wrote this article, the contextualizing of this debilitating state within Jewish History, brings a reassurance and influence that nothing secular approaches.
Todah Rabba
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RE: "I left my faith behind years ago and want to embrace it again."
Please take heart!
My ancestors abdicated, gave up, hid, suppressed their Jewish Souls, Centuries ago. I have good reason to believe that there were a number of Rabbis, and even an Italian Cabbalist (Pious but, not necessarily proficient!).
In any case, fast forward, I am now Attempting, Desperate, with a deep coarseness of spirit and soul, to return "home." I have been given the run-around, and I think my ADHD, Anxiety (deeply entrenche), aggressive intellect, does not enamour me particuliarly to my Exceptionally Wonderful Brilliant, Kind Rabbi.
Please, consider yourself LUCKY!!!
I can only hope that I am "officially" designated as a JEW, before lets say, I turn 82 years of age.
In the meantime, I am simply not bothering with gentile men, and have been orphaned/disowned by relatives, family and "friends."
yet, I would have it NO other way. I Belong with and To, the Jewish People, always have, always will.
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I have been plagued with anxiety since a teenager and have learnt to deal with it through many avenues -- none of which have proven to be permanent; Subsequently i have "missed" many opportunities throughout my life. Your article was wonderfully inspiring and extremly timely. My faith and hope have always been there and with these ancient "Torah Tools" I am feeling stronger with fresh insight. Thanks for a great article!
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Everyday I struggle with taking inventory and if the anxiety I feel is allowing further victimization, due to fear, not empathy, for my husband. I like the concept of separation from the anxiety and added "sweetening" of my words as a condition of my speech and vocabulary to change the direction towards self-pity.
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I have struggled with panic disorder/agoraphobia for many years and it has recently become severe. It has caused me to become 100% disabled and stop working.
But, I now believe this is a good side to it as well. It has caused me to return to my Jewish heritage and embrace G-d, my family and my heritage! I am beginning to see that many of my fears are not from me being afraid of something, but being afraid I have gone so far against G-d's will.
Your article was perfect. It has made me realize that by becoming a blank slate and doing just what I know is G-d's will, there is really nothing to be anxious about. By studying, practicing and talking about what I know is right I now feel that I can overcome. I have not even thought that for many (20 or so) years!
Thank you.
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