Reframing Anxiety

Excerpt: Reframing Anxiety - Anxiety Session 3

Course: Freedom From Anxiety

Speakers: Rebekah Lyons, Matthias Barker, Ben Zobrist, Benji Horning

Unveiling the Roots: Healing Through Vulnerability and Spiritual Connection

We’ve discussed how stress and anxiety trigger our fight, flight, or freeze responses, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. But true healing lies in addressing the roots, exposing our emotions, vulnerabilities, and hearts. We cannot heal what remains hidden.

Heart Work: Beyond Coping Mechanisms

We need tools for both managing immediate anxiety and engaging in deep ‘heart work.’ This involves vulnerability and honesty, confronting our shortcomings. True healing moves from physical coping to inner emotional well-being.

Letting Go of the Rope: Accepting Anxiety’s Presence

Anxiety often feels like a tug-of-war, a constant struggle to avoid falling into despair. But the answer isn’t to pull harder. It’s to let go of the rope. Accept anxiety’s presence while focusing on the present moment and what truly matters.

Anxiety and Meaning: Finding Value in the Struggle

Anxiety often stems from caring deeply about something. We fear losing relationships, jobs, or dreams. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, we must manage it, focusing on what we can control in the present.

Emotional Roots: Uncovering Fear and Shame

Exploring anxiety’s root causes requires delving into our emotions. Many, like myself, suppress emotions, especially fear and shame. This suppression can drive unhealthy behaviors and hinder healing.

Finding Language: Processing Emotions and Finding Freedom

Finding safe spaces to express emotions and develop emotional language is crucial. It helps us understand the roots of our thoughts and behaviors, freeing us from unhealthy patterns.

Spiritual Component: Anxiety and Connection with God

Anxiety often has a spiritual component. Scripture reveals that anxiety can be a path towards God, not away from Him. Jesus himself experienced intense anxiety and sought community and honest prayer.

Surrendering to God: Finding Redemption and Healing

Hiding from God and others in shame only prolongs suffering. Jesus’ model shows us that bringing our anxiety to God and community allows for redemptive healing.

Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability for Holistic Healing

True healing requires more than managing symptoms. It demands vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to explore our emotional and spiritual roots. By embracing these aspects, we can move towards a more holistic and redemptive path of healing.”

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

See the outline below and check out other sections from the Freedom From Anxiety course.

Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety

Session 1

Video: Grounding Exercise - Grounded in the Present

Anxiety Stories

Video: What is Anxiety

Topics: Defining Anxiety; Responses to Anxiety

Session 2

Video: Grounding Exercise - Breathing in Hope

Video: Neuroscience of Anxiety

Video: The Experience of Anxiety

Topics: Neuroscience of Anxiety; Feelings Wheel; Anxiety Sweep

Session 3

Video: Blessing Prayer

Video: Reframing Anxiety

Video: Roots Discovery Process

Topics: Inner Voices; Critical Voices

Session 4

Video: Root Cause: Our Cultural Moment

Video: Root Cause: Spiritual Warfare

Topics: Cultural/Political/Racial Tensions; Spiritual Warfare; I Hear/God Says

Session 5

Video: Root Cause: Family of Origin & Wounds

Topics: Family of Origin Issues

Healing Through Relationships

Session 6

Video: Relationships of Trust

Video: Relationship with God

Video: Inner Healing Prayer

Topics: Trust; God; Prayer; Scripture

Session 7

Video: You are not your Anxiety

Video: Relationship with Self

Topics: Goals/Aspirations; Shame/Feeling Loved; Emotional Awareness

Session 8

Video: Relationship with Others

Video: The Journey Onward

Topics: Listening Triad; Sharing with Others

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Share The Struggle is an initiative of Taming Mustangs, a 501(c)3) Non-Profit