Yoga for Anxiety by Mary NurrieStearns

Author:Mary NurrieStearns
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781608826070
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
Published: 2014-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

Marsha’s Story

Marsha came to Mary’s office for counseling after her only son, a teenager, died from a drug overdose. Her grief was intense and so was her fear. Some days she was so paralyzed with anxiety that she couldn’t imagine ever facing the world again. However, she did. After a few months she returned to her job on a part-time basis, and after the initial adjustment she found the distraction of work relieving. Gradually she resumed full-time responsibility.

Ten months after her son died, she had an opportunity to move to Southern California to advance her career. The new job sounded interesting to her and included a significant salary increase. She was terrified to leave her friends yet felt that the move was the right step. She had been advised to avoid making significant changes during the first year of bereavement, and cautious by nature, she didn’t want to make a big mistake. Then one day, she knew she would go and told Mary, “I wasn’t ready for my son’s death, but it happened anyway. I don’t know if I’m ready to move on, but life doesn’t wait until we’re ready.”

Mary saw Marsha seven months later, when she made a return trip to the area. Reporting that the move still felt right, Marsha said, “At times the grief still seems overwhelming, but I get up and go about my day. At least I’m less anxious. I’m grateful for the intellectual challenge of my work, and I enjoy my colleagues.” She concluded the visit by commenting, “You know, I don’t talk about it anymore, but part of me wonders why I’m still here. However, like it or not, life goes on, and I’m learning to accept that.” She paused, and then added, “And I never thought I would say this again, but I do have moments of happiness.”

Marsha’s story is gripping. It seems painfully intimate, too close for comfort. You know this could easily happen to you. In fact, you probably know someone who has had a similar experience, or perhaps something equally compelling has happened to you. We share Marsha’s story to give you a companion on the journey so that you can turn your face into the wind and meet life as it is. Marsha developed a sacred practice to support her, and you can too.

Here’s what Marsha did. She made her bedroom her sanctuary, complete with sacred objects: soft pillows, her son’s shoes, and a rosary. For several months she retreated to her safe haven after work. Living with friends for the first eight months, she came out of her room when dinner was ready and then walked the dog before retreating back into her room. She ate her “love” food every day: one chocolate chip cookie baked by her best friend. She read a daily devotional reading and wrote in her journal every night.

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