Psychologists and philosophers do not see anxiety the same way.
Anxiety, often synonymous with stress and worry, takes on a deeper significance when viewed through the lens of existential philosophy. While psychologists may approach anxiety as a disorder to be treated, existentialist philosophers see it as an inherent aspect of the human condition, rich with potential for personal growth and self-discovery. In mainstream psychology, anxiety is commonly understood as a negative emotion arising from specific stressors or triggers. It is often seen as a symptom of underlying psychological issues and is typically addressed through therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing distress and restoring emotional equilibrium. However, existential philosophers offer a different perspective on anxiety, one that transcends its conventional understanding. Figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Thomas Moore delve into the existential dimensions of anxiety, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Rather than viewing anxiety as a pathology to be eradicated, existentialists see it as a natural response to the uncertainties and mysteries of life. ✨FUN FACT: The word “anxiety” comes from philosophy. Philosophers explored the concept of anxiety for centuries before psychology even existed as a separate discipline. ✨ For existentialists, anxiety arises from our confrontation with the fundamental questions of existence: Who am I? What is my purpose? How should I live? It emerges when we grapple with the inherent ambiguity and finitude of human existence, confronting the vastness of possibility and the weight of our choices. Existentialists would argue that behind our every day anxieties lie these deeper, driving concerns. This existential perspective on anxiety challenges us to reframe our relationship with this complex emotion. Instead of avoiding or suppressing anxiety, we are encouraged to embrace it as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. By confronting our anxieties head-on, we gain insight into our values, beliefs, and priorities, and we deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Existential anxiety, when viewed in this light, becomes a pathway to personal transformation. It prompts us to engage in a process of introspection and meaning-making (choosing to deal with anxiety by deciding how we want to see things and feel about them based on what’s important to us), leading us towards greater authenticity and fulfillment in our lives. Rather than being a source of suffering, anxiety becomes a teacher, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. Eric Maisel—an existentialist and renowned author, psychologist, and creativity coach—encourages individuals to view anxiety as a human experience inherent in the pursuit of creativity and personal growth. He explains that anxiety is “something to be embraced, not avoided. It is part and parcel of the creative life.” “By accepting that you are anxious and then watching your anxiety at work you are going to learn a lot that is going to help you to move ahead.“ Maisel suggests that by reframing anxiety as a source of energy and motivation, individuals can channel its intensity into a driving force for innovation and expression. [I trained with Eric Maisel in Paris. Not only is he a great coach, but also a deeply caring person, especially passionate about helping smart, creative, sensitive people navigate existential well-being.] Existential anxiety offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By embracing the uncertainties of existence and confronting our anxieties with courage and resilience, we can harness the transformative power of anxiety and embark on a journey towards greater authenticity and fulfillment. Self-Coaching Questions for Reflection: 1. When I experience anxiety, what deeper existential questions might be hidden beyond these surface concerns? What’s the bigger picture here? • Action Step: Keep a journal to record instances of anxiety and note any recurring themes or patterns. This practice can help increase self-awareness and identify recurring themesin your anxiety triggers. 2. Reflecting on past experiences, have there been moments of anxiety that have led to deeper insights or creative breakthroughs? • Action Step: Set aside dedicated time for reflection on past experiences of anxiety. Consider how these moments may have prompted deeper insights or sparked creativity. Use these reflections to inform how you approach future experiences of anxiety. 3. Considering existential anxiety as a natural part of the human experience, how might I reframe it as a source of contemplation and motivation rather than solely as a negative emotion? • Action Step: Practice cognitive reframing by consciously shifting your perspective on anxiety. Whenever you feel existential anxiety arise, remind yourself that it can serve as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Set an intention to approach anxiety with curiosity and openness rather than resistance. 4. Are there specific activities or practices that I find help me channel my existential anxiety into creative or contemplative endeavors? • Action Step: Experiment with different creative or contemplative practices to see which ones resonate most with you. This could include writing, painting, meditation, or engaging with philosophical texts. Dedicate regular time to these activities as a means of channeling and exploring your existential anxiety. 5. In what ways can I view anxiety as an invitation to explore and understand myself more deeply, rather than something to be feared or avoided? How can I reinterpret my most prevalent anxieties as an indication of what I value and is important to me? • Action Step: Commit to viewing anxiety as a teacher rather than a threat. Whenever you feel anxious, approach it with a mindset of curiosity and self-inquiry. Ask yourself what the anxiety is trying to communicate and how you can use it as an opportunity for self-understanding and personal growth. Deep Dive for Self Discovery Bonus Activity, from Eric Maisel’s book, Mastering Creative Anxiety “The most useful tool for self-exploration is writing an autobiography from twelve to fifteen pages long. If you do that writing, you are almost certain to learn a great deal about who you are. Focus on going deep and being real, not on beautiful memoir writing. Try to arrive at a sense of what motivates you, what subverts you, and why you react in the idiosyncratic ways you do. If you are brave enough to appraise your personality and arrive at some conclusions about what changes you want to make, you will still be faced with the enormous challenge of changing your personality. To do so, you must take three steps: you must state a clear goal with namable behaviours, you must practice those behaviours in you mind’s eye, and you must adopt those behaviours in real-life situations.” (pp.44). |
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