The reasonable data are clear: we are in a multi-component global crisis, exacerbated by the volume of those that believe repeating "alternative facts" will make them true. The extent of the impact was illustrated for me when I was at an appointment with my podiatrist. Without previous context, he asked if I was seeing a increase of clients seeking help with pervasive anxiety. The kicker was, "because my patients are talking to me about it." (Begs the question of practicing within the bounds of professional expertise.) One factor that would help with the situation would be to help people reduce or eliminate their level of anxious overconcern. The amount of human psychic and physical energy wasted by anxiety, and the amount of "heat" produced in relationships, is enormous.
So many of us have been raised with the irrational, alternative fact, that " if something is or may be dangerous or fearsome, I must be terribly concerned about it and keep on guard in case it happens"? Our brain is awake and active all the hours of our life. The energy expended in anxiety is not just during the day, or during sleepless hours of the night, it is being spent at any and all times that anxiety is present. (There is also some evidence that there is a "hangover" period that extends beyond the original stimulus.) If there was any evidence that the price we pay for this constant state of being "on guard" paid benefits in security or peace, then it might be worth it all. The evidence, however, is to the contrary and has been for thousands of years.
St. Paul says: "have no anxiety" (Philippians 4:6, RSV). He is not being flip. He is stating the reality of God's system. Our anxiety does not make things better or safer. Our security and peace is in awareness and practice of God's loving presence: "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard you your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7) Replace anxious overconcern with rejoicing, prayer, thanksgiving and supplication, then God will join us with peace in our hearts, minds and lives.
The rational restatement of our irrational overconcern with anxiety is: "It is probably in my best interest to face this thing and render it less dangerous. And if that is impossible, I will focus on positive behaviors within my control. Worry only produces more anxiety. Even if bad things happen, I can cope with them." With God's and other people's help we can deal with what life gives us. Repeat and repeat whenever feeling anxious. And in your prayer and supplication read and remind yourself that God is with us [ Strive first for the kingdom of God and God's righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:25-34) and God is faithful and does not test us beyond our strength ( I Corinthians 10:12-13)]
At this point, I am remembering Mother Theresa's belief that God won't give us anything that we can't handle. And her continuance, that she wished God didn't trust her so much some times. Working a muscle makes it stronger, only after tearing it down first. Using our mind and acting in new and uncomfortable ways makes us more flexible and skilled, living with ourselves and others. Considering loving and caring human beings, it is short walk from Mother Theresa to Forrest Gump. When asked how many days of the week start with the letter "T", Forrest thought for a moment and replied: "Two...Today and Tomorrow." Anxious people live in the fears of yesterday, projected into an ever-receding tomorrow. Healthy living is in today.
Anxious overconcern doesn't help us to live in either today or tomorrow. To think that our own anxiety is going to change the elements of life is a form of psychological ignorance and spiritual arrogance. God cannot change yesterday, nor can we. We are to live in the presence of the today God gives to us. [Manna had to be collected for the day only. It would not last to the next day. "Do not be anxious, but rejoice, be thankful, pray and work for peace in your life and in the lives of God's other children." (James 4:13ff)] May it be so.
[Comments, questions, discussion, disagreements, silly stories are welcome. Next article is series: Problem Avoidance]