Chapter 1: The Nature of Anxiety

Anxiety can be seen as a manifestation of unresolved trauma, expressing itself in our present experiences. It does not exist independently; rather, it requires a trigger to surface. When anxiety emerges, we face a choice: should we confront it from the top down or the bottom up?

The top-down method involves utilizing various strategies to cope with anxiety when it appears, which can gradually lead us to explore its underlying causes with more openness. In contrast, the bottom-up approach addresses the root problems directly, working to eliminate them. Each individual’s journey is unique, making it essential to find what resonates with you. However, it’s crucial to note that unresolved trauma can lurk beneath the surface, much like a dormant volcano ready to erupt at any moment. When it does, emotions such as rage, fear, shame, and anxiety may suddenly overwhelm us.

Personally, I have experienced this firsthand. For two decades, I battled undiagnosed anxiety, initially believing it was a problem for others. I ignored it stubbornly until it became unbearable. Fortunately, during this challenging period, those around me introduced me to mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, plant medicines, and breathwork, steering me away from more destructive paths.

Meditation taught me to observe anxiety without becoming attached to it. Yoga provided me with tools to reconnect with my body, while plant medicines revealed that I am much more than just my physical form and that there’s little to fear. Breathwork has been instrumental in helping me self-regulate whenever anxiety arises.

This transformation has empowered me, igniting a passion to share these practices with others. Six years ago, I became a Soma breathwork instructor, guiding sessions that continue to inspire me.

In one memorable session, I assisted a 72-year-old man who began shaking uncontrollably after taking 5g of mushrooms. Having undergone extensive breathwork training, I recognized this physical release as a normal part of healing. I sat with him, demonstrating breathing techniques that calmed his tremors. Later, he expressed gratitude, stating, “You saved my life. The only thing that stopped my shaking was the breath.”

What I provided him was merely a tool to confront his trauma.

Section 1.1: Understanding Anxiety Through Breathwork

Recently, I came across a powerful description of anxiety during a session led by another breathwork practitioner, Ela Manga. As I took deep breaths, feeling the weight of anxiety lift, she said, “Anxiety is a conversation between something that is happening and something that wants to happen.”

This resonated deeply with me, as I’ve learned that anxiety often occupies the space between our past and future, thriving in uncertainty and self-doubt. Rarely do we feel anxious in the present moment; instead, it usually stems from memories or projections that evoke fear.

Chapter 2: Transforming Anxiety Into Understanding

Through this journey, I’ve realized that anxiety is merely a momentary state of being, similar to happiness. I now approach it with compassion, equipped with tools to navigate its challenges. Shifting my perspective from someone who suffers from anxiety to someone experiencing an anxious moment has been transformative.

When I identified as someone with anxiety, it felt like a heavy burden; however, recognizing that I was simply encountering an overwhelming experience lightens that weight. This understanding empowers me to build resilience and take proactive steps in my life.

Among the many strategies I’ve learned over the years, breathwork stands out as the most impactful. After living with anxiety for so long, breathwork has restored my confidence and equipped me with the ability to manage anxiety before it escalates.

If you’re interested in exploring breathwork further, I encourage you to check out Soma Breath or sign up for a free online masterclass.

This journey has taught me that anxiety can be transformed into an opportunity for personal growth and healing.