Philosophy | Mindfulness

Anxieties Stem From Wanting to Make A Difference in The World, Which Leads to The Illusion of Control.

Every one of us has a fundamental desire to direct our destinies.

We long for stability and security, thinking that we can mold our destiny to our liking through deliberate action. Unfortunately, we experience anxiety as a result of this control illusion, as we become overly preoccupied with events that are ultimately out of our hands.

Anxiety

Fundamentally, anxiety is a reaction to life’s uncertainties and unpredictability. Anxiety manifests as a condition of internalized discomfort and restlessness brought on by feelings of danger or future uncertainty. Although a healthy dose of anxiety can help us face future obstacles, crippling anxiety prevents us from living in the present.

Control

We crave stability and security, and that’s where our demand for control comes from. We want to avoid problems and achieve our goals by mastering our surroundings, our connections, and even ourselves. Unfortunately, there is a perpetual struggle between our expectations and the fact that we can’t manage everything, which is why this drive for control can be both a blessing and a curse.

Desires

Anxieties arise when we realize how little control we have over any situation, which goes against our desire for control. When things don’t work out the way we expected, we get stuck in a vicious cycle of trying to exert control and then feeling let down and frustrated. The conflict stems from the fact that life is inherently unpredictable, which goes against our ego’s desire for control.

The Myth of Control

First, we need to realize that control is an illusion before we can liberate ourselves from it. Although we are free to behave and decide as we see fit, the results and other factors outside our control ultimately dictate our fate. When we accept this as true, we are free from the anxiety of trying to control everything.

Serenity

A potent remedy for worry is to embrace ambiguity. We shouldn't fight the unknown but rather welcome it as a necessary component of our life’s path. Uncertainty is a necessary part of life, and embracing it allows us to be open to new experiences and opportunities. Because we let go of the illusion of control, this change in viewpoint can bring about profound tranquility and liberation.

Expectations

Cultivating self-acceptance and releasing expectations are crucial steps in liberating oneself from the illusion of control. To keep ourselves and those around us under control, we tend to set extremely high standards for ourselves and others. These expectations, though, do nothing but limit us and cause needless stress. The key to genuine freedom is accepting oneself exactly as one is and letting go of the impulse to control.

Mindfulness

The most effective method for dealing with anxiety is to practice mindfulness. To alleviate anxious thoughts and feelings, practicing mindfulness entails bringing one’s attention to the here and now nonjudgmentally. One way to deal with stress and build resilience is to practice mindfulness, including body scans, meditation, and deep breathing.

Unknown

Ultimately, we carry around a constant sense of unease due to the illusion of control. When we try to make the world the way we want it to be, we usually end up disappointed and upset. It is possible to overcome anxiety and the illusion of control by being open to the unknown, releasing expectations, and cultivating mindfulness. Finding true tranquility requires letting go and allowing life’s currents to carry us. Embrace the unknown, let go of the impulse to control, and find joy in living in the now.

If life had been perfect all the time you might as well have buried me. I would never have wanted to live a life without novelty; had all my wishes and plans come true, a life of mundane achievements would have been my lot. Something extraordinary happens when life takes an unexpected turn, and that’s more often than not. Today I can relax into the flow of life and enjoy the ride, never knowing what will come next, only certain that it won’t be what I expect.

© Greg Wilson 2024

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