The Path of a Tigress Mindset: Rising Above Anxiety
Welcome kittens,
I’ve seen a lot of you online struggling with anxiety. I’m writing this guide to remind you of your true power; to reawaken the inner tigress in you. You are a Queen. A beautiful Goddess, a Quantum reality.
First, clear your mind:
We are all products of nature and nurture. We are molded by our environment as time goes on, so it’s important to remember that your experiences don’t have to define you. You control your own reality.
Children and animals are born “zen”. They live in the moment with an almost warrior-like focus that adults can only envy when the world weighs us down. We are only taught to hate and fear by those around us. Try to remember how your mind felt back then (when you were a child), how you would think without acting, relying solely on instinct.
When a cat jumps and lands, she doesn’t waiver, she doesn’t stop to question if the fall will break her bones. She makes each move with confidence and certainty. She is in control of her reality because she knows that she creates it. You are not your trauma, you are not defined by your past experiences. The only thing that matters is the here and now.
Be like the cat… Always confident in yourself and your abilities. The next chapter will expand upon the importance of self-confidence.
The Tailor Samurai:
I’ve been reading a wonderful book that I recommend to anyone who is struggling with their mind and heart. Soul Sword: The Way and Mind of a Zen Warrior by Vernon Kitabu Turner. This next entry is a rough translation from one of his teachings.
He tells the story of a tailor who decided to travel to a new town dressed as a Samurai, believing people would avoid confronting him thanks to his attire. The tailor happened to bump into an actual Samurai in that town, who took his action as a sign of disrespect and told him, “You dishonor me, meet me at the edge of town at noon and we will settle this with swords.”
A few moments later he happened across a zen master. He nervously told him what had happened, wondering how he could face his fate with dignity.
The zen master asked “Do you practice discipline?”
“I’m just a tailor.” He replied meekly.
“How do you approach your work?” The monk questioned. The tailor explained that he approached his work with a singleness of mind and focused on each task individually. The monk replied “When you face the Samurai later, do not regard him as he stands before you. Instead, use your tailor’s mind to focus completely. As you take off your outer coat, fold it neatly. Then, tie up the sleeves of your shirt to get them out of your way. When you rise, close your eyes and draw your sword straight above your head, concentrating all of your energy upon this act. At the first sign of movement from your enemy, bring your sword straight down. If you feel a cool breeze on top of your head, that will be death.”
The tailor thanked the master for his instruction. When the tailor arrived at the scene he ignored the onlookers, and approached the fight as if he was in his shop working on his clothes. He took off his coat and neatly folded it with a singleness of mind and remained focused through each of his acts. He drew his sword above his head and closed his eyes. The samurai had been watching in awe. He had never seen a warrior so meticulous about his garment or so unconcerned when facing death. He surmised that he was facing a great master. He bowed.
“I have been too hasty, I realise that you did not bump me on purpose. There is no need for us to fight.”
When the tailor later told the zen master what had happened, he was curious about the Samurai’s reaction. The master explained, “He saw no fear of death in you. He could not sense your weakness… And so his own fear came to surface.”
Wisdom comes from within:
When we are faced with danger our initial response is fear-based. When two zen warriors face each other in battle neither of them move. That’s because they are completely concentrated on that moment. If they are equally matched, there will be no battle. Weakness may simply be a flash of doubt in one’s mind, but that moment of self doubt is enough to kill. A warrior kitten must believe in her ability to win.
Let your mind be the devine-femine in nature: yielding, receptive, and non-aggressive. Do not dwell on what you know, instead realize how little you do know…taking in each moment with childlike awe and willingness to learn.
Do not dwell on your past.
Do not let it define your present.
Be here.
Be now.
Be open, loving, and alert.
You control your reality, your destiny. When we have negative thoughts about ourselves or others it feeds that negativity. It lowers our vibrations. You are a warrior kitten. You should walk with your head high, knowing, “You’ve got this.” The world sees a reflection of how you see yourself, and your actions have an equal and opposite reaction. Make each action a positive one. If you struggle with your inner demons, try replacing each negative thought with three positive ones. In no time, you’ll see that you can rewrite your brain.
You are not your trauma. You are not your past. You are not fragmented. We are all one consciousness, and you, you are your own universe. Believe in you, even if nobody else will. You are your biggest fan, your harshest judge and jury. Train your mind with discipline and focus, and learn to forgive yourself. Your mind is your greatest weapon. Hone it, sharpen it.
(First picture from: Sojo spa NJ)
(Last picture from: http://soultruthgateway.com)
This is deep. Do you subscribe to a certain practice or path to help manage and maintain your own mindset? Quite the writing that requires one’s full focus. well done.
moderatedOh, I couldn’t reply to this for a day or two for some reason haha. (My phone has been glitchy with the site lately) Mostly Buddhism/Taoism myself but I think these principles can be applied to anyone’s life regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs. I struggle a lot to center myself and some days/weeks are harder than others. I still get intense social anxiety, but remembering to ground myself definitely helps.
Report commentAmazing
Report commentThank you for sharing
Ty for reading. :3 @november
moderatedThese were truly a breath of fresh air. I haven not been able to do some reading for some time and enjoy the sources you have listed. This really helped bring things back to being in focus.
Report comment@lunawhispurr I’m glad it could help . Thank you. <3
moderatedThank you for posting this. Unfortunately I have been suffering from anxiety a lot recently. There is so much uncertainty and instability nowadays. It’s good to step back and become grounded. X
Report commentA very interesting article great job! Anxiety and self doubt plague many people and some do have difficulties with letting it dictate their lives. Great way to support your sisters here!
Report commentThanks @vetcos 🙂
moderatedAnxiety is prevalent during these harrowing times, this is a useful reminder.
Report comment@victoria Thank you. Absolutely, it’s especially hard to ground oneself in times like this. I struggle with this constantly. 2020 has been a wild ride for everyone, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families.
Report commentReally needed this, thank you!
Report commentThank you for sharing!
Report commentNeeded this today
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