As humans, we have an inherent need for certainty, in order to gain a sense of control over our lives. Feeling powerless in outcomes that affect our livelihoods, well-being, and relationships can entail great suffering, often leading in attempts to control situations or outcomes that are beyond our means of control. However, certainty is not possible in life, and to be truly free we must accept this fact. In fact, uncertainty is what makes life unpredictable, beautiful, and exciting. Whenever I catch myself needing an outcome, I repeat my uncertainty mantras: • I don't know & that's OK. • I choose to accept uncertainty. • Certainty is not possible in life, and to be truly free from anxiety, I must accept this. • Uncertainty is what makes life interesting and beautiful. • Good things are just as likely to happen to me. • I take responsibility for my life, state, and feelings. • I still choose to assume positive intent in myself and others. • There are solvable and non-solvable worries. The latter concepts are key Stoic principles from Epictetus whose philosophical teachings emphasised the dichotomy of control: there are things we can control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and things we cannot control (external events and outcomes). The key is to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. With acceptance comes the first step towards letting go. As famously quoted by Buddha, "Our attachments are the root of all suffering." Attachment = Pain and SufferingLetting go = Peace and Freedom "The meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitudes to them" - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. "Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it" - Kahlil Gibran. Understanding that anxiety stems from a need to control the future enables self-reflection. Sometimes, anxiety is good; it is our body's way of telling us something in our life is seriously wrong. Listen to that intuition. Questions to reflect on: • Was there any benefit in my predictions or attempts to forecast the future? • What role has my worrying played? Has it benefited me? • Am I better than i was yesterday? • Am I present in my body? (exercise and dance helps)
