There is a familiar expression of don’t sweat the little things that may come your way. Without a doubt there are times in our lives when some experience or event may disrupt our daily lives that can cause some stress or anxiety, but it is important to not allow it to get hold of us in such a way as to create any sense of despair. I know, easier said than done. I have had a few young people come to me recently expressing their bouts with anxiety. One even asked if there was a prayer for relief from anxiety.
Yes, anxiety is a real emotion that seems to be on the rise. Recent studies and statistics have shown that there are several factors causing this trend. We may not be aware of them and how they can cause anxiety in our lives. The constant influx of information and social media can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Financial instability, job security, and the rising costs of living also play a role in causing stress. Global events, such as political polarization, the news of the wars in Israel or Ukraine, the natural disasters that have recently occurred in America all can manifest a sense of not having control of our lives and therefore leading to anxiety.
Whatever the cause for this increase in feeling of anxiety it is recommended to seek a mental health professional or a support group. There are two licensed clinical social workers that are available for counseling, Mr. Fred Russo and Ms. Rose Molfetta. For me, it is my faith and giving God the necessary time of my day so that there is a balance of prayer and activity, meditation and socialization. To say, “Let go and let God” may seem cliché, but there are times, more than we realize, that we have to allow God to help us in not only a particular situation in life but in every moment. Yes, to be and know we are in the presence of God.
One of the things that I learned more than 40 years ago was the secret and extraordinary value of walking. Not just walking here or there but intentionally going for a solitary walk away from everyone and being alone with nature and God. It works in so many ways beyond being an effective way to maintain physical health by improving your circulation, strengthening the body, and preventing illness. It also helps clear the mind of distractions and does promote a sense of mental clarity. A walk at Wertheim Park or one of the may parks on Long Island helps one connect with nature and God; silence, thoughts and reflections. It is proven to help relieve stress, improve one’s mood, and foster a sense of peace and tranquility. My favorite place to go today is Wertheim Park or the William Floyd HS track, but I have enjoyed my days at Belmont Park, Massapequa Preserve, and Wildwood Park. Solitude and the rhythm of walking gives one the space for deep thought and contemplation about life’s meaning and purpose.
So, my suggestion for how to relieve stress and anxiety is to take some time for yourself and begin the motion of going for a walk. Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher and writer of the 19th century and a favorite on mine for spiritual reading (Fear and Trembling) also emphasized the value of walking and one of his quotes was, “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.”
St. Jude, pray for us
~ Blessings and Joy,
Fr. Ryan