Page 148 - Advance Copy: Todd Kaufman, Author

TODD KAUFMAN
is a blessing as it keeps you safe, and a curse because it can cause you undo anxiety. When you learn to focus on it as a blessing or gift, you are able to view it in a positive light and to empower yourself to be less anxious and more accepting of your evolutionary heredity. You could not survive without this reflex, so you need to learn to work with your anxiety.
Thought loops (ruminations) happen when you get stuck in these FEAR-based thoughts. Remember: Just because you have a thought, does not mean you have to keep it! Choosing your thoughts is a learned skill.
You can change your brain and its wiring. This is called neuroplasticity. Anything you do with Intention, Repetition and Reward will create change.
Reframe your understanding of the physical expressions of panic and anxiety, such as recognizing that an elevated heartbeat and sweating is nothing more than the direct result of the elevation of two hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. These feelings would be present whether it was your amygdala that triggered their release or if they were injected into your bloodstream.
Anthropomorphizing
In order to work with your anxiety instead of fight it, char- acterize it: Visualize a well-intentioned character that sits in your amygdala with his or her hands on the control levels that release adrenaline and cortisol. Choosing the name of a char- acter you can embrace is important. Often, cartoon characters such as Homer or Bugs work well.
Understand that Homer’s job is to protect you and that he wants two things: to get your attention, and to create an environment that keeps you safe. Using the techniques in Chapter Five, give Homer precisely what he wants, thus shutting off his need to release the hormones that give you unpleasant physical symptoms.
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