This episode discusses a technique called the "Two-Screen Method" to manage anxiety. This comes from Scott Symington's book, "Freedom From Anxious Thoughts and Feelings" Here are the key points:
The Two-Screen Analogy:
Imagine two screens in your mind. The front screen shows your present-moment experiences, including happy thoughts, loved ones, and enjoyable activities.
The side screen displays anxious thoughts, worries, and fears.
How Anxiety Takes Over: Your attention gets drawn to the side screen, causing you to focus on negative possibilities and lose sight of the present moment. This can lead to avoiding situations due to anxiety.
Feeding the Anxiety Screen:
Paying attention to anxious thoughts strengthens them.
Reacting to anxiety (anger, frustration) gives it energy.
Even positive affirmations ("It'll be fine") can fuel anxiety because you're still focused on it.
Breaking the Cycle:
Don't engage with the side screen. Divert your attention back to the front screen (present moment experiences).
Avoiding situations reinforces the conditioned response that they're dangerous.
Emotional avoidance (drugs, alcohol) doesn't solve the problem.
Future Episode: The next episode will discuss how to "allow" anxious thoughts to be present without getting consumed by them.
Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information