Oh my, this thread stimulates me in so many ways. I have been "searching" for many years, as I think all of you also have done, for healing insights and relief from a lifestyle that was so 'driven'. This is a BIG topic.
Quieting your mind, saying "shhhhhh" to all those very busy voices in your head constantly throwing ideas at you, is NOT easy. Particularly if you grew up in "the West" you have received no training in how to find that quiet peaceful place within yourself. I have not had much success with focusing on my breath or repeating mantras or just being quiet...and if I am too quiet I sometimes fall asleep
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Since we (westerners) are so action-oriented, sometimes active visualizations are a useful tool. An example I read once was; close your eyes - imagine a team of horses pulling a vehicle (a buggy or coach or wagon) at very high speed-you are in the coach or perhaps you are the driver - you are quite anxious and want very much to slow down - you begin WISHING the horses to slow down - you continue seeing the racing coach - you begin softly repeating your intent "please slow down...please slow down...please slow down" and you start to see the coach gradually slowing - from a full out gallop, to a canter, to a gentle trot, to a relaxed walk - and then you can just ride along, enjoying the roadside scenery, enjoying every aspect of the journey. If the horses start to run away again simply resume "slow down...slow down...slow down" until you are at a comfortable pace again.
I have used this technique and various others over the years, with varying degrees of success. About forty years ago I was incompacitated
and diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and required professional help. I was fortunate and was able to get the help I needed.
Sorry, this has gotten pretty long winded - I warned you, this is a BIG topic
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