Re:anxiety after meditation :/

There have been some interesting replies to the question of what to do about anxiety that arises the day after meditating.

My advice, for what it's worth, echoes a few things that have already been said, but I'll put it down in my own words:

Be aware that this feeling is just a feeling. You can use it as an object of awareness, just as you might approach a sore knee or a burning candle. You can meditate on it or just be aware of it, but either way don't give it a lot of energy. Just be aware of it without judging or trying to change it. I.e., don't get anxious about being anxious.

Meditate more frequently. This can be 20-30 minutes on a cushion, or 5 minutes on the toilet, or three breaths in between work tasks - anything to center yourself in (or near) the core of your being.

See if you can open your awareness. First, on breathing, with your attention either at the belly or at the nostrils. Then open up to an awareness of your whole body breathing. Then, when you have a good feel for your whole body breathing, let go of that and see if the field of your awareness grows larger. Focus on a point 6-7 feet (2 meters) below your physical body and breathe from that point. On the outbreath, extend love and care to all beings, letting go of yourself as separate from others. Practice this meditation for a few weeks and see what happens to your anxiety.

Good luck!

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