The Tyranny of Words: Reclaiming the Funnel

We use words to communicate our experiences, to bridge the gap between our inner worlds and the external reality we share. Yet, words are inherently limited, their meanings fluid and subjective. What one person understands as "anxiety" may be vastly different from another's experience.

In our modern lexicon, the word "anxiety" has become a catch-all term, a label that encompasses a wide range of emotions and sensations. It has become a noun, a static entity that we identify with, a diagnosis that defines us.

But anxiety is not a thing. It is not a disease to be cured or a condition to be managed. It is a natural response to threat, a surge of energy that arises in the body and mind when we perceive danger or uncertainty.

By labeling this experience as "anxiety," we inadvertently solidify it, making it seem more real and permanent than it actually is. We become attached to the label, identifying ourselves as anxious individuals, and this identification only perpetuates the cycle of fear and reactivity.

Instead of clinging to this limiting label, let us reclaim the verb "threat." Threat is dynamic, transient, and ever-changing. It is a force that moves through us, a catalyst for action and growth.

When we recognize threat for what it is, we can respond to it more skillfully. We can learn to move the energy, to allow it to flow through us without getting stuck. We can return to a state of ease, where we are no longer bound by fear or anxiety.

Animals, in their innate wisdom, understand this process intuitively. They do not label their experiences or get caught up in stories. They simply feel what they feel, express it fully, and then move on. The Taoist text reminds us to ‘express yourself completely. Then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature. When it blows, there is only wind. When it rains, there is only rain. When the clouds pass, the sun shines through’.

We, too, have this innate capacity for self-regulation. We can learn to "retrain the funnel," by allowing our emotions to flow freely and returning to a state of ease.

This is not about denying or suppressing our feelings. It is about recognizing them as temporary visitors, not permanent residents. It is about trusting in our body's innate wisdom to heal and restore balance.

By letting go of the word "anxiety" and embracing the concept of "threat," we open ourselves to a new way of being. We free ourselves from the tyranny of labels and diagnoses, and we reclaim our power to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.