Saturday, February 23, 2008

Banishinhg Anxieties

 
As February draws to an end, we finally begin to get more winter weather. I'm not sure which goddess is in charge of weather. I think perhaps Demeter, because she  caused permanent winter when mourning for her daughter Persephone, kidnapped into the underworld. All I know is that I could wring her neck, as we are in the middle of a typical storm.
 
Of course I choose to live in South Eastern, CT. Our winter storms tend to be the snow, sleet, rain, then when night falls everything freezes over. Finally, it is likely to snow some more, so the roads look just snowy, but have glare ice underneath. Now, I have always worked jobs in medical facilities that never closed, so I got pretty good at leaving early and driving slowly and carefully. These days I seem to be retired, so why should I care?
 
Usually I don't, but yesterday I had two vitally important doctors' appointments-vital for the surgery. Without them, there will be no surgery. One was the second half of a stress test, required by my cardiologist. The other was an appointment with my new PCP, required by my surgeon. Both canceled me at by 7:30 yesterday morning. I am blessed in some ways because each was able to get me in on Monday, after I freaked and explained my situation, but I am cutting it REALLY close.
 
I do not seem to be worried about the surgery, or its aftermath, but I am doing a lot of totally unnecessary free floating anxiety about what I need to do between now and Thursday. I had scheduled my appointments much earlier in the month, but because of storm, doctor's sick children, and scheduling mix-ups, too much has come down to the last week or so. Of course, I do know it's all my control issues rising up to grab me by the head to throw me off balance. And perhaps some unconsciously denied anxiety about the surgery itself.
 
Now that I have written this down, perhaps I can work onchanging my thinking. After all, I do know the only thing I have control over is myself, what I choose to do and think. And Demeter, like all archetypes, is not interested in me or any individual, just is creating her own pattern of energy. Who can control the gods and goddesses, anyway? (Actually, now that I think about it, lots of religions seem to try, from the Hindus marching their statues down the streets on festival days to the Catholics who ask intercession by Virgin Mother-another archetype- to the Buddhist who does good deeds to improve his karma, to me with my little altars and shrines all around my house.) 
 
So yesterday, I let it all go, using one of Peggy Huddleston's suggestions (She is the developer of the Prepare for Surgery and Heal Better that I am using.) Her suggestion is to take 30 seconds and go to your "place of relaxation" in your head-any place that is relaxing for you- and get away from the worry. I go to a hammock by the Tobyhanna River in the Poconos. When I return, I've got a better handle on the unimportance of whatever anxiety I have. Thank Goddess, it works for me. I just have to remember to do it more!
 
It is difficult to look at how much I let myself suffer, when I have tools that work to change the situations that make me crazy. But I am learning.
 
Blessings, Margo

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Margo, I am hoping everything goes smoothly with your surgery, You have been on my mind alot this week, I'm telling ya if you are ever feeling anxious watch Lilly from Cold Case and you will calm down, she has that effect on me, Love You Lisa XO

Anonymous said...

"Feeling aren't facts" is always helpful for me to remember.  Anxiety is an idea, a fear. If you can turn fear into faith, you'll have much smoother ride.
And honey, the nuns would never approve. You gotta proof! "Banishininhg?" South Eastern? (Southeastern).  Think of it as something you can control!

Anonymous said...

I've got 4 people praying for you on Thursday.   Can't wait to hear how everything goes.  ~~Kath~~

Anonymous said...

You are going to remind me about when to visualize the blue protection blanket around you, right?  Please do.

xx
Russ

Anonymous said...

I know you are going to do great!  Your spirit is ready for this journey and we are ready to help you along the way.

Hugs and much love my friend,

Deb

Anonymous said...

I have such good feelings about this, don't worry, I know, it's going to be fine.
Gaz xxx

Anonymous said...

Hey Girl,
Don't blame it on Demeter. I am beginning to think that Persephone was having the time of her life in the underworld. Just a thought. Good Luck with the appts and get a pair of crampons(sp?) so you don't break your neck trying to get there. Give me the final call on the date and time.
Love and Peace,
Persephone

Anonymous said...

Waiting to hear about your surgery time.   Anne