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Guilt and Anxiety

Writer: Chantal DoriottChantal Doriott
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Anxiety and guilt are emotions that often arise from overthinking the past or worrying about the future. While they can serve as signals that something needs attention, they often linger, sometimes for years, creating a heavy emotional weight that seeps into our bodies.


Anxiety might feel like a tight chest, a racing heart, or a buzzing sensation in your limbs. Guilt can sit like a knot in your stomach, a heaviness in your shoulders, or a persistent ache in your heart center. Both of these emotions demand your energy, pulling us away from the present moment.


Mindfulness offers us a way to release these emotions gently. By bringing your attention to the present moment, you can observe these feelings without judgment, allowing them to flow rather than stagnate. Meditation amplifies this process by helping you focus on your breath, which naturally calms the nervous system.


Try this simple practice:

  1. Pause and Breathe: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in. Hold it for a moment, then release it slowly. Repeat three times.

  2. Locate the Emotion: Ask yourself - Where do I feel this anxiety or guilt in my body? Place your hand there and breathe into that space. Affirm - I reclaim my strength and personal power.

  3. Send Compassion: Imagine sending kindness to this area, like a warm light softening the tension. Say to yourself - I see you. It’s okay to let go and move on.

  4. Focus on the Now: Slowly open your eyes and notice the present—sounds, colors, or sensations around you. Anchor yourself in the here and now.


This mindful approach doesn’t just manage anxiety and guilt; it transforms your relationship with them. You’ll feel more at ease with consistent practice, knowing you can face these emotions with clarity and self-compassion.


Ready to deepen your practice? Explore our virtual mindfulness meditation classes at Mindful Way Coaching and discover how mindfulness can create a sense of peace and freedom in your life.

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