In the Age of Happiness (Anxiety)

We are overworked, overstimulated, overexerted, and yet still think we’re underperforming. We hear a woman’s life-long experience with anxiety, and from an Integrative MD and a Researcher on the remedies, treatments and acceptance.

Explored in this episode

• The balance of ‘lightness’ and ‘darkness’ in our lives
• The experience of becoming dependent on anti-anxiety medication
• How anxiety can be defined as being stuck in the past, or worried about the future, and placing judgement on ourselves in the current moment
• The power of acceptance, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
• How the pathway to healing can be found by understanding our own view of the world around us

Voices in the conversation

Emelia Symington-Fedy

Theatre-maker, speaker, radio personality, creative coach and author

Emelia is a multi-talented creative force with a passion for sharing raw, honest stories. She recently released a candid and hilarious audio-book series called Trying to Be Good, and speaks on topics like The Power of Being Your Ugly Self, “Bad” Parenting, The Pain of Spiritual Capitalism, Allowing Angry Woman, and Being Successful is an Addiction. She also suffers from anxiety and depression, and has tried many different methods of relieving her symptoms. Emelia describes her anxiety as a kind of ‘darkness’, and talks about what it has taught her.

Holli-Ann Passmore

PhD Psychology student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan

Holli-Anne Passmore is a positive psychology researcher who focuses on how connecting with nature can enhance well being, the sense and experience of being alive, and meaning in life. She recently published research examining the connection between taking a moment to look at something from the natural environment, and personal well being. Her study is called “Noticing Nature. The Individual and Social Benefits of a 2-Week Photography Intervention.”

Dr. Bryn Hyndman

Medical Doctor, Naturopathic Practitioner and Co-Founder of Qi Integrated Health

Lead doctor at Vancouver’s Qi Integrated Health, Dr. Hyndman is an MD as well as a trained naturopathic practitioner. She and the Qi team offer forward-thinking, holistic care for people looking for an integrated approach to their health concerns. Through various health and wellness treatment options, the clinic aims to treat the source of dysfunction, rather than simply treating symptoms. Her goal is for you to “lose your symptoms and drop your diagnosis”.

References

Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion

A primer on the teachings of Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön, this book is full of readings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness in our daily lives. Passages from her many other books are featured in this volume, exploring her ideas about loving kindness, meditation and mindfulness. Readers are given the opportunity to develop methods for raising their awareness and unblocking their ability to access compassion.

Learn More