My # 1 Tool I Use Navigate Anxiety Before Photographing Clients
I have been on a journey over the past 16 years. When I first became a photographer I would become so anxious that I would literally talk myself into having ” something”. I was so powerful with my thoughts that I would create symptoms that weren’t there. Thankfully I was aware of this pattern and I have worked through lots of different experiences to outgrow my old reactions. Even today, 16 years into my photography career, I still find a feeling of anxiousness – which I now call and see it as my excitement, my anticipation for whats to unfold next. This thoughts feels 1000% better then thinking about having an experience of anxiety.
I am not here devaluing anyone experience with anxiety. I know it is a very real experience for a lot of people. I also know and have gone through my own experiences and from my experience, it is possible to change. It takes consistent work and focus and going deeper into understanding yourself. Learning what tools work for you and applying them. I am grateful for the journey I have been on because now I can share it here with you. And if it helps just one person, I am so grateful for that.
Breathe work is powerful. Your breath is your friend. Truly. A few deep belly breathes can change everything.
It’s important to know that it possible to get the result you envision. That you are worthy of it, of your vision. You are worthy to feel good all the time. And it’s okay if things show up. It’s okay if you feel sad, upset, angry, afraid, excited, inspired, or what ever it is. It’s okay and it’s so so GOOD TO FEEL.
A little side story about feeling – I went to Costa Rica in 2020 to learn to feel and open my heart. I was numb or that was the experience I was navigating at that point in my life. I wanted to feel so much that I chose to go and sit with an indigenous plant medicine- The Grandmother – Ayahuasca – So that I could feel again. (That story is for a whole other post ) but yes, it helped me to feel. And in more ways then I could’ve ever imagined.
When I feel, deeply, I do my best to remember to say Thank You and realize that I went through a lot of intentional deep work so that I could feel. So it’s important to honor what ever you feel no matter what. Feeling is a gift. And to realize its showing you where you are in any moment of time.
If you are not feeling good, I encourage you to check your thoughts. Feelings come from thoughts which is how we are perfecting something. If we are feeling icky, heavy energy, it’s good to take a moment and inquire with ourselves. Look and notice where our thoughts are. What do you see? Does it feel good? Are the thoughts you are seeing helping you align to what you desire? If not, go deeper, write your thoughts and see where they lead you to. You will eventually see what is there for you that is asking to be seen, honored, felt.
So back to Breath work – My Teacher Tia who I have been apprenticing with for over 4 years, has shown me how powerful breath work can be. Your breath is your life force energy. There is a Breathing technique called Box Breath. It’s really easy and it can so quickly calm you down in moments. I use it for flying as well. It has been a game changer.
Imagine a box with 4 sides. Imagine drawing 1 line at a time.
Line 1 – Count to 4
Line 2 – Hold your breath for 4 seconds
Line 3 – Exhale for 4 seconds
Line 4 – Pause before inhaling for 4 seconds.
Repeat this as many times as you need to until you feel a shift in your body. Remember to Thank your body and mind for slowing down and calming.
You’ve Got this!
With Gratitude –
Cassidy
