Video summary

How To Deal With Anxiety | Buddhism In English

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key Points on Dealing With Anxiety (Buddhist Practice)

1) Acknowledge Anxiety Instead of Fighting It

  • Recognize that anxious fear and worry are a common human response.
  • Understand that trying to hate, fight, or label anxiety as a “monster” often makes it stronger.
  • Remind yourself of this universal framing:

    Where there is birth, there is suffering.

2) Practice Mindfulness (Especially Mindfulness of the Mind/Thoughts)

  • Use Buddhist mindfulness frameworks (often described as the four foundations):
    • Mindful of the body
    • Mindful of feelings
    • Mindful of the mind
    • Mindful of mental states
  • Emphasize chitanupasana / mindfulness of the mind:
    • Observe thoughts as thoughts, without identifying them as “you.”
    • Create a small space between yourself and your thoughts by noticing them rather than merging with them.
    • Use the “clouds in the sky” metaphor: thoughts come and go, while awareness (the “sky”) remains.

3) Investigate the Nature of Anxious Thoughts

  • When anxiety appears, ask:
    • “What am I thinking now?”
    • “What triggered this fear?”
    • “What is the nature of this thought/emotion?”
  • Apply insight that thoughts and emotions are impermanent (“comes and goes”).
  • Investigate until you can let go—recognize it as just an emotion/thought, not something that must control you.

4) Return to the Present Moment

  • Anxiety often pulls attention into the future (“what will happen…”).
  • Mindfulness brings attention back to right now, which tends to feel calmer, more peaceful, and tranquil.

5) Practice Gradually

  • Acknowledge it’s hard at first—like any skill, it takes time and repeated practice.
  • Use a “little by little” approach to build familiarity and results.

6) Practice Self-Compassion

  • Don’t demand 100% perfection.
  • Aim to do your best; perfection is often described as unrealistic.

Presenters / Sources

  • Buddha (referred to as the “great teacher”)
  • Sati Patthana Sutta / Sati (Satipatthana) Sutta (referenced for the four foundations of mindfulness)

Original video