The Metaphor of The Hungry Tiger: How to Stop Numbing Anxiety, Fear, and Other Difficult Emotions
There is a famous metaphor in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) called “The Hungry Tiger.” It’s often used to explore the dynamic that can develop between us and our emotions when we attempt to numb, avoid or appease them for too long. (Hint: things only tend to get worse.)
We’ve adapted our own version of the story here.
Yoga for Mental Health: Finding Softness, Strength, and Resilience Through Yin
Yin yoga is a much slower, meditative style of yoga, in which deep stretches are held for several minutes at a time. It’s a counter to styles we might consider more yang—or active and powerful—such as vinyasa. But yin can also differentiate itself from other gentle styles like restorative yoga in that it doesn’t give us conditions that are inherently easier or more relaxing. It actually gives us quite challenging conditions we’re called to learn how to relax into.
So just what can this practice teach us from a therapeutic standpoint?
How to make friends with your anxiety
Anxiety is often seen as something to be eliminated, but the truth is, it's a natural part of being human. Rather than trying to "get rid" of it, learn how you can shift your perspective and learn to work with it.
How you've been conditioned to "get ahead"
The pressure to "get ahead" often starts early. While the mindset can fuel success, it can also trap us in a cycle of always chasing the next goal, never allowing us to slow down or feel content. Learn when the pursuit of getting ahead can do more harm than good, and slowing down might be the key to living fully.
How to think more optimistically
Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? The implications of each mindset may surprise you. Learn how to reframe pessimistic thinking, and strategies for more positive, optimistic ways of approaching your challenges.