The speaker discusses how overcommitting oneself is often a stress response to anxiety and how it can be helpful to recognize when we are breaking commitments we have externally made to ourselves. By doing this, it opens up opportunities for practice that allows us to deal with anxiety in the most difficult of situations.
The commitments and projects are areas where people may overcommit themselves in times of acute stress. It is important to deal with underlying stress and anxiety rather than just the external symptoms.
The host discusses the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life, with one example being reserving weekends for personal time and avoiding work calls, and how committing to those boundaries can create a healthier work-life balance.
This podcast episode recommends books for people who are interested in learning about Zen Buddhism. What is Zen by Norman Fisher and Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki are great introductory books to start with.
The Zen practice can help us to be completely present and relaxed even in the most challenging moments of our lives. It can also aid us in opening up to difficult situations with ease and mindfulness.