San Francisco is a self-starter city, a place where it is the individuals who take the initiative and make the space for ideas. Scheduling workshops and events, seminars and lectures, these small initiatives collectively become something more. In this case, a movement to change, not just society, but also how we relate to each other and how we function in the world. There are many, many people here who are working in this territory, of what it means to live a meaningful, compassionate and authentic life. Joe’s Daughter hopes to feature some of them.
One such person is the SF therapist Laura Hannibal, who runs workshops on anxiety. These short courses focus on how to manage this condition, what it is, and how to get through an anxious period. I took this class after the birth of my son (that life-shifting moment she talks about below). I expected to meet other people, who were the same as me, but they weren’t, thankfully; they had different stories and very different personalities, but what we did share was a common ground, even if it was one that kept shifting beneath our feet.
Laura and I talked specifically about the Anxiety Workshop that’s coming up, her background and the increasing presence in our lives of anxiety.
Why the subject of anxiety - what draws you to this, and why do you think it is needed, on an individual as well as a wider level?
I am drawn to this area for several reasons: I think that overall in this country there has been a big increase in levels of anxiety over the past 10 years or so. Life moves very quickly these days and this workshop is designed to help people learn to slow down and regulate their systems in more effective ways. I also really enjoyed the process of weaving this course together; it was very grounding and centering for me. Every time I teach it I get the benefit of integrating these tools on a deeper level!
What do you cover in the course?
We cover a whole spectrum--from mindfulness to diet and lifestyle, to negative thought patterns and the importance of downtime. One exercise that is fundamental to this workshop is mindful breathing and a body scan. The engine of anxiety is the mind. If we can learn to calm it and redirect our focus to our breath, to our body, we can instantly bring our anxiety and worry down a few notches.
Who is the series aimed at?
Anyone who wants to feel more calm and connected in their lives. Calm meaning being able to roll with things better and surf the waves of life, and connected meaning both to oneself as well as to those around us. I especially enjoy supporting parents, as having children often brings up hidden anxieties. That said, anyone is welcome and the course is not aimed specifically towards parents, however they can definitely benefit given the acute pressures that come with having children.
What is your approach specifically for this course, and background more generally?
It is very holistic. I draw on somatic techniques, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools as well as nutrition and lifestyle support. My background is in Integral Psychology, which is based in depth psychology but takes into account the spiritual aspects of the human experience as well. I have additional training in attachment work, neuro-psychology, child development and relational psychotherapy.
And finally, we ask everyone that we talk to for their well list: the films, books, people, websites, blogs, etc., that they look at, find useful and have resonated with them in some way. What are yours?
Terralectualism is a Wordpress blog that I enjoy. Carrie Contey offers incredible parenting support, as well as handinhandparenting.com. Anything by Thich Nhat Hahn, especially his book titled Anger is wonderful. A General Theory of Love is a great, insightful read. For novels I love Barbara Kingsolver and Ann Patchett. Poetry is also so soul-nourishing; Rilke, Tagore and Mary Oliver speak very deeply to me.
A Workshop on Managing Anxiety takes place in San Francisco over eight Monday evenings in July and August. Laura Hannibal can be reached on 415 255 2656 and laurahannibal.mfti@gmail.com.