How do you sit with anxiety without ruminating?

Listen to Michael Greenberg’s podcast on ocd stories

Rumination is a compulsion

That’s what the title is

You can sit with the feelings and not react to it. The thoughts can be there. They are in awareness but we are not directing attention to it, we’re not trying to answer a question, not trying to figure it is just there. We are aware of the issue and your only job is to do nothing about it.

Try to focus on the job on hand, while letting the obsessional thoughts & anxiety be there. Then, you will learn that you can function, even when you are anxious!

Thanks all, still don't think I've quite got my head around this but your comments are helpful!

Try doing something active, like making some food or reading a book. Just gently turn your attention to that activity, even while the intrusive thought is screaming for attention. Keep coming back to the activity you're doing, and the anxiety should eventually ease up. Practice makes perfect!