Panic and Panic Disorder
What is the difference between a panic attack and panic disorder? Many of us have had an isolated panic attack, without it developing into something more, and mostly it doesn't. What is the difference between high anxiety and panic? It's not always clear, but often there is a strong sense of losing control, a sense of being totally overwhelmed by the intensity of the fear, which is not characteristic of everyday anxiety, at least not as much. For some of us, the fear of havin
Feb 167 min read
Our thoughts and our moods (Part 2)
CHANGING OUR RESPONSES When we take the time to become aware of what we’re thinking - which we can train ourselves to do more and more quickly when we notice a change in our mood or distorted thoughts emerging - something else important happens: we aren’t automatically swept along in the tide of our thoughts and feelings, feeling overwhelmed and helpless and at the mercy of the world. There may or may not be much we can do about the situation, but there is everything in the
Jan 279 min read
Our thoughts and our moods (Part 1)
“We are what we think.” The Dhammapada (India, c. 480 BC) OUR MOODS Our everyday commonsense view of the world probably goes something like this: “I’m happy because I just got a raise”, or “I’m angry because I’ve had an argument with my husband”, or “I’m anxious because I have a big exam tomorrow.” In other words, how I’m feeling, what kind of a mood I’m in is in some way caused by what is going on in my world at the moment. Well there does seem to be an obvious con
Jan 2710 min read
Psychedelic therapy with Anxiety and Addictions
What is Psychedelic Therapy? It may seem odd, if not downright risky, to discuss the possibilities of using one drug (a Psychedelic or Hallucinogen) to assist in the recovery of those who might be suffering from addictions to other drugs. Of course if one's drug history involves abuse of psychedelics, such as Ketamine (Special K), then it would not be wise to commence their use again, even if such use might be legal. Though there are many jurisdictions where one or more of th
Jan 186 min read
Waking up and Growing up
“Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.” ― Shunryu Suzuki To me this quote neatly encapsulates the two main features of the spiritual path: getting in touch with our essential spiritual nature, and maturing into a less egocentric, wiser and more compassionate person. While our deepest refuge is eternal, immediate and unchangeable, our human nature is very much a work in progress. I am a great believer in the view that there is no one
Jan 116 min read
Generalized Anxiety (Part 2)
Being out of touch with one's experience of stress In my practice, I have noticed that people with anxiety, and also addictions for that matter, tend to gloss over or actively try to change, any negative feelings that are arising. This is not just in areas such as traumatic memories, which may constitute psychological defenses that have likely been in place for a while, but particularly everyday stresses end strains. There is no question that increases in living stresses are
Jan 117 min read
Generalized Anxiety (Part 1)
It is important to remember that, no matter how uncomfortable it may be sometimes, anxiety is a vital part of everyday life, implanted as it were by evolution to get our attention in the face of potential threats of all kinds. We wouldn't want to be without it, and at manageable levels, it is a huge asset with everyday tasks, preparing and sharpening our focus and attention. It has also been my experience that people with anxiety are often sensitive, thoughtful, creative and
Jan 38 min read
