Dan Harris' Panic Attack (and Discovery of Meditation) | Big Think

Dan Harris' Panic Attack (and Discovery of Meditation)
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ABC News anchor Dan Harris recounts having a panic attack live on "Good Morning America." Harris went on to encounter a number of snake-oil-selling self-help gurus before he finally discovered the effectiveness of traditional Buddhist meditation. Harris is the author of 10% Happier.
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DAN HARRIS:
Anchor, 'Nightline' and 'Good Morning America' Weekend Edition
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ARTICLE:
Share Dan Harris’s Panic Attack (and Discovery of Meditation) on LinkedIn
One of the greatest things that we can do for our minds is give them a break. From our hectic schedules, the demands of our careers, and the demands we put on ourselves, we can let the pressures build until they demand to be heard. Dan Harris, the co-anchor of “Nightline” and the weekend editions of “Good Morning America,” discovered this on live television, while having a panic attack, in front of 5 million people. Harris, a popular anchor, flourished in the world of fast-paced television news. But he relieved his stress with recreational drug use, and it caught up to him, changing his life.
“I was doing a job that I’d done many times before which was filling in as the news reader on ‘Good Morning America,’” says Harris, recalling the unforgettable incident. “The job basically entails coming on at the top of each hour and reading a series of headlines to the audience, bringing them up to date on the news of the day. And I was happy and excited to be there. I had no way to foresee what was about to happen.”
What happened next was a physiological reaction to stress and his unhealthy coping method for dealing with that stress. An “irresistible bolt of fear” shot through him, his heart was racing, palms sweating, and it became hard to breathe. Panic attacks are not unusual, what’s of course unique about his experience is that the moment was preserved on tape. “You can see it and hear it on the tape. I’m gasping for air. It would have gotten a lot worse, it would have become something like the famous clip from Broadcast News where Albert Brooks breaks out in flop sweat except for I did something halfway through my newscast I’d never done before, which is I quit,” he says. “I punted. I sent it back to the main hosts of the show.”
Harris set off to understand what happened to him, and how he could adopt healthier ways of dealing with stress. This led him to a meeting with renowned author Eckhart Tolle. His most famous book, The Power of Now, created a movement about embracing the power of the present, the sanity of a single breath. Some readers have complained that the book’s writing style is too dense and confusing.
“Eckhart Tolle says we all have a voice in our head. He’s not talking about hearing voices in the schizophrenic sense. He’s talking about our inner narrator, the thing that wakes us up in the morning and yammers at us all day long,” explains Harris. Unchecked, this inner-narrator can lead us to self-defeating behaviors, as Harris admits that it did in his life.
To read the full transcript, please visit: bigthink.com/s...

[@bigthink]

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[@doomcloud3164]

His willingness to be vulnerable is so empowering. Very moving.

[@deker0954]

He ain't no daisy.

[@froilen13]

that's was a refreshingly sober interpretation of meditation.

[@Auswurkung]

Wow, this is exactly what happened to me at work a few months ago. Presenting some routine data at a meeting, something I've been doing for 20+ years when I was completely overwhelmed with fear for no reason and totally lost my shit... good to know that it can happen to anyone.

[@robseriously2419]

Did you keep your job?

[@danielapemcova345]

were you doing drugs?

[@joneder9655]

This just happened to me. Did it ever happen to you again?

[@matteframe]

how good was the ecstasy you did?

[@nickh4848]

Happened to me recently, exact situation as you. Again, something I’ve done many times before and very much shocked me

[@jahrasta4907]

Meditation changed my life more than any philosophy or religious study. Even got promoted at work and gave up booze. It's powerful.

[@Marshmallow_Trees]

Wow. I just last night and into this morning was struggling with panic...and what stopped me in my tracks was mindful breathing...watching my breath, allowing my fearful thoughts to pass through my mind... Not attempting to halt them, not trying to hold them down, just letting them flow by. My panic subsided. Mindfulness is possible at any moment. How brave of this man to tell his story, to seek inner healing. Marvelous. Thank you for this.

[@msdecemberloveangel8236]

I too have panic attacks some times and breathing helps tremendously for mr. Focus on ur breathing

[@rr7firefly]

It's great to see how someone who thinks he is in charge (and has no respect for anything transcendent) is humbled and realizes there is something bigger than he is.

[@naimemora]

I've been using meditation on and off and has helped a lot. I've had two huge panic attacks due to anxiety thankfully they happened at home. It's all about relaxing and letting go what ever is suppressing and having time for yourself to just be, and not think about the next or the what will happen. Once you learn this every thing has a solution.

[@madiej.7516]

‘time to just BE’. I’ve been saying/not applying this for years. Thanks for the reminder. 👍🏽

[@nilmereth]

This is so beautifully honest. I am impressed, and moved.

[@PaulV3D]

Very relatable with great modesty. There are too many over promising self help books out there. Thanks for this video.

[@Dyslexic-Artist-Theory-on-Time]

I enjoyed this video, he seemed very truthful!!!

[@RightNow978]

yes definitely an authentic story!

[@stp52x]

No. I don't believe him. I don't think he took drugs, he just wants attention.

[@unohanayachiru5789]

Cure your panic attacks permanently using this great resource here: *PanicFree . info*

[@alex8480]

@@stp52x his drugs are hardly the most interesting thing about him. What a dumb comment.

[@Memento_Mori_Music]

Damn. Very relatable. I also slipped into depression after a severe panic attack about 2 years ago (which was in itself caused by sleep deprivation and ... anxiety medication, as weird as that may sound). Longest months of my life.

[@JanBidwell]

Dan, thanks for your honesty. I know more and more people are going to experience the vast benefits. I've been teaching meditation for 30 years and I am delighted to see how many people are now sitting still and breathing. It's so incredibly simple and yet not easy.

[@JanBidwell]

How can I help?

[@chicox3me]

That "higher level of consciousness"/"ultimate metaphysical dimension" kind of discourse is what held me from trying meditation until now. I bet hundreds of other people think meditation wouldn't work for them because of that. I almost skipped this video, I'm glad I didn't. Exactly what I needed to hear to give meditation a try.

[@nomadGahk]

By chance I started reading 10% Happier by chance last week while traveling and feel head over heels in love with it! It's so nice to get to see Dan in this video re-enforcing what I've just read and am reading. He definitely wrote an amazing book, it's absolutely a worthwhile read!

[@ericairwaterfire]

Wow...being an ABC anchor, I can't believe how real and awesome he is. You're wonderful, Dan! Dear, a fellow meditator.

[@mikecampbell3688]

No doubt!! He handled it like a trooper! If that had happened to me, I would of abruptly got up and jumped out that back window!

[@magicbuskey]

Do another one about how you meditate. Thanks for your unabashed honesty. That was helpful.

[@joseluis8291]

My experience is somewhat similar... without drugs but starting with bad feelings, searching for gurus and ending with the teaching of the Buddha and meditation. It is interesting...

[@Hotshot2k4]

This was a fantastic "Big Think" video. It's the kind of content that I subscribed for in the first place, so it's good to see a bit of it. It takes real courage to admit to one's poor choices and to reflect on times that would be more comfortable to just try and forget about. I absolutely agree that setting more realistic expectations for things such as meditation and other alternate self-help strategies would do a world of good for their credibility, and I thank you for your contribution to that cause. I'll definitely be looking out for more from you here in the future.

[@joebenike8518]

That was a real good one, I love the honesty, especially from a tv personality.

[@sugelanren]

I play Tai Chi, so i'm a daily meditator...Haven't seen Nirvana yet, but i've experienced a few lovely mornings in the park.

[@sandibenedum4413]

to me that is exactly what he seemed to be referring to.....congrats on your moments of loveliness. I am going to try to find mine....

[@sugelanren]

Sandi Benedum I'd be remiss if i didn't mention that the moments of loveliness were achieved while training to throw people around (Taijiquan being a martial art, after all). Also, there's a great feeling of peace to be found training in the rain...nobody bothers you during a storm, and the sun on your face when it breaks is worth the wet feet.

[@ebfsystem]

It's there any downsides effects on meditation that you maight know?

[@VenusVoice]

What’s more rewarding than the humble lovely walks in the park :)

[@JohnRay1969]

I have always loved seeing you on different news shows. I'm so glad you have made the changes you needed to keep going. Everything in life adds to what makes you a wise and sagely being. Experience. Keep it real. You rock.

[@Tomharry910]

You're helping a lot of people with your story. Thank you Dan!

[@ELTarTree]

Just read his brand new book. Never heard of him before (I'm not an American). Its his personal journey to mindfulness, including some insights into other gurus. His views echoed my suspicions. His book is excellent, highly recommended. Finished my copy yesterday and have booked a retreat today after dithering for years.

[@madsciiscrazy]

That ws a incredibly refreshing view on meditation. So honest that I think I'll look into it.

[@ccburro1]

I read his 10% book this past week. I love his honesty, openness, re himself, the human mind/brain, meditation, and Buddhism.

[@williwin1554]

I’ve had panic attacks for twenty years, almost everyday. I have never done drugs, nor alcohol or anything. It’s over now but once you’ve had panic attacks, it will be part of your life forever. It will never go away for good. You will always be fragile and aware or scared that it could come back anytime. I’d rather die than experience it for a long time again.

[@7immyJ]

skeptic, and I meditate. Eckhart got me through an opiate addiction. Especially the parts he talks about. "You are not the thinker". That chapter changed the way I view everything.

[@joebazooks]

i've experienced extreme social anxiety for about 8 years now, 5 of which--the last 5 years in fact--i've barely left the house. i'm still uncertain as to what exactly has caused it, but i'd wager money that it is largely due to the fact that i, too, abused substances (mainly cocaine and ecstasy, with spurts of crack, heroin, and prescription drugs) from the age of 14 to 25. it took me 11 or so years, but i've finally cleaned up my act. the anxiety has in many ways become more manageable, but it's still a cause of great disorder in my life. i just wanted to share this in case there are any kids out there who are, like i used to be, currently experimenting with drugs or, after discovering that drugs can be a source of immense pleasure, are subsequently abusing them. you might not notice any negative effects for years, even if you heavily abuse them, but i can guarantee you that if you continue abusing them sooner or later you will experience some very troubling ailments. my best friend, too, one of the kids with whom i did all of the drugs over the years, ended up suffering from chemical psychosis and was diagnosed clinically insane. he's also recovering, yet it has taken years and years upon years... be careful kids! think twice.

[@skipwood1353]

You could try Freedom From Fear. It may well help you understand your symptoms and help you overcome them.

[@akuma4u]

Hey..did u finally solve your anxiety issues. Pls tell me how

[@tulinbeyduz920]

Emotional freedom technique , tapping helped me lots . I was disabled by my panic attacks for years

[@realskepticalstoic9704]

I was depressed and for nine months, I didn’t sleep for more than a minute. Meditation helped me to recover and I now practice meditation three times a day.

[@kerrynewsome8745]

Dan is brilliant in explaining his journey in self awareness and the path to his podcast which I love.

[@feurigerStern]

Thank you so very much Dan Harris for bringing this awareness of panic attacks to others. I have had panic attacks due to PTSD, but are now well controlled with mindful meditation and centering prayer.

[@kirillazarov6865]

I meditate several hours daily for a year and a half. It's not changing everything. But it's changing quit a lot.

[@Ash243x]

very interesting video and definitely agree with all the other commenters on how refreshingly straight-forward and relateable Dan Harris's descriptions and experiences are.

[@anandateertha7865]

Excellent video..Especially the point on modern so called gurus over promising things is very true..

[@Lemenks]

Yea, I think some secular people miss out because they are so opposed to any of the ideas from religion. If secular people can take the useful parts of religion and use them without following the dogma, it could really benefit them. As a secular person, I have found meditation great for motivation and focus.

[@unadultratedtrini]

***** you do not understand meditation. You have no idea about it. People who seek to control their physical state of mind to control their bodies to help them overcome illnesses are profound though most are ignorant of how deep the processes actually go. Most "diseases" that are "discovered" by modern medicine are actually things that can easily be solved by a person having self control and finding balance in their lifestyle. (noting that medicine should not be ignored but rather the two should work together and in the cases of psychological issues taking medicine should be avoided unless it is an issue that is clearly threatening the physical being of the person) This is a fundamental teaching in hinduism. (the god stuff are things that the media and outside persons love to criticize)

[@unadultratedtrini]

ArctusCanusLupus So your solution to the person with misfiring transmitters or lack thereof is to overload their system and just forcing it to work? I applaud your innovation and your solution to the world. You are the sort of person that makes people who have depression want to kill themselves. Most persons who encounter depression (noting that everyone in society encounters depression in their life, be it a small puddle or a massive hole) are there because of bad situations in life or see no real path in front of them. They need guidance, compassion and self confidence. Telling them here go take a pill, it will make you feel better is not going to help them. It is just going to create a dependency. Something pharmaceutical companies enjoy. Meditation and like minded techniques exist because people actually saw benefit from it for millennia. Navy Seals practice meditation to slow their breaths thereby reducing heartrate while diving to reduce oxygen usage. (OOPPPPSSS THERES YOUR PRACTIAL USAGE) There are also many studies that show meditation effectively stimulates your immune system and in deeper forms it can increase the activity and strength of your immune system. However, if you wish to be taking a box load of pills for each sniffle in your life. Go ahead :)!!! We'll see how cancer among many other illnesses will keep you when you get old.

[@unadultratedtrini]

***** I'm appreciative of your retort but you completely took the first like of what I said and went with it. I noted that meditation would help diseases in more regard to situations of mental instability and of course you cannot help genetic defects but not everyone who is born lacking something is an idiot. You are trivializing my response with superficial arguments. Let's take a case of an individual with anxiety disorder.(Yes I know of the differences between diseases and disorders, however if you can take the liberty to give an example to prove your point undoubtedly then can I not the same?) If their issue cannot be solved through physical surgery or the addition of natural dietary supplements why should any of us force them to take a pill with a 60% success rate and a butt load of side effects. Why not help the person out with calming therapies such as meditation and self control? Do we think so little of ourselves that our minds and bodies cannot adapt and grow beyond?

[@unadultratedtrini]

ArctusCanusLupus If you know anything about business and lived outside the bubble that you do you would understand most of my arguments. Pharmaceutical companies are companies none the less. Beyond genetic deficiencies or injuries that would cause physical harm to areas of the body that would inhibit the body's natural ability to generate a specific protein or other vital chemical I do not believe modern medicine can cure anything by just introducing more chemicals into the body. The fact that the placebo effect even exists shows that people can cure themselves of something just by dealing with internal issues be it sociological, economic or even just by handling stress better. Promote your dependency syndromes where ever you love to but I'm not buying it. Modern medicine should never be something you need for the rest of your life. If so then you probably haven't fixed anything. Just like your fire, it snuffs out just as your fuel is over. So lets throw more wood in there !! :D Time and time again it is shown that our bodies are designed to adapt and develop. Be it over a couple months or over generations. I am not arguing with myself. I understand and comprehend this. Your welcome to keep quoting medical references. It just shows how much you think your right. I really don't think I can convince you otherwise but keep up the great arguments.

[@unadultratedtrini]

ArctusCanusLupus I love how you take everything I say out of context. No I am not saying modern medicine is poppy cock. Same thing for alternative methods. Noting that most helpful medicines come from those poppy cock herbal crap you laugh at, pharmaceutical companies just extract what they need and throw away the rest and call it a new discovery. Or wait you don't understand anything I say. Your the one in willful ignorance. You want to see the world in such a way so badly that it creates a tunnel vision. Your not better than a horse with blinders. Promoting a healthy and long life requires a collaboration of modern medicine when its needed and alternative methods that force the body to adapt and develop to be stronger. You can't see or understand what I am saying so ... hats off to your blissful ignorance.

[@connorblake7487]

A panic attack has got to be one of the worst physical sensations available to a human being. I don't want to discount anyone's suffering but I just know that I've been pepper-sprayed, beaten, and even had a punctured lung once, but anxiety of this level is a continuous waking hell for however long it's around. There is no escaping it or "meditating" it away. It is a primal, evolutionary fear, it's what a rabbit feels as it's being eaten alive by a coyote. It's one of the worst feelings available to a human being.

[@sameypen5858]

THANKS, I HAD A SOCIAL anxiety attack for the last 35 years ,you are give me some hope.

[@_jopedder]

This is a very thoughtful and insightful video. It's great in that it also highlights the relationship between MDMA ( and other stimulants) with panic attacks. It's unpleasant but seems like he's found a pretty decent way to recover, will investigate further.

[@adamschlinker972]

What's wild is how well he kept it under wraps.

[@d14drums]

That was beautifully done. Thanks for the video.

[@tedl7538]

Dan doesn't mention that he also concluded the news story by saying "But it's too early to prescribe statins SLOWLY for cancer PRODUCTION" instead of "solely for cancer prevention." That's another absurd moment, and shows how completely his mind shut down under the stress of the unexpected panic attack!

[@ilian334]

What an awesome video :) Thanks

[@babyblue61549]

I'm reading this book now. I really relate to it and love it. Thank u for writing.

[@FantastyckplastycK]

wow what a talk. anyone close to science is just so much more insightful and interesting and real.

[@Casey-dy2oo]

Probably my favorite big think video. Well done 👍

[@EliseDash]

'...the value of having a view of the world that is larger than your own self interest...'

[@someperson2500]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. WELL DONE. I NEEDED THIS so bad. God, it's so frustrating when you blind yourself while stressing for answers and progress. Things like this help me stop and go "OH. Oh yeah, that's right." lol geezus

[@Estabanwatersaz]

Thank you for that information. Big help!

[@woodydon9298]

Such an inspitational guy! God bless him❤

[@imamomwifedaughter]

I think he handled it so well!

[@josephjamman3939]

*I suffered from chronic anxiety and panic attacks for over 15 years - And now I don't have them any more!*

[@josephjamman3939]

Everyone with anxiety and panic attacks should try this... ==> apanicattack.tumblr.com/anxiety.html click it, hope it helps

[@snarkygrin4132]

The only issue I have with this is that he still equates shame with his panic episode... It was an unfortunate symptom of his drug abuse but it led him to eventually get help. For other people, especially those whose root of panic isn't so simply located, I think it would be a service to recognize that acceptance is of greater value than shame.

[@patricewashington888]

Amazing thank u

[@thegreat.andmommychannel7290]

Very courageous testimony

[@ShareRoss]

Love this and absolutely love the book!

[@Estabanwatersaz]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ariesred777]

Happy to know the quality of your life has improved for you.

[@agnessmith9313]

Well, I've had panic attacks and I've never done drugs. What about THAT?

[@robertktw]

panic attacks (PS) are not dangerous, but a nuisance and uncomfortable! Instead of running away or worry about something bad will take place during a panic attack, just reassure yourself of that fact! It is our primitive fight or flight system that is keeping us safe in certain situations, nothing more. Basically, understand PS, face ur fears, and take charge of the situation. Breathing into paper bag won't help as much, its like saying to the body... oh mang it is so dangerous and i have to do something to intervene PS; that'll intensify the fear and make PS worse. And as Mr. Harris suggested, meditation might be helpful in preventing PS.

[@loveisthemostpowerfulforce1397]

Why do you have them? do you have anxiery disorder or OCD?

[@wasteyelo1]

What a brave dude.

[@mattrkelly]

that's totally happened to me giving a speech... you just have to push through... it goes away.

[@VictoriaSobocki]

Great story - right to the point and no bullshit :) Love it!

[@matheus2000legal]

It is interesting to see how the search for perfection, when affected by some barrier, such as a panic attack, has more repercussions on the anxious person than on others. Much of the fear we feel during an event like this comes from worrying about what other people will think. In reality, people don't really care about us that much. I'm sure if his panic attack had been worse, to the point where he started screaming live on air, the news about what happened wouldn't have lasted more than two days. He, on the other hand, even having gone through an event that was almost imperceptible to those watching, will think about the "shame" he went through for the rest of his life.

[@cleancutmhc1]

Awesome.

[@GeFlixes]

The things I am most embarressed of in my life... Many of which happend when the 'inner voice' din't kick in; I do really psycho things when I'm not self aware or self concious. That's why I don't take drugs like alcohol and the like. I had to calm this voice many times as a hobby musican, so that's not the problem. It's just about letting things happen and about overcoming inner obstacles.

[@ArticSense]

Thank you.

[@gterrymed]

his employers were Extremely compassionate. Peter Jennings was very compassionate.

[@comogamesghtr]

The goal of all spirituality and furthermore meditation is to create thoughtless space in your consciousness budhhism provides the actionable thought friendly step by step advice for people who don't understand that what there trying to achieve can not be understood, Its similar to feeding a toddler vegetables, its good for them but they wont eat it unless its in a special format. I'm not saying he is a toddler, but to have written a best selling book about happiness im afraid his advice might be short sighted.

[@Verisetti]

You seem perfectly calm I didn't notice anything. Hurrah.

[@connorblake7487]

The only way for me to even try to describe a panic attack is picture the worst your body has ever ached during a very long run, then imagine you were also electrocuted and someone stabbed an epi-pen into your heart and started waterboarding you for 2 hours.... It is a continuous waking hell for however long it's around. There is no escaping it or "meditating" it away. It is a primal, evolutionary fear, it's what a rabbit feels as it's being eaten alive by a coyote. It's one of the worst feelings available to a human being.

[@kickinghorse2405]

" . . . a drive for excellence . . . "

[@thegreat.andmommychannel7290]

I have one on all the time in crowded places

[@johnpaul5474]

These people on our screens are so special!!! We have so much to learn from them!!! No matter that they are, most of them, grossly overpaid liars!!! We must always know more about them!!! More and more and more and more!!! They're so special!!! They lead such interesting lives!!! We must always know more about them!!! Tell us more!!! Every little detail!!! Never stop telling us more about you!!!

[@Friemelkubus]

As a sceptic who used to be new agey I've actually tried meditation. I'm almost certain that the new agey folks got the mechanisms all wrong and the whole narrative is bollocks. That said I do believe meditation works, for me it does at least. I haven't done it in a long time but I remember doing it and feeling much better. It helped me cope with my depression.

[@kickinghorse2405]

Genius happens in the light of day.

[@josephedwards4325]

This is amazing.

[@MrSolver100]

I had the exact same experience with Tolle, far too extreme. I found Jon Kabat-Zinn's ideas to be the most rational approach.

[@Blockeryoga]

Wow, great story. Meditation is powerful. Thanks for sharing!

[@Jacktamatos]

This was a great video.

[@makingofkira8710]

thanks

[@morganthem]

If only the general populous would accept this as something other than extreme or treatment. That'd be so grand.

[@tripillthreat]

Going to be honest; I can’t watch the on-air panic attack because it’s too anxiety inducing. I fast-forwarded through those parts.

[@mihirmarolia]

Experience the beauty of the heart with Heartfulness Meditation....it's really a game changer!!! #heartfulness #knowbyheart #meditation

[@thegreat.andmommychannel7290]

I can truly relate

[@YouJustCantCompare]

if only doctors recommended meditation instead of medication

[@dafreshest420]

Breathing helped me alot and ive been thinking about meditation, Ive tried meditating in the past and it did help me, I noticed my sleep got alot better and concentration as well, lucid dreaming was a normal thing, Weed seemed to enhance these effects, wax just blasts me into an acid trip hahah, overall im going to try to keep breathing and meditating and see the results after a month or 2 of it.

[@YouJustCantCompare]

Furious meditation is so important. alot of us forget how to breathe right. I will always recommend meditation.

[@slamwisebamgee]

xxxblendxxx rather than "instead of", I'd say "as well as". Some of us need medication. Even psychiatrists who specialise in MBSR admit that. And meditation isn't for everyone. There are people who suffer such psychological issues that it would actually be perilous for them to meditate.

[@yubersan1055]

My doctor recommended meditation ^.^ but certainly not for the masses, no :(

[@fergalfarrelly8545]

This happened to me everyday at work as soon as the morning meeting starts and thoughout the day often. Just speaking and not shaking was olmost impossible. Just not trembling almost impossible. Everyone thought i was on drugs. They still do even though I've said over and over its panic attacks.

[@Beckala67]

I can listen to this over and over again and it won't ever get old.

[@thegreat.andmommychannel7290]

I agree overworked I can relate

[@ww3032]

Meditation is like physiotherapy for the mind.

[@Tomharry910]

Great analogy. Thanks!

[@SpiritualAthiest]

To bad no one introduced him to Alan Watts. So much more easier to digest and apply

[@Biolupus]

+Efrain Perez easy to people like us, open minded. This guy has strong blockages from his conditionings, he refuses to see the unknown. I'm sure he would call Alan Watts confusing and full of s**t as he did to others. People like him make effort to refuse the new views. But he's doing well.

[@roarblast7332]

I actually find Eckhart tolle to be the most practical advocate of spirituality, if you will. but without a fair degree of presence, I could see it being hard to grasp. Alan watts is where I started. so perhaps if it went the other way I would say the opposite. both have been an important part of moving forward. however, once you get to a certain point you can easily see the level of presence in an individual, and Eckhart tolle is perhaps the most present person I have ever seen.

[@SpiritualAthiest]

I'll look into Eckhart. I'm fairly new to meditation and self awareness. I was born and raised 21 years a Jehovah Witness so you can imagine what barriers and fears my brain has evolved over the years in my subconscious.

[@roarblast7332]

Efrain Perez he's not very hard to find. He has a few books which I recommend reading. But, you will find he has countless videos online which are also very useful. If you search for Eckhart tolle meditation, he has a good video on the process of meditation. I am not familiar with jevohvas witnesses, but i am familiar with other Christian sects.. so I do know a bit of what you are dealing with. I was an atheist for most of my life, which is pretty difficult to get past. I was very full of myself, very proud, and very resistant to other points of view. Also, very dysfunctional. I eventually suffered serious health problems and thought I was going to die. It was then that I realized all of my suffering was in my mind. By accepting my death, I realized how unimportant all of this really is and that everything I was thinking was relative, transient.. and not worth getting so worked up over. Life is tremendously beautiful if we can just not take it so seriously.

[@tulinbeyduz920]

Efrain Perez I have a few clients that are Jehovah witness .

[@fergalfarrelly8545]

I can use meditation to stop a panic attack but i can't stop them from coming on. The drug perscribed helped only to keep my heart rate down but it actually made the attacks worse when they did happen because it inhibited my meditation. So i just use meditation to stop them but no one will ever understand. It really made me hate people. It made me mean and resentful. Now i never speak of my pro lems and am very self focused when before the panic attacks all i ever wanted to do was reach out to help others until i realized others are not good enough to deserve help often.

[@epayne6]

Interesting.

[@MoiDesbro]

I haven't done E or coke in years, I've experienced 2 panic attacks after smoking lots of weed and only when I'm around people I don't know well, and one panic attack whilst on a large dose of LSD that caused me to hallucinate like the world was a beautiful collideoscope of bubbly colours, like my social anxiety collapsed on itself until I was in a state of euphoria (lol acid). I don't think the drugs were to blame, I think that being conscious of my altered state whilst around people you don't know well can cause you to feel extremely insecure for whatever reason and fall into a panic spiral. He did not mention whether or not he was abusing his 'rec drugs' as well, dosage is extremely important in the case he's trying to make, without context he's simply stigmatizing drugs. As for meditation, it seems like an arbitrary method of finding self security and non-ignorant optimism. I certainly won't adopt it without feeling pretentious, I have my owns ways of finding inner peace and I also certainly wouldn't like to label them.

[@lozzywazzer]

There are soooo many meditation books written now, many of them useful. Many people have their own preference, but I absolutely cannot praise 'Wherever You Go, There You Are' by Jon Kabbat-Zinn enough. It is wonderfully straightforward, gentle, practical, and certainly life changing. It shows you how to cultivate mindfulness and guide you back into the present moment more than any other author I know of. ^_^

[@PaulAntonescu]

I am an over average inteligent person with a pretty classic weird childhood. I feel like it makes sense to somehow try to understand what's going on in your brain and calm yourself down without any substances. The problem is that I don't have patience.

[@PaulAntonescu]

But I'm going to follow Dan till I'll convince myself to start meditating

[@beamixab]

@6:33 overlap between psychiatry and Buddhism...How to deal with voice in your head

[@uncleshan]

cool vid. BIG think.

[@scottwalla3840]

I found this interview quite fascinating as I've experienced this myself. I've dabbled in meditation a little but not with any consistency. The Dr. Mark Epstein book that Dan talks about is a good read.

[@jimmynabors]

which book was it?

[@scottwalla3840]

James Nabors The Dr. Mark Epstein book is Thoughts Without A Thinker, available here: bit.ly/drmarkepstein You can get the Dan Harris book, "10% Happier", here: bit.ly/danbharris

[@JanBidwell]

Think of meditation the same way that you think of brushing your teeth. Just sit still and breath everyday. I see your guitar. Musicians participate in a very particular kind of focus that uses parts of the brain other than logical thought, as does meditation. Do it every day and your playing will improve (and your mood and your relationships and your health and your memory...as per the scientific research).

[@thegreat.andmommychannel7290]

I had a nervous breakdown at work