Panic

Panic creates a universe in which everything is before you

but is too much to process. You think the best way to solve it is to analyze and critique it; making everything personal and letting everything disturb you.

It’s onerous to push off this mindset; How, and WHY, would you not give attention to this perilous feeling that anxiety inflicts?

Do not completely forget about this fully personal, violating feeling we call “anxiety.” Simply start elsewhere.

Luckily, panic inspires procrastination, and furthermore, procrastination inspires consummation. “I’ll do it next time” is far more rewarding than “I give up all together.”

Reality is defined by objectivity; it is impenetrable by subjectivity. Looking at everything objectively, by definition, provokes no response or emotion. Reality, and awareness of it, then, intrinsically creates an easel in which neutrality inspires resolution.

Like any form of mastery, one starts from the absolute basics; the broadest picture; the least critical; the most objective. The first step is observe; do not process; simply watch impartially.

Quantum physics was investigated centuries after mastering the less universally-objective field of classical mechanics. Much like this physical “zoom”, a perceptual zoom can help disentangle the emotional and physical manifestation in which panic foists.

Start by taking a step back. Observe everything around you and intently describe it. Engage your senses without trying to interpret them. Discern which senses are caused by nature, and which are caused by panic. Equilibrate your breath and bring it back to the natural rhythm attuned to your physical surroundings.

Only once you have assimilated your direct environment can you begin to assess your perturbing thoughts. Try it; you’ll see why.