I had a panic attack in the wee hours of last night.  I was terrified, not of dying, but that a painful experience would continue for the rest of my life.  Sleep disappeared.

“But you’re spiritually evolved, Bruce.  You shouldn’t have panic attacks.”  Oh yeah … no to both parts.

In the evening I’d watched a documentary called Wisdom Of Happiness, in which the Dalai Lama sat in a chair and talked to all of us resting behind the camera.

Brothers and sisters of this small planet, we are same human beings

His Holiness has the same joys and sorrows as I do.  Fear and anger and sadness come to visit him, as they do us.  He has learned to train his mind beyond what most of us can do.

I can change my mind.  I can reduce anger, hatred

Hmm … and so can I.  So can you

Here are one reviewer’s comments:

His Holiness begins by telling listeners to get rid of all expectations: There will be no miracles or blessings in this film.

…

The ninety-minute documentary has the feel of a master class delivered by a physician of the mind, recalling to us all that everyone has the capacity to develop clear-sightedness and, with it, hope.

***

Will more panic attacks come my way?

Quite possibly yes, as my frailties continue to emerge

…

And above it all …

A mist of well-being descends