When Practice Isn’t Enough: A Buddhist Look at Panic

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I speak directly to a question I’m often asked: what can we do when anxiety or panic takes over? While many people associate Buddhism with calming the mind, the path is far more layered than stress reduction. Sometimes the most skillful response is not meditation but something far more ordinary and tender.I share my own experience with severe panic attacks—episodes triggered whenever I felt trapped, especially on airplanes. These attacks arrived suddenly and with enormous force, and none of my usual tools helped. Not meditation. Not breath practice. Not even medication or, memorably, tequila. What ultimately made a difference was human connection: one person’s kindness interrupting the spiral of fear.The turning point came from a United Airlines pilot, Captain Denny, whose simple presence and reassurance steadied me. Later, I learned to ask seatmates for brief conversation during takeoff. Every single time, someone responded with kindness. That small act—letting myself be seen—became my true mantra. Sometimes the most effective practice is to ask another human being to care, even for a moment.Meditation, I learned, can actually intensify panic, and it’s important to acknowledge that. In moments of terror, the dharma may show up not as a technique but as connection, vulnerability, and shared humanity.HighlightsWhy Buddhist practice offers more than stress reliefMy experience with claustrophobia-related panic attacksThe flights where panic overwhelmed every coping strategyHow Captain Denny’s kindness changed everythingThe healing power of vulnerability for both giver and receiverWhy meditation can sometimes intensify fearThe “mantras” that truly helped: someone sees me, someone cares, we’re in this togetherAfter-party: Yellowman, “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” and a brief history of the “Diseases” riddimThank you for listening, for sharing the podcast with anyone who might benefit, and for being part of this exploration of the dharma. I’ll see you next week.Music Segment “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng,” performed by Yellowman, built on the legendary “Diseases” riddim—an essential thread in reggae’s remix lineage and a showcase of Yellowman’s remarkable presence.Watch this episode on videoIf you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here.Ask me a questionYou can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes.Learn to Teach MeditationThe Open Heart Project Meditation Teacher Training returns this January.We begin January 17th, 2026. I teach every session. It’s intimate, rigorous, supportive—and it’s for anyone who wants to help others work with their own minds and hearts.Click here to learn more & sign up.If you enjoyed this episode:Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.For more on Buddhist teachings and living from a place of personal authenticity, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha, my online community of smart, kind, independent thinkers. Like you. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about the open heart project please visit openheartproject.com.If you enjoyed this episode:Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] by Citizens of SoundMusic by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project