Dotise...thanks for the kind words.

As for music, I think it can absolutley be a calming influence.

And yes, that trip inside yourself can be a scary one.

For years I did everything I could to avoid any "quiet time" because I was afraid of where my mind might lead me. But it turns out that I can actually lead my own mind. Who would have thought?

I think one of the biggest revelations for me about recovery from panic was the understanding of the actual process. I always thought I was going to make this grand discovery one day or take this magic pill that would just change everything. No more panic, no more fearful thoughts, that it would all be goine. But that's not how it happened.

The change was slow, sort of like working out, I was developing muscles. Because it's about breaking habits, teaching yourself new ways to respond. And this was hard because I had been responding in a fearful way for my entire life. And making those changes meant going within.

Another interesting note...for me the prospect of going within was much more terrifying than actually doing it.

Jeanne