I never thought I would be one for self-help.
However, having helped a friend with one of her frequent panic attacks just now, I heard my self talking about tools and a toolbox. With some people it works better than others but it is important to understand that there is depth in this concept. They are not physical tools like a nail or a hammer but rather invisible tools which can help when loosing control. My friend has spasms when she gets in that state which make the situation particularly scary for her and the fear prevents her from thinking clearly.
Basically the objective is to find an opening, like the light at the end of a tunnel.
The breath is an uncanny tool to help with these panic attack as I have noticed because apparently it can serve as a bridge between the physical body and the spirit. Philosophy can help tie the soul into the equation as well. Like a good alchemist, the philosopher knows that the breath is a sign of the living. By focussing on the flow, the movement of the rib cage, the power of an exhalation, it is possible to create a healing synergy between mind body and soul.
Basically the objective is to find an opening, like the light at the end of a tunnel. A way for her to regain enough clarity to help herself get over it. That’s where I come in as a friend and, lets face it, an impromptu therapist.
Every panic attack comes with a singularity, just as any moment of our waking life is different. It is unpredictable and so, a tool from the toolbox might work better than another at any given time.
My friend doesn't feel hopeless, her heart is filled with love to the brim.
In an effort to help my friend, I can use my intelligence very efficiently; after all, these situations are urgent. When I can't answer the call, I avoid feeling bad knowing that when I am available, I will do my best to help. It is a big responsibility to have vulnerable friends but they are valuable because they help you see your own vulnerability at times. Only by connecting with people who are disabled in one way or another, can we see their incredible value in a competitive world that likes to compare us to each other. By that I mean that their immense potential is often overlooked and even wasted. It is a harsh wold indeed but it is a fun one too. No matter the challenges, we can use empathy to connect and solve difficult problems together.
I know that in some places around the globe, it is nearly impossible to think of the world as fun and even here, a lot of people are suffering too much to talk like this. There is a divide here that I want to acknowledge. I have a lot of respect these people, even though they just may be hopeless like some of the prosaic tableaux I see on East Hastings. I say tableaux, because they look like sordid paintings, with people dealing drugs and selling junk on the sidewalks of immaculate condominiums.
My friend doesn't feel hopeless, her heart is filled with love to the brim. It makes me happy because that way she can show me the power that others don't see and inspire me so. She is grateful to have me and the feeling is mutual. In that sense, we love each other very much.
I saw an Indian man presenting a Dapp called 1ramp.io on SteemFest Live yesterday. He was saying that he feels like Steem is where it needs to be, at the bottom of its monetary worth. Because this way, he said, people can't deny the problems, they put their noses down and look for solutions. We should embrace our underdog status, being 78th on coin market cap and remember that the people which Steem can help the most are from poorer countries. Furthermore, I get a sense that our newfound (and temporary) stability is a best case scenario for places like Venezuela for example, as opposed to more volatile times of late. They are the ones who need a stable income and for whom, a couple dollars can do that.
It has been really cool to watch the conference although I went to bed feeling brainwashed by that last !beer talk but oh well. I thought the man talking about SCT, 
I leave you with a sign language inspired choreography my friend did not too long ago. I think this desire to share about sign language speaks to how community oriented she is at her core. As you can see with the title, it coincides with the end of the famous Seven77 challenge.
And here is another one we made, one of my all time faves.