Fear of Flying

I took a fear of flying class after Boeing merged, relinquishing its impeccable singular identity. We flew to another State as our final exam. In those days, plane travel was still lovely. The seats were upholstered and cushiony, and leg room and aisles were spacious. No one was crowded on top of anyone else. Flight attendants wore beautiful outfits, and the food they brought was exquisite. 

    Still, I had become terrified of flying as a teenager. I could think of no way to get on a plane without drugs. And I didn't have drugs. This meant I wouldn't fly, couldn't fly without risking a full-fledged panic attack. What we learned in the class was that fear of flying was often related to childhood and control. And they gave us techniques to understand airplane flight and cope with fear. One technique is so simple yet we forget, especially when we're afraid - breathe.

    I once worked at Boeing in Seattle when its safety measures were still admirable. But that's another story.