Len I am back from my travels and I want to say THANK YOU for really helping me overcome my fears. I had four flights over to the UK and three back (plenty of opportunity to practice your techniques) , by the time I was in the second to last flight from LA to Auckland I was actually enjoying it! Looking out the window and everything!! For me, this is a miracle of biblical proportions. Even the last national flight (notoriously bumpy) I handled it with minimum fuss. I can't express how much you changed my life as far as future travels. I look forward to them now :) Thank you, thank you , and what's more thank you :D xxx
Lea Cav so pleasing to hear! More power to you.... but be careful, so times these gains can change other things in your life, form the positive! Best, Les
This is by far the best video I've seen on the issue. I am a flight attendant looking to help my son who has various anxiety triggers, flying being a big one for him. Thank you for sharing your work with the public, Les!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your series of videos on "Fear of flight" dealing with... were a huge help for me! I hadn't been on an airplane from 01/2008 until 08/2022 due to an unpleasant flight I had back then. Watching lots of videos on the subject (but particularly yours) made me board on a plane and since that day I have travelled another 9 times on one! The last one was 2 days ago and I didn't even think about it! I was taking pictures and shooting videos all the time! :D To every nervous flyer out there: "Fear no more! Flight is safe, turbulence is annoying but practically nothing more"
hello! i just wanted you to know that this video has singlehandedly cured my childhood fear of flying. as a kid and growing up, ive always struggled with anxiety attacks on board due to my fear. by the second flight of doing this technique, i was already enjoying myself! because of this video, i can actually now see myself travelling across the globe and i have so many more opportunities to do so now. thank you so, so much.
@@TheLela5631 that’s great! Keep practising, and even leaning into the turbulence. One day you’ll say to it, “hey, is that all you’ve got? Bring it on - I’m ready for you, and I know what to do!”
I commented on the other video but want to add it here too; Les, your videos helped me overcome my flight anxiety overnight! Our 14 hour flight had some big bumps but I wasn’t scared at all because I kept my hands on my thighs and kept my own beat. By the end of the flight, I didn’t even need to imagine music, I just let the turbulence go through me. Amazing videos and thank you Les! I feel so liberated!
Just returned home from Disney. First time I’ve flown. Your videos helped me through the anxiety of flying. I was nervous up to the point of take off. Once we were up and I was able to recognize the noises and what was happening around me, I was good. Thank you for your videos.
As a nervous flyer who'll get on a plane but wish to be off it for the entire flight, this was an incredibly helpful video. The mantra 'I am uncomfortable but I am safe' recognises that not everyone enjoys the sensations of turbulence, but that you don't have to let discomfort lead to panic. I don't know if I'm quite at the stage where I enjoy flying (yet) but I'm certainly more relaxed on board, which is a huge improvement for me. Thank you for putting out these videos - they're very much appreciated!
How do you NOT have more likes?!? This video is amazingly helpful. I’ve her. Reading the book soar by captain Tom bunn and my nerves are off the charts. It’s a good book but so far not as much help as this video. Thank you! I have flown from Africa to Europe every couple months. We brought our new foster sons on a trip and the oldest FLIPPED when turbulence hit. His fear was palpable. On the way back I made my husband sit with him. Ever since it’s as though something jumped off of him and In to me Because I HAVE unnatural terror now with any bumps. Never had before! Doesn’t help that the last three flights had such bad bumps (thanks spirit airlines pilot) that a lady was bumped off the toilet in to the aisle and a suitcase came out of luggage holder. I swore I was going to die. Thank you for the video. My days of flying are coming to an end but I pray this works. Ps. My Main fear is pilot error with turbulence, not the actual bumps. So I may never get over my fear
Ta for your positive comments. Why so few views? Don’t know, but there is work to do suggested in my videos, and no quick fixes. That perhaps puts people off. Re pilots and turbulence. Not much to do except make sure cabin crew is seated, and all pax have safety belts on. Then monitor weather radar looking for any useful route changes and listening to other aircraft in the vicinity reporting weather conditions. More serious for pilots is decompression at altitude requiring well rehearsed actions. Nowadays an unlikely event in a career of flying but one sure to be thrown at pilots in the simulator every six months.
Len, I can’t thank you enough. I listened and watched your videos because I am super afraid of turbulence and after your explanation I was able to fly with no fear. I started dancing in my seat once turbulence hit and reciting your mantra example “turbulence is uncomfortable but is not unsafe” I was able to conquered my fear!! I already told all my friends about your video and explanation. I want everyone to watch it. Thank you! Thank you!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! My hat goes off to you!!!!!
That’s great to hear! I’m guessing you reversed what you ordinarily had been doing and applied some “new learning”. This helps to extinguish a fear response in places it’s not needed. Do keep practising though, as new learning can be quite fragile until it becomes old or automatic learning. So grab some TH-cam videos of takeoffs and inflight activities and have a friend gently shake you seat while you practise. Especially so in the days before another flight. Don’t take this success for granted. Your fear response mechanisms require consistent teaching that when it comes to flying they can be tamed and put in their proper place. Good luck and more happy landings to come!
Thank you so much! I'm comtemplating on going to Hungary next year from Australia and watching your videos are making me feel more confident with my decision not spend the two long flights in a perpetual hightend state of fear.
Thanks alot for this video, you are explaining very well and putting my mind at ease. Im flying to see my long distance girlfriend in a few months and its a 15 hour ride with 1 stop in between so im quite nervous and have all kinds of disaster scenarios coming and going in my mind.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Loved this video. So incredibly helpful and real. I don't to want to distract myself, I want to be in the present and appreciate your advice and guidance in talking about that.
Thank you, Mr. Posen. I'm flying tomorrow for the first time in years. Will use these techniques. The knowledge and clear explanations are great. You break all of this down as well as anyone.
@@lesposen So just an update for Mr Posen and everyone contributing to and reading this comment section. I flew from New York to Los Angeles and back. The knowledge and techniques that Mr Posen gives helped a lot. The understanding of the takeoff process took away the panic I used to feel with that. The concept of turbulence as being uncomfortable but not unsafe helped me when the plane shimmied a bit at some points. There is another great video where he puts a plane in a container of jello to illustrate how it manages turbulence without disaster which I recommend for anyone who hasn't seen it. I kept that in mind during slight, mild bumps. I made my playlist and that helped me during higher level movements. Overall, my flights were smooth and not that scary anyway. But these ideas helped keep me from freaking out in any uncomfortable moments and expecting the worst. Thanks again Les Posen!
Wow… this video is the best.. you broke thus down so clearly with a soothing and reassuring voice. You really challenged my brain to stop seeing a threat in flying. Thank you so much!
Excellent video. I have traveled internationally for work for over 40 years and I developed my playlist that I call “Happy,” because the first song is “Happy” from the movie Despicable Me 2. As it turns out the playlist does cause me to imagine moving, even though it might only be my foot and hand that’s moving to the beat. I like even at take off because it puts me at ease and relaxes me. I’ll have to also try breathing and hand positions on my next flight which will be to Argentina from LAX.
Two years later I am watching your video for my flight tomorrow... Working hard to not have panic attacks while flying and going back to enjoying this experience...
Yes, just associate the flight with good times if you can and the panicky feelings are like an airport tax or landing fee. Brief and temporary but essentially not harmful.
I have very bad anxiety during flights and now I got a job in a different city so I'll have to fly a lot like multiple times a month! My first flight is in two weeks and I've been searching for ways to get over my fear and your vids are making me so much calm and accepting of the flights. I'll surely apply what you said and I have a positive feeling that I'll get over this stupid fear. Thank you in advance
How did it go ? I also try to avoid to fly for my company because it is not 'my choice'. I know it is ridiculous and I loose many opportunities because of that. Turbulence is really completely alienating me from travelling and have a much better life.
Les Posen I have. Your video on what happens after take off explaining the angle change and the slow down in speed is actually what has me flying again after years of not flying. I think I am cured because turbulence doesn’t bother me too much but that feeling of falling after take off was my real problem. And you put it so logically and scientifically but used humor that it actually cured me of that fear. I am willing to fly again. When you showed the model airplane dropping down hilariously it resonated with me and almost instantaneously cured me. I cannot thank you enough. And I DEFINITELY will be sharing.
@@veniahill4026 Venia, did you fly again ? I am in the same situation, love the videos and other stuff but I hate being in the clouds and the plane shaking ... I need to fly again ! Gimme hope ! ;)
@@nonokbh lol yes I did and I lived to tell about it lol actually flew a few more times. I realized a lot of my anxiety was due to right after take off when the plane is at its busiest. Once I researched and realized everything it does to obtain it’s cruise altitude I almost felt like a fool. I researched enough to know that turbulence rarely if ever causes damage. So I’m ok with the bumps during the flight. And once we start descending and I see actual land I also know that the plane can coast the whole way down without any engines so I’m kind of ok. Hope that helps 🥰
Thanks for your videos, they're really helpful and this one in particular I hope will help me. I fly sometimes, usually alone, so I believe it's safe, but I dread it and I spend the flight in high anxiety even when I logically know it's fine, even when the flight is smooth. When there are any bumps I feel ill with anxiety. I'll try your technique next time and I will also check out those videos. I want to beat my fear. I only wish you had appointments in Scotland, not Australia, so I could get more help! It's frustrating being so scared.
Hey Len.I love travelling but no matter how many times I fly I just cannot overcome my fear..I look like that meerkat throughout the flight! I have done long haul flights where I have fallen asleep only because I was so exhausted from panicking throughout.Just recently went on a two hour flight during which we had to return to base after an hour due to loss of cabin pressure, anxiety right up there again thinking about what could have happened etc.I appreciate your video so much,thank you for the insight and the tips!Regards from SA.
Practise at home first. Put on some takeoff, Climb out videos from TH-cam, sound loud, and have someone rattle you chair while playing your music. Get used to grabbing your music player, ear buds and starting your music without rushing or panicking. Do it everyday before your flight, and even practise at the gate. Then put it away, ride it out on board until you think it would be good practise on board - then see if its effective. You’re letting the plane do what it does (safely fly in turb) while you independently manage yourself.
Brilliant - thank you I will try all you suggest I have got better but any help is great! Flying to NZ in 3 weeks from the UK and this will be very useful advice. I have done these flights before on my own but always dislike the turbulence.
@@lesposen your welcome. Actually I'm about to fly to Virginia on Thanksgiving morning and i hope your tips will help me get through it. Thank you sir.
Isaac West well, you’re flying on one of the busiest flying days in the USA as you probably know. That means something I’ve not yet included in my videos: handling queues, crowding and delays. All of which can be compounded by weather and mechanical issues. The more you have a plan to handle these expected and any unexpected hiccups, the less anxiety provoking will be the flight. It’s when getting into your seat feels like a relief than a source of anxiety!
@@lesposen i completely understand that 100%. What i forgot to mention to u was that in the previous 4 times that I've flown, only one of them left on time, the other three was delayed up to a hour on each for weather purposes. By the way,the only time a flight left on time was in 2004 when i went from Chicago to san Francisco.
wow my heart rates were raised just now picturing take off just listening to your narration. I have used the exact opposite approach - (calming, avoiding and shutting it all out), my mantra is buddist's and just praying to give me strength or even to make things smoother. After watching this video I totally understand your suggestion, grab back the controls... (and I know how to fly a commercial plane btw but still can't stand turbies). Well I will let you know if it all works out at end of my Autumn trip. Thanks a bunch! I might bring a small jelly pop as a reminder!
Raymond Shih you have to ask if your current methods are working. If not perhaps there’s room to experiment with another way forward, even if it seems superficially more dangerous. Leaning into your anxiety rather than avoiding the discomfort is the best way to recalibrate your threat response. Let’s hear how it goes.
Les , You are my number 1 here. No doubt. I wish I could meet you for 101 talk. Please let me know if you ever come to USA . I will take a train, bike, boat , car , bus , skate board to meet with you or to participate of your meetings. Thank you .
Not sure if you're going to see this comment at this late date, but I fly a lot of long haul flights, and I was a white knuckler. Until I figured out for myself do not take the window seat so I could see everything and falsely feel like I was in control. Instead I take an aisle seat where I know i have much more freedom. On take off, I close my eyes, and ride the ride and it's wonderful. During the flight, I will position myself like I am sleeping on my back, hat over my eyes, and blanket on my chest. In all candor, if I'm flying 9 plus hours I take a valium and maybe have a drink but that's with doc's pemission. I eat my dinner, socialize with my seat mate if they are into it. Otherwise, I sleep as much as possible. I've trained myself at this point where I have literally woken up to use the Lav, thinking I'm in my bed at home....what helped me? A US flyer from the Viet Nam era who, while being shot at, told me flying is the best place to be in the entire war. Second he got on the plane, he used it as an opportunity to rest, and to not fight turbulence, but to go with it and use it like baby that gets rocked to sleep....
“Trained myself” is they key here. You had to apply some ideas from an authoritative source who truly confronted fear. And now you have sufficient evidence that it works for you. More power to you!
Hi Les! I really like your approach and the practical guidance you provide in this video and others. My wife and I have travelled for many years but over time I've become more and more intolerant of turbulence to the point that in the last few years, I've nearly canceled multiple vacations just prior to departure. I'm sure that 'not flying' for a year due to the pandemic didn't help anything, either. Anyhow, we have a trip coming up next week which involves 4 flights round trip and I will do my best to employ your suggestions. Thanks ; ) Do you do 1 on 1 sessions via internet?
Hi Robert, I think many people are in the same post-pandemic frame, even some of my patients from years ago who have not had the recent opportunity to "keep their hours up". Can certainly organise a session over Zoom to help clarify some ideas and suggest some pre-flight practice to better prepare you. Email me with some further background, the schedule of your flights, and suggest three or so dates/times in the next little while (Les(at)lesposen.com), and do note I am GMT+11 hours currently, eg, 2:15pm Tuesday here is 10.15PM Monday in NYC.
A lot of people feel that way when they first come to see me. There's no rush - unless you HAVE to be somewhere soon and flying is the only way to get there. A first task is to separate out your fear of having another panic episode from whether you think flying itself is dangerous. In which case, you might want to seek assistance through self-guidance books and videos, or from a psychologist to work with your management of panic. See if you can find someone who will take a neuroscience-informed approach rather than one who wishes to spend hours reviewing childhood history and family dynamics. This can be interesting if there is no apparent source of panic, but when it's tied to a specific situation like flying, better to look at what's currently maintaining your avoidance behaviours.
Every time you get in your car there is a 1 in 8000 chance you’ll die in a car accident (depending on where you live). Every time you get on a plane there is a 1 in 11,000,000 chance of dying.
See if you can covert that feeling into respect for your body and it’s evolved cleverness to protect you from perceived threats, like falling off cliffs or out of trees,. If you keep using hate you can perpetuate your fear response when it’s not needed.
@@lesposen yeah when we were flying into Maui the downdrafts I think they are called were bad the shakiness doesn't bother me alot but when the plane feels like it rapidly descends my heart races. Like how the wind makes it feel like the plan suddenly drops or rises fast.
Come to think of it turbulence it’d like a bumpy car ride and trains have bumps to boats have bumps With waves any veacheal goes through bumps or turbulence
Our unconscious mind cannot process the negative form of a sentence... Might be more effective to say "Turbulence might be uncomfortable but it is safe" ^_^
It is certainly one of significant change. From taxiing at 25 mph to accelerating like a Ferrari with lots of noise and vibration, accompanied by dips and rolls during initial climb out. Lots to absorb and understand. I have a video up which explains some if this. Check it out.
For Aussies who wonder why this comment is "lol", it's because to juvenile Americans, FAP is slang for masturbation. It's amusing until you turn 25, then it's just embarrassing...
Len I am back from my travels and I want to say THANK YOU for really helping me overcome my fears. I had four flights over to the UK and three back (plenty of opportunity to practice your techniques) , by the time I was in the second to last flight from LA to Auckland I was actually enjoying it! Looking out the window and everything!! For me, this is a miracle of biblical proportions. Even the last national flight (notoriously bumpy) I handled it with minimum fuss. I can't express how much you changed my life as far as future travels. I look forward to them now :) Thank you, thank you , and what's more thank you :D xxx
Lea Cav so pleasing to hear! More power to you.... but be careful, so times these gains can change other things in your life, form the positive! Best, Les
This is by far the best video I've seen on the issue. I am a flight attendant looking to help my son who has various anxiety triggers, flying being a big one for him. Thank you for sharing your work with the public, Les!
Nice to hear from you and gratitude for your complimentary remarks! Happy Landings!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your series of videos on "Fear of flight" dealing with... were a huge help for me! I hadn't been on an airplane from 01/2008 until 08/2022 due to an unpleasant flight I had back then. Watching lots of videos on the subject (but particularly yours) made me board on a plane and since that day I have travelled another 9 times on one! The last one was 2 days ago and I didn't even think about it! I was taking pictures and shooting videos all the time! :D
To every nervous flyer out there: "Fear no more! Flight is safe, turbulence is annoying but practically nothing more"
On my last flight we hit some turbulence and I found that playing rock music and jamming along with it helped me more than anything
It really works! When I can't access music I will sing the song quietly and groove and even that works.
hello! i just wanted you to know that this video has singlehandedly cured my childhood fear of flying. as a kid and growing up, ive always struggled with anxiety attacks on board due to my fear. by the second flight of doing this technique, i was already enjoying myself! because of this video, i can actually now see myself travelling across the globe and i have so many more opportunities to do so now. thank you so, so much.
@@TheLela5631 that’s great! Keep practising, and even leaning into the turbulence. One day you’ll say to it, “hey, is that all you’ve got? Bring it on - I’m ready for you, and I know what to do!”
I commented on the other video but want to add it here too; Les, your videos helped me overcome my flight anxiety overnight! Our 14 hour flight had some big bumps but I wasn’t scared at all because I kept my hands on my thighs and kept my own beat. By the end of the flight, I didn’t even need to imagine music, I just let the turbulence go through me. Amazing videos and thank you Les! I feel so liberated!
Just returned home from Disney. First time I’ve flown. Your videos helped me through the anxiety of flying. I was nervous up to the point of take off. Once we were up and I was able to recognize the noises and what was happening around me, I was good. Thank you for your videos.
Michael Howey you’re really welcome! Keep your hours up with more flights on different aircraft types.
Thanks a lot, mate. Preparing for a long haul. Determind not to panic on flight.
As a nervous flyer who'll get on a plane but wish to be off it for the entire flight, this was an incredibly helpful video. The mantra 'I am uncomfortable but I am safe' recognises that not everyone enjoys the sensations of turbulence, but that you don't have to let discomfort lead to panic. I don't know if I'm quite at the stage where I enjoy flying (yet) but I'm certainly more relaxed on board, which is a huge improvement for me. Thank you for putting out these videos - they're very much appreciated!
How do you NOT have more likes?!? This video is amazingly helpful. I’ve her. Reading the book soar by captain Tom bunn and my nerves are off the charts. It’s a good book but so far not as much help as this video. Thank you! I have flown from Africa to Europe every couple months. We brought our new foster sons on a trip and the oldest FLIPPED when turbulence hit. His fear was palpable. On the way back I made my husband sit with him. Ever since it’s as though something jumped off of him and In to me Because I HAVE unnatural terror now with any bumps. Never had before! Doesn’t help that the last three flights had such bad bumps (thanks spirit airlines pilot) that a lady was bumped off the toilet in to the aisle and a suitcase came out of luggage holder. I swore I was going to die.
Thank you for the video. My days of flying are coming to an end but I pray this works.
Ps. My
Main fear is pilot error with turbulence, not the actual bumps. So I may never get over my fear
Ta for your positive comments. Why so few views? Don’t know, but there is work to do suggested in my videos, and no quick fixes. That perhaps puts people off. Re pilots and turbulence. Not much to do except make sure cabin crew is seated, and all pax have safety belts on. Then monitor weather radar looking for any useful route changes and listening to other aircraft in the vicinity reporting weather conditions. More serious for pilots is decompression at altitude requiring well rehearsed actions. Nowadays an unlikely event in a career of flying but one sure to be thrown at pilots in the simulator every six months.
Len, I can’t thank you enough. I listened and watched your videos because I am super afraid of turbulence and after your explanation I was able to fly with no fear. I started dancing in my seat once turbulence hit and reciting your mantra example “turbulence is uncomfortable but is not unsafe” I was able to conquered my fear!! I already told all my friends about your video and explanation. I want everyone to watch it. Thank you! Thank you!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! My hat goes off to you!!!!!
That’s great to hear! I’m guessing you reversed what you ordinarily had been doing and applied some “new learning”. This helps to extinguish a fear response in places it’s not needed.
Do keep practising though, as new learning can be quite fragile until it becomes old or automatic learning. So grab some TH-cam videos of takeoffs and inflight activities and have a friend gently shake you seat while you practise. Especially so in the days before another flight. Don’t take this success for granted. Your fear response mechanisms require consistent teaching that when it comes to flying they can be tamed and put in their proper place. Good luck and more happy landings to come!
@@lesposen thank you for taking the time to reply back to me! I will continue practicing!
I really LOVE your videos, thank you SO SO MUCH
Thank you so much! I'm comtemplating on going to Hungary next year from Australia and watching your videos are making me feel more confident with my decision not spend the two long flights in a perpetual hightend state of fear.
I hope you'll like it here.
Thank you for such wonderful videos. I'm flying from the USA to France in a few days and your videos helped me.
Matthew Talbot hey :) how did it go?
Nexzar his lack of response makes me wonder if his plane crashed ;-)
Thanks alot for this video, you are explaining very well and putting my mind at ease. Im flying to see my long distance girlfriend in a few months and its a 15 hour ride with 1 stop in between so im quite nervous and have all kinds of disaster scenarios coming and going in my mind.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Loved this video. So incredibly helpful and real. I don't to want to distract myself, I want to be in the present and appreciate your advice and guidance in talking about that.
Thank you, Mr. Posen. I'm flying tomorrow for the first time in years. Will use these techniques. The knowledge and clear explanations are great. You break all of this down as well as anyone.
Thanks. Hopefully you'll apply what you've learnt and change the way you fly and anticipate you'll fly.
@@lesposen So just an update for Mr Posen and everyone contributing to and reading this comment section. I flew from New York to Los Angeles and back. The knowledge and techniques that Mr Posen gives helped a lot. The understanding of the takeoff process took away the panic I used to feel with that. The concept of turbulence as being uncomfortable but not unsafe helped me when the plane shimmied a bit at some points. There is another great video where he puts a plane in a container of jello to illustrate how it manages turbulence without disaster which I recommend for anyone who hasn't seen it. I kept that in mind during slight, mild bumps. I made my playlist and that helped me during higher level movements. Overall, my flights were smooth and not that scary anyway. But these ideas helped keep me from freaking out in any uncomfortable moments and expecting the worst. Thanks again Les Posen!
Wow… this video is the best.. you broke thus down so clearly with a soothing and reassuring voice. You really challenged my brain to stop seeing a threat in flying. Thank you so much!
@@User-uo3zg hey, you’re most welcome (he said in soothing voice)!
This video helped me have a good flight in March to go on business! I am flying back today and here for a reminder. Really appreciate this content.
Thank you, this is the first videos I have found about overcoming fear of flying that are actually useful. Thank you again!! ❤
Jekaterina Saprikina you’re very welcome!
Excellent video. I have traveled internationally for work for over 40 years and I developed my playlist that I call “Happy,” because the first song is “Happy” from the movie Despicable Me 2. As it turns out the playlist does cause me to imagine moving, even though it might only be my foot and hand that’s moving to the beat. I like even at take off because it puts me at ease and relaxes me. I’ll have to also try breathing and hand positions on my next flight which will be to Argentina from LAX.
Thank you very much for your videos, mr. Posen. I tried your technique with dancing during yesteday's flight and it really helped me. Thank you!
Two years later I am watching your video for my flight tomorrow... Working hard to not have panic attacks while flying and going back to enjoying this experience...
Yes, just associate the flight with good times if you can and the panicky feelings are like an airport tax or landing fee. Brief and temporary but essentially not harmful.
I have very bad anxiety during flights and now I got a job in a different city so I'll have to fly a lot like multiple times a month! My first flight is in two weeks and I've been searching for ways to get over my fear and your vids are making me so much calm and accepting of the flights. I'll surely apply what you said and I have a positive feeling that I'll get over this stupid fear. Thank you in advance
How did it go ? I also try to avoid to fly for my company because it is not 'my choice'. I know it is ridiculous and I loose many opportunities because of that. Turbulence is really completely alienating me from travelling and have a much better life.
Thank you
I divert my thinking to tell myself its just another flight same as the other 5000 flights happening today
@@darrenm1905 actually at any one time, there are more than 13,000 commercial flights in the air and on the ground, making their way to and from.
@@lesposenover a million people in the air
You are seriously an angel.....thank you thank thank you
Venia Hill you’re very welcome. Take a look at some of the other videos I’ve made which might be useful too, and share with friends!
Les Posen I have. Your video on what happens after take off explaining the angle change and the slow down in speed is actually what has me flying again after years of not flying. I think I am cured because turbulence doesn’t bother me too much but that feeling of falling after take off was my real problem. And you put it so logically and scientifically but used humor that it actually cured me of that fear. I am willing to fly again. When you showed the model airplane dropping down hilariously it resonated with me and almost instantaneously cured me. I cannot thank you enough. And I DEFINITELY will be sharing.
@@veniahill4026 Venia, did you fly again ? I am in the same situation, love the videos and other stuff but I hate being in the clouds and the plane shaking ... I need to fly again ! Gimme hope ! ;)
@@nonokbh lol yes I did and I lived to tell about it lol actually flew a few more times. I realized a lot of my anxiety was due to right after take off when the plane is at its busiest. Once I researched and realized everything it does to obtain it’s cruise altitude I almost felt like a fool. I researched enough to know that turbulence rarely if ever causes damage. So I’m ok with the bumps during the flight. And once we start descending and I see actual land I also know that the plane can coast the whole way down without any engines so I’m kind of ok. Hope that helps 🥰
Why am I watching this, I'm not even scared in a plane
Maybe you have a friend who could find it useful, and thank you for the heads up?
@@lesposen I just found your voice to be very relaxing lol
Thank you once again for such an amazing understanding Les, flying again for the 5th time this year on the 6th of mayb
Thanks for your videos, they're really helpful and this one in particular I hope will help me. I fly sometimes, usually alone, so I believe it's safe, but I dread it and I spend the flight in high anxiety even when I logically know it's fine, even when the flight is smooth. When there are any bumps I feel ill with anxiety. I'll try your technique next time and I will also check out those videos. I want to beat my fear. I only wish you had appointments in Scotland, not Australia, so I could get more help! It's frustrating being so scared.
You are a legend 🎉
Hey Len.I love travelling but no matter how many times I fly I just cannot overcome my fear..I look like that meerkat throughout the flight! I have done long haul flights where I have fallen asleep only because I was so exhausted from panicking throughout.Just recently went on a two hour flight during which we had to return to base after an hour due to loss of cabin pressure, anxiety right up there again thinking about what could have happened etc.I appreciate your video so much,thank you for the insight and the tips!Regards from SA.
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much!!
Thank you Les Posen.
Thank you for video.
I don't think I've ever being excited to fly in the near future.. i just wanna bounch around with this happy music and see if that works 😅
Practise at home first. Put on some takeoff, Climb out videos from TH-cam, sound loud, and have someone rattle you chair while playing your music. Get used to grabbing your music player, ear buds and starting your music without rushing or panicking. Do it everyday before your flight, and even practise at the gate. Then put it away, ride it out on board until you think it would be good practise on board - then see if its effective. You’re letting the plane do what it does (safely fly in turb) while you independently manage yourself.
Brilliant - thank you I will try all you suggest I have got better but any help is great! Flying to NZ in 3 weeks from the UK and this will be very useful advice. I have done these flights before on my own but always dislike the turbulence.
Thanks so much for your help!
First time here and loved your talent to explain and give us tools to handle our fears. Be blessed !
Thanks and welcome
This is soo helpful to me.
Thank you.
this is much better than ASMR.
Thank you so so much!!!!! Really appreciate this.
You are so welcome!
Inner Merecat!!! LOl perfect analogy
I love videos like this. They help a whole lot. Great job!!!!
Isaac West thanks, I enjoy getting useful feedback. Please let me know if you or any friends applied any of the video's ideas on flights...
@@lesposen your welcome. Actually I'm about to fly to Virginia on Thanksgiving morning and i hope your tips will help me get through it. Thank you sir.
Isaac West well, you’re flying on one of the busiest flying days in the USA as you probably know. That means something I’ve not yet included in my videos: handling queues, crowding and delays. All of which can be compounded by weather and mechanical issues. The more you have a plan to handle these expected and any unexpected hiccups, the less anxiety provoking will be the flight. It’s when getting into your seat feels like a relief than a source of anxiety!
@@lesposen i completely understand that 100%. What i forgot to mention to u was that in the previous 4 times that I've flown, only one of them left on time, the other three was delayed up to a hour on each for weather purposes. By the way,the only time a flight left on time was in 2004 when i went from Chicago to san Francisco.
nice dance moves!
wow my heart rates were raised just now picturing take off just listening to your narration. I have used the exact opposite approach - (calming, avoiding and shutting it all out), my mantra is buddist's and just praying to give me strength or even to make things smoother. After watching this video I totally understand your suggestion, grab back the controls... (and I know how to fly a commercial plane btw but still can't stand turbies). Well I will let you know if it all works out at end of my Autumn trip. Thanks a bunch! I might bring a small jelly pop as a reminder!
Raymond Shih you have to ask if your current methods are working. If not perhaps there’s room to experiment with another way forward, even if it seems superficially more dangerous. Leaning into your anxiety rather than avoiding the discomfort is the best way to recalibrate your threat response. Let’s hear how it goes.
Les , You are my number 1 here. No doubt. I wish I could meet you for 101 talk. Please let me know if you ever come to USA . I will take a train, bike, boat , car , bus , skate board to meet with you or to participate of your meetings. Thank you .
Thanks for the warm remarks! Helps make the hours spend between sessions recording and editing worthwhile knowing subscribers find not helpful!
Not sure if you're going to see this comment at this late date, but I fly a lot of long haul flights, and I was a white knuckler. Until I figured out for myself do not take the window seat so I could see everything and falsely feel like I was in control. Instead I take an aisle seat where I know i have much more freedom. On take off, I close my eyes, and ride the ride and it's wonderful. During the flight, I will position myself like I am sleeping on my back, hat over my eyes, and blanket on my chest. In all candor, if I'm flying 9 plus hours I take a valium and maybe have a drink but that's with doc's pemission. I eat my dinner, socialize with my seat mate if they are into it. Otherwise, I sleep as much as possible. I've trained myself at this point where I have literally woken up to use the Lav, thinking I'm in my bed at home....what helped me? A US flyer from the Viet Nam era who, while being shot at, told me flying is the best place to be in the entire war. Second he got on the plane, he used it as an opportunity to rest, and to not fight turbulence, but to go with it and use it like baby that gets rocked to sleep....
“Trained myself” is they key here. You had to apply some ideas from an authoritative source who truly confronted fear. And now you have sufficient evidence that it works for you. More power to you!
Hi Les! I really like your approach and the practical guidance you provide in this video and others. My wife and I have travelled for many years but over time I've become more and more intolerant of turbulence to the point that in the last few years, I've nearly canceled multiple vacations just prior to departure. I'm sure that 'not flying' for a year due to the pandemic didn't help anything, either. Anyhow, we have a trip coming up next week which involves 4 flights round trip and I will do my best to employ your suggestions. Thanks ; ) Do you do 1 on 1 sessions via internet?
Hi Robert, I think many people are in the same post-pandemic frame, even some of my patients from years ago who have not had the recent opportunity to "keep their hours up". Can certainly organise a session over Zoom to help clarify some ideas and suggest some pre-flight practice to better prepare you. Email me with some further background, the schedule of your flights, and suggest three or so dates/times in the next little while (Les(at)lesposen.com), and do note I am GMT+11 hours currently, eg, 2:15pm Tuesday here is 10.15PM Monday in NYC.
I really don’t know if I can get back on a plain. I had a anxiety/panic attack to the point where I was crying.
A lot of people feel that way when they first come to see me. There's no rush - unless you HAVE to be somewhere soon and flying is the only way to get there. A first task is to separate out your fear of having another panic episode from whether you think flying itself is dangerous. In which case, you might want to seek assistance through self-guidance books and videos, or from a psychologist to work with your management of panic. See if you can find someone who will take a neuroscience-informed approach rather than one who wishes to spend hours reviewing childhood history and family dynamics. This can be interesting if there is no apparent source of panic, but when it's tied to a specific situation like flying, better to look at what's currently maintaining your avoidance behaviours.
Today, 3 hours later, I will fly. I hope these techniques work 😅
Every time you get in your car there is a 1 in 8000 chance you’ll die in a car accident (depending on where you live). Every time you get on a plane there is a 1 in 11,000,000 chance of dying.
I just hate that sinking falling feeling that sometimes happens
See if you can covert that feeling into respect for your body and it’s evolved cleverness to protect you from perceived threats, like falling off cliffs or out of trees,. If you keep using hate you can perpetuate your fear response when it’s not needed.
@@lesposen yeah when we were flying into Maui the downdrafts I think they are called were bad the shakiness doesn't bother me alot but when the plane feels like it rapidly descends my heart races. Like how the wind makes it feel like the plan suddenly drops or rises fast.
@@BIGALIENSHAFT I have another video where i show you what to do with you hands and music!
Come to think of it turbulence it’d like a bumpy car ride and trains have bumps to boats have bumps With waves any veacheal goes through bumps or turbulence
Matthew Gregory “veacheal” = vehicle/vessel? Bumps in the road can be a useful analogy for some people, like my plane in jelly model
It's very different being in the air... Even if you want to you can't think about these things when you are in the air
Our unconscious mind cannot process the negative form of a sentence... Might be more effective to say "Turbulence might be uncomfortable but it is safe" ^_^
I wish this guy would turn off his notification sounds.
The 2-3 minutes of take off is the scariest for me…not turbulence.
It is certainly one of significant change. From taxiing at 25 mph to accelerating like a Ferrari with lots of noise and vibration, accompanied by dips and rolls during initial climb out. Lots to absorb and understand. I have a video up which explains some if this. Check it out.
Crunch
LES POSEN FAPS lol
For Aussies who wonder why this comment is "lol", it's because to juvenile Americans, FAP is slang for masturbation. It's amusing until you turn 25, then it's just embarrassing...
What a nice daddy 😋