Dear Amanda,

I am very passionate about following a spiritual path in life, but every time I attend a meditation class, I am accosted by fear. In the meditation, I feel surrounded by darkness. I can’t breathe, and I feel as if I am being buried alive. I have had to leave the class several times due to panic attacks.

Not only is it confusing and embarrassing, but it is holding me back from exploring new levels of energy and personal growth. My friends and family think

I’m crazy and should give up, but my soul feels empty. Am I not supposed to work on this in this lifetime?