Meditation is more than just a tool for relaxation. For those of us who have been practicing for years, it becomes a way of life, a source of strength, and a path to deep inner peace. Today, I want to share my journey with you, starting from when I first discovered meditation at the age of 17, and how it has helped me navigate life’s toughest challenges.
My Journey into Meditation
At 17, I was full of typical teenage angst and uncertainty. School pressures, social dynamics, and looming decisions about the future weighed heavily on me. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to enroll in a 10-day meditation course in India. I had heard about its transformative power and was curious to see if it could help me find some clarity.
The Initial Struggle
The first few days were incredibly challenging. My mind was restless and distracted, constantly racing with thoughts. I felt an intense urge to leave and return home. Sitting still for hours on end felt like torture. But then, on the third day, my teacher asked me a simple yet profound question: “There must be a reason why you are here. Ask yourself, why?”
Finding My Why
This question struck a chord with me. I began a deeper inquiry within myself, searching for the reason I had chosen to embark on this journey. Why had I come here? What was I seeking? As I pondered these questions, I realized I was looking for a way to cope with life’s challenges, to find a sense of peace and balance. With this newfound clarity, I decided to stay and complete the 10-day course. I committed to discovering my “why” and seeing where this journey would take me.
Discovering Inner Peace
By the fourth day, something shifted. Amidst the chaos of my mind, I found a very quiet place within myself. It was a place of contentment, a refuge from the turmoil of everyday life. As I continued to practice, this sense of peace grew stronger.
By the eighth day, I felt more peaceful than I had in years. My mind was calmer, and a serene energy enveloped me. The physical and emotional tension I had been carrying began to dissolve. I experienced a profound sense of well-being and clarity.
The Power of the Present Moment
One of the most profound lessons meditation taught me is the power of the present moment. So often, we are caught up in the past or anxious about the future. Meditation brings us back to the now, to the breath, to the simplicity of just being.
In my most challenging times, this lesson has been invaluable. During a particularly stressful period at work, when the pressure seemed unmanageable, I reminded myself to breathe, to focus on the present moment. Instead of being overwhelmed by the entirety of the situation, I took it one breath at a time, one moment at a time. This shift in perspective made all the difference.
My Journey as a Meditation Teacher
Today, I am a meditation teacher, I teach weekly live classes. I am very passionate about sharing these transformative techniques with others. Bringing the wisdom and practices I learned in India to the West has become my life’s purpose. I believe that finding inner peace and clarity is possible for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I am humbled by the opportunity to guide others on their own meditation journeys, helping them discover the same sense of balance and tranquility that has profoundly impacted my life. My goal is to create a space where people can explore their inner worlds, release emotional baggage, and connect with the present moment.
Meditation is not a magic pill that makes problems disappear. Rather, it is a practice that equips us with the tools to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. It helps us stay balanced, release emotional baggage, and harness the power of the present moment.
If you’re already familiar with the basics of meditation, I encourage you to explore these deeper aspects. Let meditation be your companion through life’s journey, guiding you towards inner peace and strength. Remember, it’s not about escaping life’s challenges but about facing them with a calm, centered mind and an open heart.
Thank you for letting me share my story. May your meditation practice bring you the balance and peace that it has brought me.
Love and light,
Manali