Embarking on a journey of meditation isn't just about sitting cross-legged and humming 'om' – it's a powerful tool for navigating life's choppy waters. Recommended by my therapist, and reaffirmed by my close friends and family, meditation has helped me as I grappled with the overwhelming grief of losing my mother. Little did I know, this ancient practice would become my compass through the storm, guiding me back to calmer waters. Here’s how I became a “Beleafer” in the practice of daily meditation.

Initial Resistance: Doubts and Tensions

Now, don't get me wrong – I wasn't exactly jumping for joy at the idea of meditation initially. The notion of sitting still and quiet seemed about as appealing as watching paint dry. I couldn't fathom how simply being present in the moment could possibly alleviate the weight of my grief and anxiety. At that time, I was wound up tighter than a coil spring, easily triggered by the smallest of disturbances. My self-esteem had taken a nosedive, leaving me feeling unworthy of any semblance of positivity. Yet, it was precisely within the stillness of meditation that I found the courage to confront these feelings head-on. As I delved deeper into my practice, I unearthed layers of guilt, self-doubt, and unworthiness, and began dismantling them over time.

Unraveling the Knots: Confronting Guilt and Self-Doubt

One of its greatest gifts is its ability to pull us out of the grips of fight or flight mode. When grief had me stuck in a perpetual state of high alert, meditation taught me to hit the brakes on that primal response. With each breath, I found myself easing out of survival mode and into a space that felt safe. Beyond taming the wild stallion of fight or flight, meditation became my safe harbor for navigating the choppy seas of grief. Loss can unleash a whirlwind of emotions – anger, sadness, confusion – threatening to sweep us away. Yet, in the stillness of meditation, I discovered a sanctuary to acknowledge and embrace these feelings with compassion, rather than resistance.

What's truly remarkable about meditation is its transformative power over our mindset. Through consistent practice, I witnessed a shift in how I perceived and responded to challenges. What once felt like insurmountable obstacles now appeared as mere bumps in the road. At first, sitting still, there would be a flood of thoughts that would overwhelmed me. I often in the beginning would randomly burst out crying. But releasing those emotions is what allowed my body to heal and move forward. Over time my thoughts began to become less chaotic and I looked forward to meditating. Even if it was just for 5 minutes at a time. Meditation instilled in me a deep sense of inner peace and resilience, reminding me that I possessed the strength to overcome the things that I doubted about myself.

Encouragement: Embracing Meditation as a Tool for Healing

Moreover, meditation isn't just a solo journey; it's a practice that ripples outwards, impacting every facet of our lives. As I cultivated a sense of calm within myself, I noticed a ripple effect in my relationships, work, and overall well-being. I became more patient, empathetic, and present in my interactions, fostering deeper connections with those around me.

As I reflect on my journey with meditation, I realize that while I'm still navigating many personal storms, some of which seem more daunting than others, the impact and progress I've witnessed are truly remarkable. In just a year since my mother's passing, my perspective has undergone a profound transformation. What once felt like an insurmountable mountain of grief and anxiety now appears more manageable, thanks to the healing power of meditation. It has become my steadfast companion, helping me confront new challenges as they arise. I encourage anyone grappling with stress, anxiety, or grief to embrace meditation as a tool for healing and growth. It's not a quick fix or a magic wand, but with consistent practice, the peace and clarity it brings become more accessible. Just like with physical exercise, if you keep at it, eventually, you'll touch your toes without breaking a sweat. Similarly, with meditation, the journey towards inner peace and clarity becomes smoother with each mindful breath.

Take a moment for yourself today and begin your journey of positive change.