Chapter 1: Awakening to Meditation

A few years back, I had no familiarity with meditation. Like many, I thought it was merely about closing your eyes and perhaps some occasional chanting. It appeared to be a soothing and delightful experience, which piqued my interest. Eager to explore, I enrolled in classes at a local studio. After attending a few sessions, something unexpected happened.

One morning, I awoke feeling completely invigorated. I went through my morning routine—getting dressed, applying makeup, and packing my bags. My lunch was already prepared, and I headed downstairs.

My husband was on the couch, absorbed in a TV show. I was bewildered because I had woken up early for work, around 6:00 AM. Why was he up at this hour? What could he possibly be watching?

He looked puzzled when he noticed me. I informed him I was getting ready for work, and he replied, “At 11:00 PM?”

Confused, I glanced at the clock. To my surprise, it was indeed 11:00 PM! I had mistaken the time, thinking it was morning!

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I was utterly perplexed. Somehow, I had felt as if I had slept through the entire night and was prepared for a new day. I felt fantastic, so well-rested. I returned to bed, wondering if my meditation practice was impacting my mental state. After discussing this with my instructor, I realized that perhaps the meditation had facilitated a deeper, more restorative sleep.

It felt like a few hours of slumber had equated to eight hours of rest! It was astonishing—something I had never experienced before. Typically, I would begin my mornings feeling groggy and drained.

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My introduction to meditation began with yoga. A few years back, I was in a rough place, desperately seeking change. Yoga caught my attention, and I dove right in. The studio also offered meditation classes, and I thought, why not? Since I was already there for yoga, I figured it couldn’t hurt to give meditation a shot.

The first class felt unusual. We were a small group of four, including the instructor. She provided us with notes and shared insights about the practice, encouraging us to accept our wandering thoughts instead of resisting them.

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She explained that trying to suppress thoughts could lead to stress. Instead, we should observe our thoughts without judgment, allowing them to drift by like clouds. It was akin to an out-of-body experience, where you simply watch without interfering. Initially, I struggled against my racing thoughts, but I focused on my breath and the flickering candle in front of me.

Over time, the experience became more enjoyable, leading me to a unique state of consciousness—one that felt like being on the verge of sleep but not quite there. It was a blissful and relaxing sensation, making me wish to stay in that moment forever. When the instructor rang her bell to signal the end of the session, I was startled back to reality, feeling profoundly relaxed.

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I still ponder what transpired that night. It seems meditation has subtly transformed my mental health for the better. Although I have concluded my formal sessions, I strive to meditate daily and encourage others to weave it into their lives. Sharing my story is my way of inspiring others to embrace this practice.

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Chapter 2: The Science Behind Meditation

In the first video titled I Meditated 1 Hour Every Day for 30 Days, the creator shares their transformative journey of committing to daily meditation and its impacts on their life.

The second video, How 6 Weeks Of Meditation Can Literally Change The Brain, delves into the scientific findings surrounding meditation's effects on the brain, showcasing its potential benefits.