Blog Post #4: The Gift of Meditation- A Life-Changing Journey
In 2009, at the age of 30, I stumbled upon one of the most extraordinary gifts I could have ever given myself—Transcendental Meditation (TM). This profound practice, acquired at no cost to me thanks to a grant from the David Lynch Foundation to the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), has been nothing short of life-altering. As I reflect on my life, I realize just how essential this tool has become as I now embrace my 44th year of existence.
The Serendipitous Discovery
The path to meditation wasn't one I actively sought; rather, it serendipitously found its way into my life. SFUSD, where I was working at the time, received a grant from the David Lynch Foundation to provide TM training to its staff. Little did I know that this opportunity would become a transformative force in my life.
The Profound Impact
Meditation has been my daily anchor for nearly a decade and a half now. It’s a practice that has seen me through the highs and lows of life’s roller coaster—guiding me through personal struggles, health challenges, and major transitions. Around the same time I learned how to meditate, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. The stress of that diagnosis, along with the uncertainty of how it would impact my future, was overwhelming. But meditation became a powerful tool in managing my symptoms, reducing stress-related flare-ups, and ultimately helping me stay in remission for years.
That period of my life was one of immense change—not just in terms of health but in every aspect. I had recently moved back to my hometown city, was navigating a significant career shift, and was also trying to start a family, which came with its own set of emotional challenges, including a couple of miscarriages. The emotional weight of it all could have easily knocked me down, but meditation continually gave me an internal steadiness that helped me navigate those difficult moments with more resilience and self-compassion.
From becoming a parent to adapting to career changes and even weathering the storm of a global pandemic, meditation has been my steadfast companion. It has been the foundation of my well-being, my ability to adapt, and my continued belief in the power of mindfulness. In no particular order of importance, here are some ways learning to meditate was one of the best things in my life.
1. Emotional Equilibrium: Meditation has bestowed upon me one of its most profound gifts: emotional balance. It's astonishing how this seemingly simple technique has the power to calm even the most turbulent waters of the mind. When life throws unexpected curveballs my way, I instinctively turn to my mantra to find my center, and it unfailingly provides solace.
Moreover, meditation serves as the invaluable tool I use to recharge my energy levels. When I'm feeling depleted, much like a parched sponge at the end of a scorching day, meditation comes to my rescue. Without fail, it refills my energy cup, revitalizing me each and every time. This dependable practice has become something I eagerly anticipate and rely on daily.
2. Enhanced Resilience: Meditation has equipped me with an enhanced ability to bounce back from life's challenges. It's like having an innerspring of resilience that helps me tackle obstacles with a renewed sense of strength and clarity. Closing my eyes and letting myself drift into meditation, provides such a huge sense of security. Not only do I feel calmer, but always more able to handle whatever is coming towards me.
3. Parenting Peacefully: Parenting is a beautiful and demanding journey. Meditation has helped me approach it with greater patience, understanding, and presence. I would highly recommend starting a meditation practice to new parents as this has undoubtedly been one of my best tools to rely on when needing more inner strength, rest, tranquility, hope and ability to manage the multitude of responsibilities involved in parenting.
4. Job Changes and Adaptation: Career shifts can indeed be a source of significant stress. Since 2019, I've experienced five distinct career shifts. Throughout this journey, meditation has remained my steadfast anchor, providing me with the adaptability and unwavering focus needed to navigate these transitions gracefully.
As I've ventured into the expansive and often challenging world of entrepreneurship, I find myself particularly thankful for the practice of meditation. It has become an essential tool that continues to serve me well in this new and exciting phase of my career.
5. Pandemic Companion: Amidst the overwhelming uncertainty that gripped the world during the pandemic, meditation emerged as my daily sanctuary. It provided me with not only stability and grounding but also the essential mental clarity required to confront each day with a renewed sense of purpose.
In fact, I found myself recommitting wholeheartedly to my practice, diligently engaging in twice-daily meditations since the spring of 2020. This steadfast commitment has been a lifeline, helping me navigate the challenges and uncertainties of those turbulent times with resilience and grace.
Conclusion
As I celebrate 15 years of meditation, I feel immense gratitude for that unexpected opportunity in 2009. Learning Transcendental Meditation didn’t just change my life—it became the foundation for my own unique approach to teaching meditation. Over the years, I’ve developed a mantra-based technique that makes meditation accessible, energizing, and deeply personal. It’s a method I now love sharing, whether with kids, teens, or adults, helping them discover how a simple practice can bring profound calm, clarity, and resilience.
I wholeheartedly believe that the more people who meditate, the better the world will be. Teaching this practice—especially to the next generation—feels like my purpose. Whether you’re meditation-curious or already practicing, I encourage you to explore this life-changing tool.
