I never thought sitting still for even five minutes would have any effect on my life. In fact, I used to believe meditation was only for monks or spiritual gurus. But a few years ago, when life felt overwhelming and nothing else seemed to help, I decided to give it a try. Today, daily meditation has become one of the most powerful habits in my routine.
The Beginning of My Journey
My journey with meditation actually began in 2015. That was the year I started reading about meditation and spiritual practices. My first introduction came through the books of Deepak Chopra. His words opened up a whole new way of looking at life, and I felt drawn to explore more. In the beginning, my practice was inconsistent—on and off. But something inside me knew this path was important.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
In 2017, I became serious about meditation. I had to. My underlying neurological condition, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), made many things in life difficult—including sitting for long periods. But instead of letting that stop me, I adapted. I found ways to meditate in shorter durations or while lying down. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine.
Inspired by Vipassana
In 2019, one of my close friends went for a Vipassana retreat and later shared his experience with me. I was truly amazed by his stories—how the silence, the discipline, and the inner cleansing had impacted him. I could even see a certain freshness on his face that wasn’t there before. Naturally, I too felt inspired to experience Vipassana. Unfortunately, due to my health restrictions, I couldn’t participate in the traditional practice at the centre.
Creating my own Vipassana
So, I made a decision: I would try to replicate the process at home, at least a part of it. I started searching for Vipassana videos by S. N. Goenka and began practising Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing)—the observation of breath. I started with just five minutes every day and gradually increased the duration. Eventually, I reached 20 minutes a day, and it became a quiet yet powerful part of my routine.
Vow of Silence
Though I couldn’t fully replicate the Vipassana practice, I took a bold step—I decided to observe a vow of silence for 11 days. Can you imagine? Eleven days of complete silence in this busy, noisy world where it’s hard to remain quiet even for five minutes. But I did it. And I must tell you, it did magic for me. The first 2-3 days were really difficult. My mind raced, and I struggled with the silence. But slowly, something shifted. I began to enjoy the stillness, the absence of noise, and the way my thoughts started to settle. That experience gave me a glimpse of inner peace I had never known before.
Lockdown and Deep Practice
Soon after, the world was struck by COVID-19, followed by lockdowns. While it was a challenging time for many, I saw it as a rare opportunity. I made a resolution—to clock 108 hours of meditation in a single month. It was ambitious, but I was determined. Every session added a new layer to my understanding, helping me stay grounded amidst the chaos outside.
Breakthroughs and Inner Shift
This is the time the real magic happened. Every day, I meditated for 4–5 hours with small breaks. There were even a few days where I clocked 4 hours and 50 minutes in a single sitting. My smartwatch once recorded a pulse drop to 30 bpm during one of these deep meditative states. I successfully completed my 108-hour challenge. And since then, my outlook towards the world completely changed. I have recorded my everyday post-meditation experiences during this phase, which I will share some other time.
A Daily Ritual
Since then, I have committed myself to a consistent practice. Now, I meditate for 40 minutes every single day—and I haven’t missed a day in the last five years. This daily practice has become the anchor of my life.
I created a simple routine inspired by Vipassana—longer silent sittings, conscious observation of sensations, and most importantly, a non-judgmental awareness of my thoughts. Though it wasn’t the full experience, it brought a deep sense of clarity and calm into my life.
Small Steps – Big Difference
I started small. Just two minutes a day. I would sit quietly, close my eyes, and focus on my breath. At first, it felt pointless. My mind wandered all over the place. But I kept showing up. Slowly, two minutes became five, and then ten.
First Visible Changes
The first change I noticed was in my sleep. I began to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. Then, I started reacting less to small things that used to irritate me. A missed call, a traffic jam, or even an argument didn’t disturb my peace as much as before.
Now, I wake up fresh every day with a sleep score of 90 plus. Meditation, along with mindful living, helped me reverse my type 2 diabetes. I’ve become more disciplined in my habits and much more aware of the subtle nuances in my life. It has significantly boosted my willpower and made me more mindful in everything I do.
Remarkable Transformation
When the lockdown finally ended and I began meeting people again, many of my friends noticed a remarkable change in me. They said there was a glow on my face and a calmness in my demeanour that wasn’t there before. Some even said I looked younger and more energetic than ever. Hearing that felt rewarding—not for vanity’s sake, but because it reflected the inner transformation I had gone through.
Learning Continues
I still read many books on meditation and mindfulness, which continue to inspire me and deepen my understanding of these practices. Each book adds something new—be it a fresh perspective, a technique, or simply a reminder of why this path is so important to me.
Greatest Lesson of my Life
What meditation really taught me is to be present. It helped me become aware of my thoughts without getting lost in them. I began to notice when I was being too harsh on myself or when anxiety was creeping in. Instead of panicking, I learned to breathe through it.
Now, meditation is not just a practice—it’s like a friend I turn to every day. Sometimes I do guided meditations; other times I just sit in silence. I’ve even created a small corner in my room. That little space feels sacred.
Start Practicing Meditation
You don’t need to be perfect at it. Some days are peaceful, some are restless. But every single session brings me closer to myself.
If you’re reading this and thinking about trying meditation, I say go for it. Start with just two minutes. Be kind to yourself. Let it be your time. In a world full of noise, finding silence within is a gift we all deserve.
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Thank you for sharing your experience of meditation with the world🙏