4 years of Transcendental (Vedic) Meditation. 2200+ sessions later.
5 life-changing benefits of meditation
“Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are.” – Ani Pema Chodron
Hey Friend!
I'm celebrating my completion of over 2200+ meditation sessions. It's been quite a journey since I first entered the Transcendental Meditation Center and received my mantra four years ago. During a coffee catch-up, a friend suggested I try the practice to get attuned to my inner guidance. He thought it would help me gain clarity on my next career move. After the first six weeks, some lingering burnout symptoms I was experiencing disappeared, and the world seemed more vibrant. This feeling of bliss motivated me to commit long-term. It became the bedrock of my wellness journey.
I currently meditate twice a day for 30 minutes each session. Making time each morning for this grounding practice is vital in supporting how I show up for the rest of my day. Here are five key benefits I gained from meditation.
A stronger sense of confidence and command over my daily activities
Meditation is my morning non-negotiable. No messages, no emails, no articles, no radio or TV are allowed before my meditation session. Years ago, I developed the habit of waking up and grabbing my phone to check messages and emails first thing in the morning. In hindsight, I see how much of a negative impact that had on my mood and thought process throughout the day. The practice is grounding and prepares me to command the day's events with confidence versus being dragged by the foreseen and unforeseen.
Chipping away at the ego
An unintended consequence of meditating was the chipping away at my ego and its egoic desires. The practice brought me closer to my authentic self and helped me reassess my definition of success. I felt at odds with some of the goals I desired in my early adulthood. I appreciate beautiful and high-quality things, but I've become more intentional with what I purchase.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”- Carl Jung
Awareness of my shadows
Meditation served as my gateway to shadow work. The shadow self, coined by Psychoanalyst Carl Jung, includes positive and negative hidden parts of ourselves we repress in our subconscious mind— everyone has a shadow. While meditation is associated with bliss and serenity, there were moments in my early stages that felt emotionally turbulent before achieving stillness. Unresolved trauma and the undesirable parts of myself I ignored, or gifts I don't embrace came bubbling to the surface. It was great to have my therapist to discuss and process with. My journaling practice also helped me extract lessons from the things that were being excavated. Embracing the shadow increased my capacity for genuine self-love and love for others. Shadow work is an ongoing process—I'm still working.
Increased sense of inner peace
The younger me was not a nature girl. Now, I enjoy hiking and seeking the serenity of remote and natural landscapes. The beauty and connectedness of nature provides vitality and inspiration. Boundary setting can be uncomfortable, but it was essential to preserve my peace. It is a muscle I continue to strengthen with practice. My new content diet is more thoughtfully curated. Time on social media is restricted, and the negative news cycle seldom gets my attention. I consume enough to remain informed about current events, but I am mindful of the time and mental space I allow it to occupy. My carefully curated list of websites, podcasts, and outlets helps me sustain a more positive outlook on the world and what is possible.
Deeper connection between my mind and body
I began adopting new behaviors that enhanced my holistic well-being. There was a heightened sense of the connection between my mind and body and its impact on my mental health. Three to four days of weekly cardio became the standard. I also incorporated some yoga. Sometimes, we get so caught up in work and stress about the past and future that we become disconnected from ourselves. Movement helps us reconnect with the present by grounding us in our bodies.
The life-changing benefits of Transcendental Meditation are worth the effort. Self-transformation and growth take time and commitment, and this practice has been a great tool in facilitating my ongoing evolution. Cheers to more years of blissful meditations.
If you are curious about adopting a meditation practice, take time to do your research and explore. Have fun testing different types if you need to see what resonates with you. Below are some links to meditation resources if you are curious about adopting a practice someday.
Five different types of meditations
If this post resonates with you feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you would like to learn more about my coaching services or wellness journey let's connect and chat.