My Journey of Inner Discovery Started Through 30 Days of Being Meditative
When I first started thinking about meditation, I imagined an esoteric practice of sitting crossed-legged while attempting to "empty the mind." But after committing to a daily practice for one month, I discovered meditation in profoundly new ways. It shattered many of my assumptions and put me on a transformative journey of self-discovery. I realized it is a state of mind.
I attended two days of meditation camp in Atlanta last month. I started practice to becoming meditative on June 6, two times a day for 40 minutes which included roughly 15 minutes of yoga poses. My experience in just over a month has been life-changing, to say the least, in so many ways I never imagined.
Some of the subtle but powerful positives for me include:
My scores on Oura ring improved significantly. My resting heart rate went down from an 18-month mean of over 60 to last month’s average of 53, and heart rate variability has increased significantly. Overall sleep scores, including REM and deep sleep scores, improved. My blood pressure is now standard on most days, even without medicine.
I feel much calmer, focused, and emotionally stable. The most significant observation is that I’m not reacting to situations as frequently as before. I’m now much more comfortable to deliberate and respond from a place of compassion rather than habit.
I’ve also noticed that some of my decisions and thoughts are much different now. I believe this is because connecting to my inner self potentially lets me tap into intuition more often.
My relationships, especially with my wife, are becoming much more serene. Expectations are giving way to empathy. Meditation taught me to embrace the imperfections of myself and others.
Sitting in stillness became profoundly relaxing while also strengthening my capacity for awareness and attention. When thoughts inevitably ascended, I learned to gently guide my focus back without judgment. A simple practice cultivated tranquility and provided an inner refuge from the external chaos which you can’t control beyond a degree. I understood why enlightened sages called being meditative "food for the soul."
Being meditative is a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation. There are many myths around it, especially in the West. Let’s try and debunk some of these.
Firstly, the idea that meditation requires "clearing your mind," or the absence of thinking, has prevented many people from trying it. However, some thinking while meditation is natural. Establishing space between yourself and your body and mind is founded on sitting quietly and not allowing thoughts to emerge. However, our minds and bodies are built so that we compulsively do what we are asked not to do.
It is okay. You don't have to force thoughts away or achieve some ideal blank state. Being meditative is about gently returning your awareness to the present each time the mind wanders. Thoughts will come and go - witness them without judgment. Don't let this myth dissuade you. Slowly you will become meditative.
The second myth is that spiritual beliefs are a prerequisite. Meditativeness is a state of mind not confined to religious or spiritual beliefs. You may follow any religion or not follow at all. It requires no dogma or mystical ideas. The attractiveness of being meditative for me stems from its independence from God, ritual, holy texts, leaders, or the promise of salvation. Meditation is a tool to look inward, tap into your inner consciousness and elevate your mind.
Thirdly, many people think that sitting cross-legged and relaxing is the only aspect of meditation. However, meditation is much more than just being relaxed. Although it might calm you, the long-lasting changes come from improving your attention, clarity, self-awareness, and serenity. Regular practice improves your fundamental thinking and rewires the neural pathways in your brain.
Additionally, cross-legged sitting is not necessary for meditation. Even though good posture encourages awareness, you can meditate whether standing, lying down, or even walking. Avert tense notions about the "correct" posture. Learn what makes your body relaxed and alert. The true power of meditation is in mind training, not achieving ideal behavior. It is an inner journey, not dependent on outer forms. Stay open to your own experience.
Start with just 10 minutes of being in a meditative state. There are many ways to practice meditation—experiment to discover which method resonates most with you. Consistency is important. Remember, Denzel Washington says, “Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish.”
Regular practice trains to focus on the present, promoting calm and emotional stability. It rewires our brains to break entrenched patterns and boost creativity. Being meditative bolsters mental strength, empowering mindful responses to situations instead of reactions. It balances our nervous system, enhancing overall well-being. This simple daily habit becomes a game-changer through unlocking these higher human faculties—strengthening relationships and the quest for uncovering our maximum human potential.
The ultimate goal of being meditative is not to achieve salvation but to cultivate an inner sense of joy and fulfillment that will make us more compassionate humans. The goal of being meditative is to establish space from the body and mind's constant activity, which eliminates the source of our suffering: attachment to our physical and mental states. Meditation allows us to loosen the grasp of self-preservation and expand inclusiveness to the entirety of existence. We overcome constraints, fully embrace life, and bravely explore new realms.
The state of meditativeness allows us to live free of self-consciousness on the voyage into the unknowable infiniteness of existence.
I have crossed my point of no return. Join me on this transformational journey.