In late 2018, I was going through a turmoil and my mental and emotional state was not in a great space. I would often have panic attacks and it took me a while to realise, accept and acknowledge that what I was dealing with were episodes of stress and anxiety.
On one weekday afternoon, when I wasn’t being very productive at work, I decided to call a friend. In that conversation I opened up to him, I was slightly ashamed of myself while discussing my internal state. And, he revealed to me that he has dealt with this for over seven long years! This took me by surprise, because despite being close friends, I wasn’t aware of what he was going through. He further revealed that meditation has helped him get back on track. He had attended a particular workshop, and on his referral I thought, let me give it a try too.
The immediate possibility that emerged here was that if he, after seven years, can experience and regain his inner balance, then I can too. It still took me about six months before I actually did the programme the following April, and I realised that meditation isn’t a solution, it’s a part of the process. Meditation isn’t a destination, it’s rather a journey.
What I mean by that is, by doing the workshop or by even practising meditation for a few days or weeks, my anxiety didn’t disappear. My situation was pretty much the same. What altered was my ability to respond towards them.
Meditation need not be sitting in one place with eyes closed or it need not be about chanting a mantra. Meditation is simply immersing oneself into something completely where the ‘I’ disappears. It could be painting for someone, for some others it could be reading a book, it could be dancing or going for a trek or cycling, it could be writing for a few or for others it could be an act of offering prayers.
Today, when I practice meditation, I do not do it with an intention to get rid of my stress or anxiety. I do it because meditation allows me to find balance through our busy lifestyles. For many, especially urban dwellers, who negotiate through traffic and city commute for about a couple of hours a day and chaotic environment at work, they may not be realising now, but they’re sitting on a ticking bomb, and we don’t know when it can explode. Meditation is a way of self-discovery, and in moments of turmoil, it will keep one grounded. Meditation need not be sitting in one place with eyes closed or it need not be about chanting a mantra. Meditation is simply immersing oneself into something completely where the ‘I’ disappears. It could be painting for someone, for some others it could be reading a book, it could be dancing or going for a trek or cycling, it could be writing for a few or for others it could be an act of offering prayers. It is basically where there is no distinction between the ‘I’ and the act or the world outside. There is oneness. And in this oneness, there is a tremendous possibility.
Now, I realise and experience meditation is a much greater possibility than merely building an ability to respond to my stress and anxiety. Beyond my dedicated time, I find many acts as anchors to get myself be present and involve into the acts and be meditative. This article is not about professing meditation or its benefits. And yet the fact remains that today, more than ever before, we’re experiencing stressful environments, and if there’s something that can sail us smoothly through this it’s by dissolving the ‘I’ and bringing a total and mindful involvement into our actions.
This article is not about professing meditation or its benefits. And yet the fact remains that today, more than ever before, we’re experiencing stressful environments, and if there’s something that can sail us smoothly through this it’s by dissolving the ‘I’ and bringing a total and mindful involvement into our actions.
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