Finding Peace with Meditation Practice in Turbulent Times

During the unpredictable times of the pandemic, like many others, I faced a variety of challenges. With the extra time I had while stuck at home, I turned to meditation practice as a way to cope with stress and calm my mind. These practices became my recipe for maintaining peace and transforming how I handle life's challenges. Today, I want to share my journey, the difficulties I encountered, and the lessons I learned, hoping to guide you towards a more tranquil and joyful life.

Initially, establishing a routine for meditation practice felt overwhelming. Quieting my thoughts seemed impossible amidst the chaos. I struggled to sit with myself for long periods without being distracted by my thoughts or my surroundings. Finding a comfortable position to sit in for more than 10 minutes was also challenging. However, with consistent effort, I gradually uncovered the true essence of meditation. I learned that meditation isn't about achieving complete silence of the mind; rather, it’s about observing your thoughts and emotions without getting lost in them.

My exploration led me to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Tara Brach. Each offered a unique perspective on mindfulness and meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle approach emphasized living mindfully in every moment, whether eating, walking, or breathing. Jon Kabat-Zinn focused on using mindfulness to cope with stress, pain, and illness, advocating for non-judgmental awareness and staying present. Tara Brach combined Western psychology with Eastern spiritual practices, teaching mindfulness as a path to compassion and self-acceptance.

These teachings helped me understand the fundamental differences between mindfulness and meditation. While meditation is a formal practice that often involves specific techniques and dedicated time, mindfulness is an informal practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, no matter what we're doing.

Adopting these practices didn't change the external world. The pandemic continued to create global chaos, but internally, I found peace and harmony. The discipline of daily meditation kept me grounded, and practicing mindfulness allowed me to fully experience life despite the global crisis. Through my journey, I realized the transformative power these practices hold. They're not just techniques for managing stress or finding temporary relief; they're pathways to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.