Transformative Benefits of Meditation
The Transformative Benefits of Meditation: A Personal Journey and 30 Years of Experience
I remembered a nightmare from a few years ago that had shook me to my core. In the dream, I was robbed and confronted with a simple yet powerful message: “Sit. Be still!” It was frightening enough to linger in my mind even after I woke up. As I reflected on it, I realized this was more than just a dream—it was a call to meditate more. The intensity of the dream was necessary; without that fear, I might not have paid attention to the message.
With over 30 years of meditation experience, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact this practice can have. I’ve taught many students and teachers in training, and have witnessed the incredible transformations that meditation brings. Yet, even with decades of practice, life can still get busy, and sometimes, we all need reminders—even urgent ones—to return to the mat. In my case, for longer periods of time, not just to reset, but to deepen my state of existence.
A Personal Experience with Stress and Emotional Balance
Before this dream memory, stress for my upcoming launch had been a constant companion. The daily intensity, the endless to-do lists—it all piled up, leaving me feeling at times overwhelmed and anxious. Even though meditation had become a 24/7 state of existence, I was reminded to go deeper. Each practice we do ultimately can become our new state of consciousness. I was reminded to “work” on my new state of consciousness. Well, actually, I was reminded to “relax” into my new state of consciousness. Almost immediately, I noticed a shift. The practice of allowance to enjoy sitting still, of being present with myself, began to ease my inner stress. I started to feel more balanced, less reactive to the ups and downs of my thoughts and hormones. Meditation once again became my refuge, a space where I could connect with my inner calm. A way to go home. I’ve seen this transformation in countless others over the decades, and it never ceases to amaze me.
Rediscovering Focus and Clarity
Focus had been another struggle for me. With so many distractions, my mind was constantly jumping from one thing to the next. But through meditation, I began to retrain my brain to concentrate. The simple act of focusing on my breath, of bringing my attention back whenever it wandered, slowly improved my ability to stay present. Moreover, I centered into my heart, into the space of compassion and love for myself. This re-found focus and self-love didn’t just help during meditation—it spilled over into every aspect of my life, making me more productive, eating healthier, practicing more yoga again, and being clear-headed, or clear-hearted to align my work with my heart. After 30 years, I’ve seen this benefit countless times, in myself and in others. Meditation sharpens the mind like nothing elsea nd the heart focus brings joy back into the work life.
Physical Health and Inner Peace
What surprised me most, even after all these years, were the physical benefits. As someone who often felt tense and on edge, I was amazed to find that meditation helped to ease that tension. My body responded to the relaxation, and I began to feel better overall—less anxious, more energized. I’ve also seen meditation lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and support overall well-being in many of my students. The science behind these benefits is solid, but the lived experience is even more convincing. The peace that meditation brings is a grounding force that helps us face the day with calm and resilience.
Deepening Self-Awareness and Mindfulness
The dream memory also opened the door to a deeper level of self-awareness. Meditation as well as Pleiadian Lightwork became a mirror, reflecting my thoughts and emotions back to me. I started to see patterns—old habits and beliefs that were no longer serving me.Through mindfulness (and internal repatterning), I began to gently challenge these personality patterns, creating space for new, more positive ways of being. This self-awareness wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. After 30 years, I know that this deep self-awareness is the key to self-transformation and lasting change. It’s what allows us to live more intentionally, appreciating the present moment rather than constantly rushing to the next thing. I am certainly not the same persona anymore. And if I can change upside down to a new persona that I always wanted to be, well then, you can do that as well.
Growing Compassion and Connection
One unexpected benefit of my meditation practice was the way it deepened my relationships. As I became more attuned to my own wellbeing, I found it easier to connect with others. I started to listen more, to empathize more deeply. Maybe that’s why I studied psychology,having started meditating at age 14. Meditation fostered a sense of compassion within me—not just for others, but for myself as well. This compassion became a foundation for stronger, more meaningful connections with the people I care about. I’ve seen this same growth in my students—meditation opens the heart and deepens our connection to the world around us.
Moving Forward
That nightmare and the memory of it was a gift in disguise, pushing me toward a path I might not have otherwise taken. Meditation has brought so much more into my life than I ever expected—peace, focus, health, and deeper connections with myself and others. It’s not just a practice; it’s a way of being. And I’m grateful for the message that led me here, even if it had to come through a bit of fear. After 30 plus years of practice and 20 years of teaching, I can say with confidence that meditation is transformative. (And so is dream study!) So, if you’re feeling the pull to meditate, I encourage you to listen. “Sit. Be still!”, and see what unfolds. You might just find the peace and clarity you’ve been searching for.
