I Meditated Every Day for 30+ Days Straight — Here’s What Happened

I’m not about to embrace monkhood, but I did overcome some obstacles to developing a meditation habit

Meditation is all the rage. And for good reason. In a world full of overwhelming information and consumption, it’s a respite.

While meditation has been around for ages in Eastern Tradition, it’s only recently that the West has woken up to it.

From quackery to boredom, it’s been called names. None of that changes the fact that it works. Period.

It has been proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional well-being and enhance awareness. Yet, these are just the icing on the cake.

I was first introduced to meditation by my mother in High School, but you know how high schoolers are. I was never really consistent with it. Even then the periodic week of daily meditation, affected my life.

It wasn’t all fairies and unicorns, bare me. There were caveats.

So when I started meditation seriously over 5 weeks ago, I couldn’t help but notice the journey I’ve had, and where (I think) I’m headed.

Where Do We Really Live?

We might live in different countries, different cities, and different houses. Yet, for the most part of our lives, we are living inside of our heads.

“Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.”

— Thích Nhất Hạnh

A million-dollar penthouse is a prison if your mind is mired in negative rumination.

Sure, the penthouse is great, but whether penthouse or not, the mind is forever yours. And one mind is all we’ve got.

Nourish it. And no matter where you live, things will be more blissful than they currently seem.

The Plasticity of The Mind

We are all aware of the power that exercise and healthy nutrition can have on our bodies. We can sculpt and change our bodies through consistent movement.

Point is, we know that it is possible.

What about the mind?

Changing the way we feel and process thoughts? Sure, even uncle Sam knows that.

But changing literally the way that the mind is wired? Physical Transformation of the Mind?

Research has proven that just 8 weeks of mindfulness practice can physically alter the brain! Increasing activation in the areas associated with calmness and rationality, and decreasing anxiety.

This is what blew my mind, both literally and metaphorically.

This is Exactly How It Happened

Day 1 —

There I sat, thinking if I’m wasting time, as I was already late for my schedule. Maybe, just maybe, I could get this in after my workout in the evening.

Sure, I could, But I realized how that has been going lately. And so I decided, let’s get it done.

As I had meditated for 10 minutes in the past, I decided to go for 10 again. Until I glanced back at the watch and decided to go for 3 minutes.

3 measly minutes. What could possibly just 3 minutes do?

And I was right. Or so I thought back then. I felt a tad bit calmer and centered, but that’s about all. Nay, no chakra power.

Day 2 —

Day 2’s are the hardest, ain’t they?

Old habits die hard, and in my case, I was up again late. But then, How long could 3 measly minutes possibly take?

Got down to it, and done. Felt more natural to do it today.

Days 3–15

I would have cognitive dissonance if I didn’t own up to the fact that I felt like I was going nowhere.

The all-or-nothing trap had almost gotten your boy.

If I had to see some meaningful change, I had to pull off 15+ minutes, right?

Heck, Matt D’Avella did an hour for a month.

But then, the reason I saw it through was thanks partly to my rushed and late mornings. At least it got me to stay conservative with my time and show up properly, first.

Day 15 — Today

This is where the meat and potatoes came out. As I slowly felt more aware of my thoughts and emotions throughout the day, I started to think lesser and stay more poised.

More at ease, will ya?

And as I slowly started to pull sessions longer, the 3–5 minutes felt way too easy at this point and I had the urge to go longer. From 3 minutes to 15 minutes on Day 35, the slow start made all the difference.

Today?

While I meditated for 15 minutes, I was constantly mired in thoughts today. More than usual. I had to constantly ground myself back into the present moment with my breath.

The younger me would have raged at the thoughts and ‘tried’ hard to focus. But the fact that I don’t make a fuss about it anymore, is by itself a sign of burgeoning mindfulness.

I’m distracted, yet I know that I am distracted.

That’s what counts now. The Irony.

Slow is Faster Than Fast

As with other habits, and more so with meditation. It is very easy to try too hard and then burn out.

One cannot go from the 5-second attention span of a world dominated by short-form B.S content, to being ultra-aware and conscious in the present moment immediately.

I wouldn’t have been writing this piece if I had not started with the bare minimum.

By setting the bar for success initially so low — I gave myself wiggle room to show up consistently and gradually enhance my mindfulness.

How You Too Can Take A Step Towards Nirvana

Anyone anywhere can meditate.

There’s no reason for gatekeeping into meditation. Meditation can be the harbinger of improving mental health and a great catalyst for self-improvement in all areas of life.

But how do you get on the path of awareness?

• There isn’t one form of meditation — Anything can be a meditative experience as long as one is completely aware while doing it.
• Start small — It doesn’t take much at all. 3 minutes can make a world of difference. You can use this simple framework to start meditation.
• Use technology as an aid — Meditation apps are definitely a great resource. However, some people prefer not to use one. The only way to know is to try one. I cannot recommend Medito enough.
• There are no perfect answers — There are many ways to meditate. With the breath as the locus point, or even open awareness. Do not get overwhelmed by the variety. It is counterproductive to the main goal which is mindfulness. Play around, try everything, and have fun.
• Land Ahoy — The best way to be consistent is to anchor your mindfulness practice with another daily chore. For me, it is brushing my teeth. So every time I brush my teeth, I meditate immediately after. This makes consistency feel like child’s play. You wouldn’t miss brushing your teeth, would you?

This Might Just Change Your Entire Life

I get it. With all that’s happening in the world today. Why would someone trust a random dude’s ramblings on the internet?

For the simple reason that you’ve got nothing to lose by trying.

The worst-case scenario isn’t a nuclear war in this case.

This might just change your entire window to the world and the trajectory of your life. Your relationship with your own mind, family, friends, and professionally as well. It will show through in your work as well.

It’s a win-win. See you on the other side.

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