By Rajvir Rao
On a routine shop to the grocery story, I stumbled upon a free magazine Meditation and Health. I flipped through the pages and thought to myself this can’t be free and quickly put it back (didn’t want someone to think I was shoplifting). I looked at the glossy front cover again and it clearly stated – FREE (so of course I took it home). I took this encounter as an omen to further explore my journey to achieving balance in my chaotic world. I was done feeling tired and angry with complex family dynamics and relationships that began to consume me! I knew this circle had to end but did not know how. That very night, I read the magazine from front to back. The articles spoke to me; not only were they well written but intriguing.
I wanted to know more. I had no clue what/who Bodhi Meditation was and decided to Google away. To my surprise, there was a Bodhi Meditation Centre that offered all these FREE sessions on how to meditate to a happier and healthier life in Richmond (who doesn’t want that?). At that very moment, I signed up for the July 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat without attending or stepping foot into the Centre.
As a busy mom of two, who has no time for herself, I had nothing to lose (at the least it would be a relaxing time for me).
I dropped in to the 2.5-hour Thursday evening session to get a sense of what the 8.5 days would be like and I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision. I couldn’t focus, my mind was wondering at miles per minute and the main meditation was standing (how is this relaxing?). Nevertheless, I thought to myself, I committed and I will go through with it!
To sum up my 8.5-day journey, it was life changing (not easy). I had many ‘ah ha’ moments and learnings throughout the week.
If I had to share one key learning it would be: to achieve a happy life, one needs to change his or her perspective and not look at things as black or white – rather with compassion and kindness in mind.
Every complex situation that comes across our life can easily dissipate when thoughts are reasoned with compassion and kindness rather then anger and resentment (positive over negative mindset).
Meditation is a tool to achieve this and the Bodhi Centre has given me the foundation to start my journey in the search of inner peace and amending my complex relationships with compassion and kindness.
Thanks to the Bodhi Centre, I have a social network that is there to always help and support me in my journey.
Disclaimer:
- The effects associated with practicing Bodhi Meditation can vary from person to person.
- Any and all content, views, opinions, and/or responses in this student sharing are solely the views, opinions and responsibility of the respondent and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bodhi Meditation.
- Bodhi Meditation does not provide or replace any medical advice or treatment. We recommend everyone adhere to their medical treatment and prescription.