realvalueremodeler
Nice play, DPB, and I second the quote of ol’ blue eyes.
Sure, DBP, my pleasure to share my personal experience and if it sounds too good to be true, I’d be glad to have several others chime in.
First off, it is enjoyable and easy to meditate such that I have sat and done this virtually twice a day every day since 1971.
My very first experience was defining. I clearly remember dropping into a very deep state of mental and physical rest. Mental chatter reduced to silence as I was left “watching” occasional thoughts come and go harmlessly. My breathing became nearly imperceptible. All tension in my body evaporated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of calm and relaxation.
When did this experience repeat itself? The following morning during the next meditation and every time thereafter.
But you first asked about how it changed my life. The short answer is in all ways and the benefits in daily life continue to grow with my regular practice. Mentally, my thinking stays on task while my creativity is greatly expanded. Coming up with a viable, wholistic solution to any problem has become the norm. A few decades ago when I was in school, my academic performance went up a full grade point.
Health wise, I began to experience more energy and slept better at night. I now have the ability to shed stressful situations like water off the proverbial duck’s back while operating a remodeling business. I was a drug user when I started meditating. I quickly lost my desire to use drugs and cigarettes. I still enjoy a beer on a hot day. My poor doctor will never get rich as he invariably sees me only for a physical.
I was diagnosed with depression when I saw a psychologist in the ’70s in an attempt to get out of the draft. It was true at the time but that cloud dispersed after a few years. I now have an unflappable sense of positivity, happiness and well being. I’ve adopted the feeling that the world is my family such that I invariably consider what works best for me and my world when deciding what course of action is best.
To your second question asking whether or not the changes could be due to some other effect:
When I started this meditation I was looking for anything that could provide me with an answer to life’s ultimate questions. As my life and this exploration continued, the meditation was the only thing that seemed to make a difference and the only thing I stayed with over time. With no other changes, I started to sleep better, my energy went up, and my inner gloom started to lift. I could attribute my improved school performance to the UW putting dumber students in my classes but I’d put my money on my increased mental functioning.
Would like other stories from West Seattle or any place from Berlin to Buenos Aires?