Spoiler: I didn’t float off into transcendental bliss. But I did discover a few simple things that genuinely helped—and they weren’t always what the meditation apps promised.
Week 1
Honestly, I wish I were the kind of person who sees results on day one—but you and I both know that’s not me. The first few days of this—remarkable journey were—let’s just say—awkward!
Sitting still for 5 minutes? That’s easy. But sitting still without a single thought—and not dozing off in the process? That’s the real challenge. Nope. I have a habit—if I catch my mind wandering, the timer resets and I start again—pro tip: DO NOT DO THAT!
By Day 4, I noticed something—I was becoming more aware of my thoughts. Not shutting them out—just acknowledging them. That small shift was surprisingly powerful.
Pro Tip: Choose a realistic duration. Starting with just 5 minutes instead of 20 helped me build consistency without overwhelm. It also felt much easier and gave me a sense of accomplishment, which made it easier to stick with the ritual.
Week 2
The process became easier compared to the first week. I started focusing on my breathing pattern—deliberately taking in deeper breaths. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4—this is the simple box breathing technique.
Pro Tip: The best way to keep your mind from wandering is to keep it focused on something live—like your breath! This makes the entire process easier for a new practitioner—hence improving the overall experience of the individual.
Week 3
“If you do something for 21 days, it becomes a habit”—so” far from the truth, it’d make you think I and my crush are married. I expected meditation to feel like second nature. Instead, it felt like my mind got louder. I’d sit down to meditate and suddenly remember emails I hadn't answered, the personal tasks I forgot about, and every embarrassing moment from middle school. It was like my brain had been waiting for this quiet moment to stage a rebellion.
Pro Tip: Kill people—no. Don’t.
Another pro tip: Give your thoughts a name. When a worry popped up, I’d silently label it—“planning” or “distraction.” Naming them helped me create distance.
Week 4
By the final week, I wasn’t just meditating—I was living it. What caught me off guard the most? The most meaningful moments didn’t happen during meditation. They happened in between.
I noticed myself pausing before reacting in stressful situations. I caught myself mid-spiral during anxious thoughts and chose to breathe instead.
Pro Tip: Weave mindfulness into everyday life. I’d take three deep breaths before opening emails. I’d feel the ground under my feet while walking. These micro-moments weren’t dramatic, but they were grounding—and they added up.
Meditation isn’t confined to a cushion. The real transformation happens when it quietly follows you into everyday life.That said, I still have a long journey ahead—but for you, the first step is right in front of you!
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