Chapter 1: The Beginning of My Meditation Journey

Initially, I dismissed meditation as unproductive, particularly during the first week. However, I soon realized that the true essence of meditation lies in its consistency.

To quote my favorite actor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:

“I meditate in the morning; I have my centering; I need that. For me, training is also my meditation.”

As a proponent of 30-day challenges aimed at cultivating sustainable habits, I have successfully completed 15 such challenges this year alone. Some examples include drinking three liters of water daily and a tablespoon of olive oil. If you're interested, I can share my complete list of challenges.

Section 1.1: The Rationale Behind a 30+ Day Meditation Challenge

The primary motivation for undertaking a meditation challenge is accountability. I also understand that not every challenge will be enjoyable, but it's an effective way to discern whether a habit is worth cultivating. There’s a high likelihood that a meditation challenge can positively impact your life.

Subsection 1.1.1: What Research Says About Meditation

Recent studies indicate that meditation enhances focus on specific experiences or objects. It has proven beneficial for students experiencing stress before exams, and it can increase patience and tolerance.

#### How to Initiate Your 30+ Day Meditation Challenge

Time Commitment: Just 10 minutes, or whatever duration you feel comfortable with. The key is to take that first step—embrace it.

1. Find a comfortable position.
2. Fix your gaze on a wall, clock, or any object in front of you.
3. Begin with soft, comfortable eyes.
4. Keep your eyes open while inhaling and close them while exhaling.
5. After 5-6 breaths, you may find it easier to close your eyes for the remaining 7-8 minutes.

Did I use an app? Absolutely not! I rely on an Alexa timer for 10 minutes, or sometimes I go without a timer altogether.

Section 1.2: Optimal Meditation Timing

Determining the best time for meditation can be complicated, as a quick Google search yields endless opinions. Personally, I found it easier to meditate first thing in the morning after enjoying a warm glass of lemon water. I attempted evening meditation before bed for a few days, but that didn’t yield positive results for me. The ultimate goal is relaxation.

Note: I also noticed that meditation's benefits are amplified through repetition. Practice is indeed essential, and it's normal for your mind to wander during the early stages. Don’t pressure yourself to control your thoughts; simply focus on your breathing.

Chapter 2: Progressing Through the Weeks

#### Week 1: Understanding the Essence of Meditation

As Jiddu Krishnamurti said, "To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still." It’s evident why so many are drawn to meditation; it alleviates stress, enhances emotional regulation, and fosters positivity.

However, I quickly learned that mastering meditation principles is challenging. Focusing, concentrating, and letting go can be quite difficult at first. During my inaugural week, I realized that many distractions clouded my attempts at meditation, making it feel less effective.

#### Week 2: Embracing Silence

As I progressed into the second week, I found that daily stillness helped settle my chaotic thoughts and feelings. The goal of meditation is to achieve inner calm, and I learned that letting go of distracting thoughts is crucial to this practice.

#### Week 3: The Importance of Detachment

Aditya Ajmera reminds us, "Detachment is not giving up the things in this world but accepting the fact and being continuously aware that nothing is permanent." By the third week, I understood that meditation fosters inner peace and clarity, helping you navigate your emotions and thoughts more effectively.

#### Week 4: Achieving Inner Harmony

Ramana Maharshi stated, "When there are thoughts, it is distraction; when there are no thoughts, it is meditation." By the fourth week, I felt a deeper sense of calm and alignment within myself, which transformed my perspective on everyday life.

Lessons Learned After 35 Days of Meditation

Pema Chodron encapsulates the journey perfectly: "Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already."

Commencing a 30-day meditation challenge is far more beneficial than procrastinating. While my initial week yielded minimal results, I remained committed. By the second week, my thoughts began to stabilize, and I noticed improvements in my focus and attention.

Though I typically don’t experience high stress levels, meditation has undeniably helped me become more intentional in my actions and responses. It has enabled me to differentiate between mindful thoughts and mere mental noise.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey

Initially skeptical, I now appreciate the significant calmness brought into my life by this 35-day meditation challenge. In my early 30s, I'm actively engaging in various self-care practices, and I recognize that meditation is an essential component of this journey. My meditation practice continues beyond the initial challenge, as I strive to maintain this newfound tranquility.

Consistency truly is the key. Thank you for following along; feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!

Chapter 3: Real-World Impact of Meditation

In this vlog, I share my 40-day meditation journey, including insights and lessons learned along the way.

Discover how meditating daily for 30 days transformed my life, enhancing focus, clarity, and emotional well-being.