Meditating for five years...

As of yesterday, I’ve been meditating every single day, for five years, and I’ll try to explain how that consistent practice has had an impact on my personal, day to day life. 

However, before I do this, let me say that my meditation practice is not conventional at all and is far from being even close to that found in most guides. Still, I believe it’s the right one for me, so I’ll stick to it, and I would even add that it probably should be customized to each person. 

So to review the tangible benefits I received from the practice, I’d say that it has contributed to reducing whatever excess stress and anxiety I had, and instead, experiencing greater calmness, a sense of inner peace, and protection from stress. It also had a big impact in freeing me of the tyranny of my emotions, leading me to regulate them and feel happier and more content as a result. 

I’ve been able to better manage anger and frustration and turn them into more constructive energies. I would also admit that meditating has improved my sleep quality, I now fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

It’s also helped me be more compassionate, even though I still have a long way to go on that path, but it’s definitely helped me in being more present and mindful in my interactions with others, improving the quality of those relationships. Another huge impact of five years of meditation has translated into more creativity and opened up new perspectives. 

One remarkable thing is that now, I can get almost instantly into a meditative state when I need it, to pass a tough moment, endure a pain or just fill a void, so it’s there at my disposal, any time I need it. 

Again, no single individual experience will be the same as the benefits of meditation will vary greatly, but I see its impact as well worth my while and I am now fully convinced of its positive impact on me!