Before coming to Your Turn Meditative Living, I was in agony, suffering, depressed, struggling with feelings and desperate to find some form of relief. Sleep eluded me, food made me nauseous, my insides were knotted and no matter how hard I tried, I could not stop the racing thoughts in my head. I was constantly tired and regulating my emotions became a serious challenge as I experienced emotional breakdowns and bouts of uncontrollable sobbing that seemed to come out of nowhere. At that time, I was living alone and for a man who enjoyed solitude, being alone terrified me and I found myself walking up to random people while balling my eyes out and asking for a hug. That was then. 

Since coming to Your Turn Meditative Living in January 2023, life has changed dramatically, as purpose and focus have replaced suffering, and relief is present in the moment to moment choices that I have the freedom to make. In so doing, I have discovered a new way of being. A sense of being that feels smoother, and calmer,  and flows with everyday life. This fluid approach also allows me to experience a deeper sense of vulnerability. Although this vulnerability was initially confused with fear, I now experience it as a wider deeper container from which to view the universe.

Although my journey into Buddhism and meditation began in 2001, the application of tools and specific techniques began in earnest when I came to Your Turn Meditative Living. By gaining an understanding of the conditioned mind, as well as habitual thoughts and behavioral patterns, I have seen how I had literally created a prison from which I could see no escape. What I came to understand was that I didnt need to escape, I simply needed to be and let the walls of confinement fall away. 

A shift is taking place within me that is difficult to put into words, yet it resonates profoundly and at a deep level.  The experiences of relief and wellness are the result of practicing healthy principles and utilizing tools that help me stay present.  Tools such as, open dialogue with like minded people, meditation, nature walks, exercise, martial arts, and yoga provide a deeper sense of  balance, intuitive understanding and awareness. 

As this journey continues and unfolds in ways that I could not previousely envision, life feels less daunting and more of an adventure that is full of infinite possibilites. The heaviness of guilt, shame, anger and remorse that I had been dragging with me for years have been removed and the new open, safe space invites me to experience life from a healthy perspective.  

Learning, growing and practicing with Your Turn Meditative Living is by no means an easy process, as it requires discipline, courage and the willingness to honestly observe oneself without judgement, while allowing  space to challenge previousely held beliefs. Although the process of meditative living can  sometimes feels daunting,  experiences demonstrate that the results are well worth the effort.  

As I continue to grow through this amazing process of life, obstacles will surely arise, and I will undoubtedly be challenged to stay the course. However, as this process of growth and awareness continues through Your Turn Meditative Living, there exists a corresponding “knowing” reminding me that all is well, I am never alone, and life is an amazing adventure.