Last Updated on July 20, 2023

I ventured to study Zen meditation and martial arts at about nineteen. I wanted to practice martial arts, so I visited the small forest temple in Middletown, Connecticut.

When I entered the room, they were sitting on meditation cushions in a cross-legged position. I thought to myself they were crazy. I silently asked them what are you doing? They said they were meditating and asked me to join them. I was unaware of it then, but my life was in horrible shape. I was young, so I decided sure I’ll try it. What do I have to lose? My life sucks anyway, I thought to myself.

The instructions were to count from 1 to 5 on the inhale and 1 to 10 on the exhale. Any thought that came to mind, The instructor said to dismiss it. The bell rang, and the instructor stated, “We are going to meditate for thirty minutes.”

I was very uncomfortable sitting cross-legged. It was a struggle. The thoughts kept coming, and I kept losing track of what number I was on counting in what seemed like hours of meditation. Then after 30 minutes, the bell rang DING. I opened my eyes, felt good, and was amazed at how relaxed I was.

I noticed my life become more acceptable. I did not know how, but it did. I went every week for about six months. Suddenly, I was a lot happier and landed a job in the corporate world. Sometimes I would have what I called good meditations which the whole thirty minutes. I wouldn’t have a single thought interfere with my meditation. Sometimes the exact opposite would happen where I couldn’t stop my mind from racing with thoughts.

The benefits of mediation are genuinely incredible. For one, it helped me focus on my goals and objectives. It also gave me an introspective look at my mind. I processed and analyzed my traumas and mistakes more precisely and with a better perspective.

It helped me stay come and relaxed during stressful situations. Make clearer decisions. It also helped me with my mental health and how I perceived it. It made me wiser and more complete.

There was also the practice of Zen Buddhism that came with my method of meditation. Which at the time gave me direction and a way to act and behave in the world. It was and is a genuinely fantastic experience practicing mediation.