My experience highlights the importance of introspection and the power of meditation to bring awareness to the present moment. By tuning into my body’s signals and acknowledging my pain, I’ve taken significant steps towards healing. I dive into the residual pain and have been able to now create a different sensation within my body, more like an energetic pulse than enduring or shooting pains. I call it the zaps! The practices I’ve adopted, such as medication for fibromyalgia, new pain management techniques, and engaging with Buddhist teachings, are all constructive strategies to manage anxiety, PTSD, and chronic conditions.

In essence, my desire, my motivation, my hopes are to encapsulate a personal journey from turmoil to tranquility, guided by the principles of Buddhism and a holistic approach to health, by which I may then gain experience to be of service, help, or solace to others. I was always in awe of Lama Lekshe’s calm, abiding presence, and I have aimed to cultivate an energy and aura that is also calming, welcoming, safe, and secure to those around me. I no longer feel defensive, or angry, or irritated. I know that it is difficult for people to understand how the practice will help them; it’s a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the courage to seek help and embrace change. I don’t want anyone to feel like I did. Being a human is difficult, and we should not feel alone or helpless while trying to grow.

In the dance of life, practice is our rhythm and generosity, our melody. It is a profound act of grace to not only extend generosity but to graciously accept it as well—welcoming compliments and gifts with open arms. Independence is a virtue, yet it should not deter us from relying on others when the moment calls for it. For in the tapestry of human experience, self-reliance and interdependence are interwoven threads, each lending strength to the other.

Affirmation and negation, ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ are but two paths converging towards the same horizon of understanding. It is with fearlessness that we should approach the removal of discomfort, embracing the power to temper our emotional energies. Let us strive to not conjure negativity where none exists, especially in moments of urgency, under the weight of pressure, or in the shadow of shame or ignorance.

To navigate life’s complexities with such poise is to master the art of being—remaining centered, composed, and connected to the vibrant web of existence that surrounds us.

Emotional outbursts and theatrical displays often appear as cries for attention, a superficial indulgence, or perhaps an experiment in boundary-testing. For someone who has historically felt alien in their own skin, the allure of practice lies in its promise of transformation—a biofeedback loop that cultivates a burgeoning sense of ease, a sanctuary from anxiety and panic, a haven of tranquility.