Throughout my journey, I've experienced various forms of meditation, each with its unique approach and benefits. What I've discovered is that different practices can serve different purposes in our lives, and what resonates with one person might not work as well for another. My experience with measuring brain waves through EEG devices has given me fascinating insights into how these different practices affect our mental states. It has also given me insight on how my meditation practice has evolved over time.
My formal meditation journey began in 2016 with Transcendental Meditation (TM). This involved a $1,000 weekend intensive where I sat in an office learning their specific mantra-based technique. TM uses specific mantras practiced for 20 minutes, twice daily. While this practice didn't personally resonate with me as much as other methods, my EEG measurements confirmed its effectiveness in achieving specific brainwave states. TM is particularly well-researched, with numerous studies showing its benefits for reducing stress and anxiety. The practice is simple but powerful - it involves silently repeating a personalized mantra while sitting comfortably with eyes closed. What makes TM unique is its emphasis on effortlessness and its extensive body of scientific research backing its effectiveness.
In 2017, I discovered Dr. Dispenza's guided meditations, which offered a unique blend of science and spirituality. This led me to attend three of his transformative retreats in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Dr. Dispenza's approach at his transformative retreats combines neuroscience, quantum physics, and meditation in a unique way. The practice involves entering prolonged meditative states while focusing on specific emotional and physical healing intentions. I've witnessed remarkable transformations at these retreats - people healing from chronic diseases, overcoming long-term physical pain, and experiencing profound emotional healing. In my case, it played a crucial role in healing 99% of my childhood trauma, a transformation I never believed I needed. My story was that of a "survivor", but I never understood how that story was affecting my day-to-day life. After healing my trauma (which occurred over three different retreats), I no longer feel the anger burning in the pit of my stomach and no longer feel the shame of being a victim. I just feel forgiveness and love. I've come to understand that my trauma happened FOR me, not TO me, making me stronger and more resilient.
In 2024, I embarked on a series of transformative retreat experiences that each offered unique insights and approaches to spiritual growth.
The approach at Esalen's Ritual retreat combines meditation with ceremonial practices, movement, and deep emotional release work. This integrative approach opened my eyes to the existence of truly magical places in our world. During this transformative time, I witnessed and participated in powerful ceremonies where women healed their trauma and severed connections with elements that no longer served their highest good. The unique environment of Esalen, perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, created a container for deep spiritual work that felt both ancient and timeless. The combination of natural beauty, sacred space, and intentional community created an alchemical environment where profound healing could occur.
At The Landing retreat, the practice focuses on developing direct communication with higher consciousness through specific meditation techniques and energy work. I learned powerful methods for connecting with ascended masters, opening new channels of spiritual guidance. This experience taught me that we all have access to higher wisdom when we create the right conditions and approach with openness and dedication. The techniques I learned here have become an integral part of my spiritual toolkit, allowing me to access guidance and wisdom whenever needed.
Through Vipassana meditation, I experienced the pure, undiluted form of meditation that Buddha rediscovered. This practice involves a strict 10-day silent retreat where participants meditate for up to 10 hours daily, focusing on observing bodily sensations and mental patterns without reaction. My most profound insight during this retreat was recognizing just how noisy my brain truly was - it was ALWAYS talking at me. I developed a simple but powerful practice of saying "Shhh..." whenever my mind would start its endless chatter. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: our spirit doesn't communicate in words, but our brains do. My goal became to reconnect with my spirit and subconscious self without the constant interference of my conscious mind's verbal commentary. The technique starts with focusing on breath awareness (Anapana) before moving into the full Vipassana practice of systematic body scanning. What makes this practice particularly powerful is its emphasis on experiencing physical sensations directly, helping practitioners understand the impermanent nature of all phenomena through direct experience rather than intellectual understanding.
Since September 2024, I've discovered the profound impact of creating personalized meditations tailored to my own growth journey. Hearing my own voice guide me through meditation has become a powerful form of self-programming, creating a feedback loop of positive transformation. The integration of modern technology - from EEG devices to AI-generated audio and visuals - has allowed me to create increasingly sophisticated and effective meditation experiences. This combination of ancient wisdom and modern tools has opened up new possibilities for meditation practice.
Regular meditation practice has brought numerous concrete benefits to my life. During sessions, I frequently receive spontaneous solutions to problems that have been challenging me, demonstrating the power of accessing deeper levels of consciousness. While meditation isn't always an instant cure for depressive states, it consistently helps improve my mood and motivation, providing a reliable tool for emotional regulation. Perhaps most remarkably, after healing my trauma through meditation, I experienced the disappearance of long-held anger and negative energy from my psyche, a transformation that continues to amaze me.
One of the most unexpected and valuable outcomes of my meditation journey has been the formation of deep connections with fellow practitioners. After each retreat, I've emerged not only as a different and better version of myself but also with new friendships with extraordinary individuals who share my passion for growth and transformation. These connections have created a supportive network that continues to enrich my life and practice long after the retreats end.
If you're interested in experiencing these meditations for yourself, you can watch them for free on YouTube or you can purchase these meditations personalized for your own voice here. I invite you to join me on this continuing journey of self-discovery and transformation through meditation. Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, there's always more to explore and discover about yourself through this powerful practice.
Technologist and Entrepreneur
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