Raising the match I carefully ignite the candlewick. My hand shakes a little. I hope no one notices. Looking around the circle, I note the uneasy faces surrounding me. I know all eighteen of us are thinking the same thing: was this a good idea or did I just waste an entire Sunday for a stupid meditation retreat? We’ve been asked to share our name and what brought us here. I uncross my legs and add my candle to the centerpiece, “Hi, I’m Elly, and I’m here to learn how to quiet my inner critic and gain control over my anxiety.” It felt awkward and my cheeks burn. After introductions the teacher guides our first meditation, “Relax your shoulders, focus on the in breath and out breath”. My mind races, but gradually I hone in on the present moment.
Before I knew it, the gong hummed, signifying the end of the practice. I left the retreat feeling like I was floating; it was as if ten pounds of angst had been carried …show more content…
Sharing my personal experience and passion for a not yet fully accepted practice was uncomfortable. However, I felt my vulnerability was a worthy risk. Last spring, I organized a retreat for young adults, bringing together my meditation instructors and a physician trained in mindfulness techniques. When it was over, I watched more than twenty teens walk out the door with the same serene feeling I had experienced at my first retreat.
Encouraged by the feedback I received, I wanted to further use my organizational and leadership skills to bring more opportunities to my school. Mindfulness meditation, in my opinion, allows individuals to expand their potential and prepares them for a higher quality life. After contacting my school administrators, I laid the groundwork for a meditation club. Engaging meditation practitioners in my community, we collaborated to create a year round curriculum with meditation experts from all over the