After being an avid runner and with a love of the outdoors. In March 2013 my world stopped. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue six months after a battle with not being able to leave the house. This is what my true battle with my body began.
After slowly trying to return to work and my life I knew something needed to change and this is why through this time. I have dipped in and out of meditation, but I always felt it was a chore. With encouraging for my mum and sometimes my GP. I was first properly introduced to it when I read Get Some Headapace by Andy Puddicombe and use the app Headspace App I tried and silence my mind......not long after that, completely threw in the towel.
After finding myself in a good place being able to get outside and enjoy certain activities, In 2020 I developed anorexia and this felt like the beginning of the end for me. It wasn’t until the beginning of 2022 when relapses of my chronic fatigue were regular, painful and upsetting due to the anorexia and how unkind I was being to by body and mind, that I really decided it was time to delve into meditation deeper. I felt I was never achieving anything with my day but now I could achieve a meditation.
This is when my true journey began and It has given me peace at times of overwhelming pain and sadness. As well as joy and laughter.
Meditation is now joyful part of my life, offering much-needed relief and comfort amidst my challenges. It is now my peaceful retreat, providing moments of rest and rejuvenation.
Helping me develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Through mindfulness techniques, I have learned to tune into my body and emotions. This awareness has helped me to better manage my fatigue and prioritize self-care - sometimes, we are all a works in progress. In a world that often values productivity over rest, meditation reminds me to be gentle with myself and listen to my body’s cues. By practicing self-compassion, I am able to let go of feelings of guilt or inadequacy and embrace my journey towards healing and well-being.
Physically, meditation has also had a positive impact on my well-being. Research has shown that regular meditation can reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, both of which are important factors in managing chronic fatigue and life in general. Personally, I have noticed a decrease in my stress levels and an improvement in my overall energy levels since incorporating meditation into my daily routine. ...and this why I want to teach, ‘When one teaches, two learn’, is an inspirational quote stated by Robert Heinlein.
Whether through leading guided meditation sessions, sharing resources, or simply offering a listening ear, I am committed to supporting others on their journey towards greater peace and vitality. I am eager to deepen my understanding and expertise in meditation through this course. I hope to continue to learn more techniques and gain insights that will further enhance my ability to support others on their own journey whatever that may be. In conclusion, meditation has been a lifeline for me in managing chronic fatigue, offering a sanctuary of rest. Its calming presence, coupled with its ability to foster self-awareness and self-acceptance, has enriched my life in countless ways.
As I continue on my journey, I am grateful for the refuge that meditation provides and the opportunity to pay it forward by helping others cultivate inner peace and well-being.