Meditating my way out of depression

[Niccy]

In the midst of yet another episode of anxiety and depression, I went on a yoga and meditation weekend ina beautiful and very peaceful centre in South Wales. Although I have been practicing yoga for a while. This was my first experience of meditation.

I arrived home after the weekend feeling much calmer and much more grounded. I was talking to a friend about it and he suggested I tried headspace. Having done Take 10, I signed up for a year. I'm on Take 15, really love it, and trying hard not to think about whether I was meditating "well" or "badly" - or rather noticing that as usual I was passing judgement on myself and my experiences

I spent today at the North London Buddhist Centre on a meditation day. So I now meditate (almost) every day, and while I am still taking anti-depressants, regular exercise and what is developing into a regular meditation practice is really helping

[FeeHutch]

Hello Niccy and welcome to our community.
It sounds like mindful meditation is having a positive impact during a difficult time which is lovely to read.

I look forward to getting to know you better and hope you enjoy being a member of our community.

[JonW]

Hi Niccy.
Great to hear that meditation is bringing benefits for you.
Please make yourself at home here. I look forward to reading your future posts.
All best, Jon

[Niccy]

Thanks both

[Gareth]

There was a point in my practice when I thought to myself 'I think this might be having an effect on me.' So I made a conscious effort to meditate every single day without fail, and also to lengthen my practice a little which was fairly short. These steps made an even bigger impact on my wellbeing and my peacefulness, and I haven't looked back ever since.

It's lovely to meet you, and I hope this journey continues to have a positive impact on you.

[Bitterballen]

Thanks for sharing this story. Much like Gareth I found that the practice has started a virtuous circle where the positive impact of the practice encourages me to practice more, which brings further benefits....and so on. This realisation came quite recently and suddenly to me (about 2 or 3 weeks ago after regular practice of about 8 or 9 months).

[Galactic Nomad]

Hi Niccy,

Welcome, it was great to read that your practice has started to bare fruit, as much in the flow and rhythm of your life (that sense of peace and contentment) as well as within the moment (your ability to identify self judgement).

I look forward to reading of how this flourishes, as well as the learning's and insights that come along the way as you continue your practice.

Sincerely,
Nomad

[miahcalm]

Hi Nicci, that's great news for you, hope it continues. I also subscribed to Headspace in an attempt to allow me to live with anxiety and its feelings. I tried finding peace in a frantic world as a first step into meditation mindfulness but for some reason couldn't stick with the daily meditation, will go back one day to revisit I hope.

It may be the short guided meditations in Headspace but like you its really helping me so far, I'm only halfway through Take20 but have now been sitting every morning and actually look forward to it.

I still struggle to take this through the day with me and to be mindful during the working day but little steps each day.

Good luck on your progress Nicci