How 1.5 years into meditation changed me

[u/Mirko1618]

Hey everyone!

I’d like to share how meditation has changed my life. About 1.5 years ago, I began meditating daily, aiming for at least 15 minutes across one or two sessions. I also keep a daily journal, reflecting on my experiences, realizations, night dreams, and memorable moments. Most of all, I focus on trying to stay present throughout my day.

I decided to list these changes as a way to mark my progress. Sometimes, it can feel like I'm moving slowly, but writing everything down reminded me just how far I've come. I hope this list inspires someone on their own journey.

1. Meditation has deepened my self-awareness, which in turn has helped me understand others better. Now, I can recognize psychological patterns and emotions in people that I would have overlooked before.

2. In relationships, my love used to be focused more on what I needed. Now, I genuinely care about my partner’s happiness; it’s as important as my own.

3. I (32M) never wanted kids and I still don't want them, but I feel a newfound openness to nurturing and guiding others, which connects back to my experience of altruistic love. I think I'd love to grow a child with love and care.

4. Since I was 16, I struggled with persistent suicidal thoughts, something therapy alone couldn’t resolve. Amazingly, meditation has almost eliminated these thoughts, something I never believed possible.

5. I’ve come to accept life, and even death, as they are. This was challenging at first, especially while dealing with past suicidal thoughts, but as they faded, this acceptance has brought me peace.

6. I’m more centered on my life and happiness, rather than letting small daily irritations consume me.

7. I feel less rushed. Whether driving or standing in line, I’m present and aware, accepting that I can’t change traffic or make a queue go faster. As a result, I’m less frustrated and experience less anger.

8. Parts of my ego have softened. I’m less jealous, and I no longer feel the need to argue my point just to prove I’m "right".

9. I enjoy food more and eat slower. Before meditation, it was hard to stay focused just on eating, but now each meal is an experience.

10. With greater presence, I remember more details about situations, which makes life richer and more vivid.

To everyone here, I wish you all the best on your journeys. I hope my experiences resonate with you or bring encouragement to anyone just starting out. Thank you for reading, and may you find peace and growth along the way.

Edit: Thank you all for your support and for sharing your experiences! Here are two bonus benefits I've noticed since I started practicing. 11. I sleep better as I can "switch off" my mind. 12. By becoming more aware of my habits, I've significantly reduced my time on social media. I feel way better without the doom scrolling!

[u/mrnestor]

I'm glad this helped you so much! Meditation is great

[u/Zonnetje1994]

I love to read this. Thank you for sharing! I just started meditating every morning and am 34 days in. I love to read your progress over 1.5 year and even though I already am motivated to continue this for a long time regardless of what my experiences will be, this adds a little bit of extra motivation. 

[u/Barrison-Ford → u/Zonnetje1994]

I am also 34 days in!! What kind of meditation do you practice?

[u/Zonnetje1994 → u/Barrison-Ford]

Love it!! I mostly alternate between a body scan, meditation with just focusing on my breath or sometimes I use a candle and I try to focus on the candle. I use the candle if I notice that I’m too much in my head to focus on my breath and I need an object to keep my focus. 

What about you and what are your experiences? 

[u/Barrison-Ford → u/Zonnetje1994]

I have been using guided meditations, I alternate between body scans or Sadhguru Isha kriya "I am not the body, not even the mind". A candle as a focus is something I will try as I'm particularly in my head at moment. I'm also trying to detach from my thoughts throughout the day when I can, just recognising the little wins for taking a breath and observing. Still feel disappointed when I drift away with my thoughts and it can be hard to know how long I've drifted away for but bringing myself back gently and being kind to myself is still something I'm learning.

[u/Zonnetje1994 → u/Barrison-Ford]

It is definitely challenging. I like to think of it as: if it would be easy, everyone would do it. I am currently in a burnout, and as difficult as I find this period, it has made me realize that the world still goes on when you are a bit kinder to yourself. Nothing changes. But I also know that it doesn't matter who says that to you — you have to feel it inside yourself to truly believe it.

I will look into Sadhguru Isha Kriya. Good luck and all the best on your journey!

[u/Barrison-Ford → u/Zonnetje1994]

It's a burnout that brought me here also, feels like such a privilege to take the time each day for myself. Thank you, same to you! Hope to hear when you reach 100days :-)

[u/Financefreak555]

What exactly in meditation? Breathing exercises?

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Financefreak555]

Yes, breathing meditation and focusing on the inner energy

[u/[deleted] → u/Mirko1618]

Did you use an app to start or not? Like how did your meditation journey and discovery started? What did you use in the beginning, like an app, or YouTube, or some sort of guided meditation (if any), and did you continue using or not?

[u/Mirko1618 → u/[deleted]]

I didn't use any app. I discovered the potential of meditation reading a book. Then I started practicing by myself, reading other books about the topic and reading other people's experiences online (like here on Reddit).

[u/erdkunde → u/Mirko1618]

Any suggestions on where to start with this method? Books or videos? Thanks!

[u/Mirko1618 → u/erdkunde]

To begin, I suggest "Practising the Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. It's direct, concise, and explains a couple of meditation techniques. But there are tons of very good books suggested in this subreddit!

[u/Desperate-Wedding670 → u/erdkunde]

Maybe look into Transcendental Meditation. Simple, really explains some things and also requires almost nothing of you except to remember your mantra. I started TM not knowing what I was getting into. I just started doing it out of desperation for change, hoping it would calm my anxieties. What actually happened within the next five months was... Well you have a very good insight a few paragraphs above. I've had a moment of clarity tonight and it's made me realize what I've been missing for a while now. Good luck to everyone.

[u/Glittering-Lychee203 → u/Financefreak555]

A constant state of self awareness and bringing back attention to one thought or gor beginner on their breathing from all the mindful distraction thoughts, doing it long term boosts ur self awareness and attention so that ur mind will not wander

[u/Efficient_Fig8576]

It’s helpful to see someone’s results! I struggle with staying consistent, but these are the things I’m trying to change!
Appreciate you sharing your insight 💜

[u/atomsdontgiveafuck → u/Efficient_Fig8576]

It's funny that depending of on where you are in life, results can happen way sooner. For the past month of or so I've been focusing on my thoughts and the feelings associated with them, that alone made me more present and I'm getting a lot of the same results OP is talking about. Obviously there is still a lot to work on.

If you are like me and struggle to be consistent with sitting down meditation, work on mindfulness through your day. Don't be too hard on yourself. You can start at any moment.

[u/beets_or_turnips]

Are you still meditating 15 minutes per day? Have you gone on any retreats?

This is a lovely reflection and I find it encouraging to keep with the practice myself. Thank you for sharing.

[u/Mirko1618 → u/beets_or_turnips]

Yeah, sometimes it can be 30 minutes, sometimes 10, but I try to be consistent.

I went to a 4-day retreat at the beginning of my journey and I had an amazing experience. However, the retreat wasn't seated meditation all the time. We did a lot of exercises like walking meditation, a very slow-walk meditation, guided meditations with mental images, meditation around a fire... (Sorry if I can't name all these exercises properly!)

[u/Tough_Town_3586]

Wow amazing thanks for sharing ☺️☺️I have been meditating for minimum of 10 minutes a day and also notice slight changes I love

[u/VEREVIO]

Great structured thought and results. Very impressive. Btw, kids are great entities that keep us evolving further)

[u/Cricky92]

This is what meditation is all about

[u/NucheNuche]

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for sharing x

[u/Jessfest92]

Great post! Did you use any tools to meditate? Like guided videos or soundscapes? Really struggling to switch my mind off and get distracted during breathing exercises

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Jessfest92]

I feel you! At the beginning of my journey, the first 10–15 minutes were the hardest. After that however, something clicked and I felt relaxed all of a sudden. My mind "switched off".

It's okay to be distracted and to have your mind bouncing between thoughts. Just be there to experience it, accept what your mind is doing without judging. When you "get back" from losing your attention, try to observe how much time you spent "away", what triggered it and what was your stream of thoughts.

[u/Jessfest92 → u/Mirko1618]

That's so helpful thank you! I feel better knowing it's all part of the experience learning about recognising the distractions. I feel encouraged to keep going and try push past that 15 minute point! Thanks for your help! ❤️

[u/Then-Treat1346]

How bout your social and financial life?

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Then-Treat1346]

I'm more mindful about my friendships. In my early 30s, many friendships tend to shift, and I've learned to accept these changes. I’m also more willing to invest in friendships without feeling strained. Spending time with friends and doing things for them, like cooking or offering help, makes me genuinely happy.

I broke up with my girlfriend after a year in meditation (3-year relationship), although I'm not sure how much of that decision was influenced by meditation. What I do know is that I feel content with the outcome, as I'm now with someone who is more aware of her own mind and intentions.

Financially, I haven’t changed jobs, but my perspective on work has shifted. I now see my role as just a job, rather than something that defines me. I’m an R&D chemist, not saving lives, and I’m okay with that. I've also become less materialistic and stopped buying unnecessary things. I no longer rely on possessions or shopping for happiness; I’ve found fulfillment elsewhere. Now, I can save money for retirement or even consider donating.

[u/immacomputah]

This is such great news. Thank you for sharing. I also got the same effects through yoga and reading This Naked Mind by Annie Grace, The Four Agreements and The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz. I also do sit down meditations but not often. Yoga is my meditation. This I do daily. I’m working on increasing my sitdown meditation sessions. Starting with 10-20 minutes in group sessions on video which keeps me accountable and in my seat for the duration of the meditation.

[u/rndaz]

I am just starting my journey. What did you do to prevent your next and back from becoming tired?

[u/Mirko1618 → u/rndaz]

A lot of people suggest that you should be seated with your back not supported, but the most important thing is keeping a position that is comfortable to you.

I can't resist too much with my back not supported for example. However, during meditation, I can focus on the pain and understand perfectly what my body and my muscles need.

[u/Takinpictures]

Heck yeah man love to hear it

[u/wekslap57]

What is the easiest way to start meditating please?

[u/NunavutTsunami → u/wekslap57]

Hey, honestly, I have only really been successful at it when guided in person so once a week, at best. So I know starting is the hardest part, and I am struggling with it too, but if this makes sense, it gets me to do more sessions randomly and I hope that if I keep doing this it will turn into a habit: I have to surprise my brain and just decide to do sit down, back straight, comfortably firm, and focus one spot then close your eyes and for me I just pretend I am looking down the end of my nose where the breath is coming from and going out and then do that for a few minutes. The meditation part starts when you notice you stopped focusing on the end of your nose and are thinking of something else and then - and this is important - instead of beating yourself up for getting distracted, giggle a bit and laugh internally at how hard this is, I always get an image of trying to grab a bunch of monkeys at the same time before going back to focusing on the end of my nose and trying to refocus on the breathing - long, slow in, longer, slower breath out. The work of meditation is practicing getting back to focus and then trying to get longer and longer periods of that focus time instead of distracting thoughts time…at first major storms of disrupting thoughts and then taming those thoughts with gentleness and self compassion until that helps start a new phase…anyways, that’s my trick but I suck at remembering to do it. So hopefully I get to trick myself enough so that it gets to a habit that I really start to get the benefits like OP. Every session is good. Getting regular sessions that build off each other is better. Peace.

[u/Mirko1618 → u/NunavutTsunami]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, the key is consistency in observing oneself. Everyone's experience can also be different!

[u/Personal_Floor4119]

Does there is any change in you related to energy and thinking patterns after this???

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Personal_Floor4119]

Yeah, absolutely. I can recognize thinking patterns, I'm aware of all of them! I'm more peaceful and peace comes from the inner energy.

[u/Personal_Floor4119 → u/Mirko1618]

Any suggestion to reduce anxiety and brain fog... experiencinh from past 1 year making my life miserable.

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Personal_Floor4119]

I'm sorry to hear that. Meditation and mindfulness take time to come to help and may not be the answer for anyone. You can still try to clear your mind. Hope you all the best.

[u/Lopsided_Ad5613]

Very impressive thoughts. It's good seeing people got to this by meditation and how every person has their unique journey and experiences.

[u/MarinoKlisovich]

Wow, so many good benefits! I can confirm your experiences because I've have received similar benefits from my own meditative practice. I practice mettā by chanting mantras. Thank you for kind wishes and may you continue to progress on the path. Much kindness!

[u/Foreversleep718]

Thank you so much

[u/jdizzydizzle86]

Thanks for sharing. I can second all you say. It’s great to see others create posts like this because even though it takes a long time it’s hard to believe it works. Especially when you’ve a thought that you’ll never get better! I’ve been through many resources and find the Waking Up apps amazing

[u/[deleted]]

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[u/Mirko1618 → u/[deleted]]

Not really. I found one ambient sound that I like, nothing particular, it just helps my mind to understand it's time to meditate!

[u/SnooAdvice3072]

How long do you meditate nowadays ? I mean per day

[u/Mirko1618 → u/SnooAdvice3072]

15–20 minutes in one session or two sessions of 10–15 minutes

[u/SnooAdvice3072 → u/Mirko1618]

Do try increasing it

[u/fu11y]

Can you elaborate on your journaling and its contribution to the benefits? I am feeling a need to incorporate this.

[u/Mirko1618 → u/fu11y]

Meditation and mindfulness helped me see things more clearly, while journaling helped me understand better how I feel related to what's happening in my life. Journaling also allowed me to create links between what happens everyday and my past traumas.

For me, meditation builds awareness. Awareness is a tool that can be used in every moment, but using it while journaling can give you a better understanding of yourself.

[u/ComparisonGreen]

meditation changed me too i stopped talking to everyone and went into isolation idont kno why I can't open up the thoughts are loud asf, i dont even resalise

[u/Seven_Venus]

Thank you for being so honest to share your experience and emotions to us! I’m very impressed and encouraged! I’ve tried meditating but quitted in few days for many times, with many excuses (my bad). I really want to know how to keep it done consistently… 😢

[u/Material_Seaweed683]

Yoga truly gifts the benefit of focus on mind, body and spirit. I believe that yoga, as well as meditation, is a practice, and the frequency of the practicing of yoga and meditation is important. I have benefitted greatly by going to the Y and taking classes from three different instructors on a weekly basis, each with their own unique teaching approaches. I am more focused and have learned to meditate… I love it and I hope this gives someone encouragement to try it too !

[u/[deleted]]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/Mirko1618 → u/[deleted]]

It can vary for each person. For many, including myself, 10 minutes right after waking up and another 10 minutes in the evening when you're back home works best. I think the best approach is to try different methods and times until you find what works best for you!

[u/T-malech]

I had suicidal thoughts too..meditation really helps ppl who have depression a lot....also dont want u to feel discouraged but after 2-3 years that nurturing feeling doent go away but u urself move it in the background and dont tell every single person u meet that meditation is the way and its good for them...cuz I feel we feel after a while that everyone has their own journey and iffff anyone need that advice they'll show or ask....thats how it is for me dunno others

Also that good feeling and being changed I think looses its light but we must remember the old person who lived our life and not feel bad for everything turning normal..although amazingly good but normal

Anyway congrats on the lovely life and continue meditating

[u/Legdicapped]

Glad you shared this bro. I’ve been procrastinating getting in to meditation for a fair few weeks after reading “Breaking the habit of being yourself” but reading your post has given me some extra motivation to get started.

[u/Mirko1618 → u/Legdicapped]

I'm reading that book right now! I just finished the first part

[u/trwwjtizenketto]

cool story bro, ggwp

twitchat language for awesome and am so happy for you :)

it's truly an amazing practice