My Story
My journey with meditation began in 2013. I was over halfway through my PhD program in autism research, and my life was in a constant state of chaos. I was trying to work on my qualifying exams, and then my dissertation proposal, which are some of the most difficult parts of the PhD program. At this time, I was also working outside of the university just to pay the bills, as well as struggling to find the time to be a good mother to my young child. It was overwhelming. My stress level felt “off the charts,” as they say. I had always been a good student, but I found myself failing a part of my comprehensive exams as well as completely floundering on my dissertation proposal. I was also financially struggling. They aren't kidding when they say PhD stands for “Poor, Hungry, and Desperate.”
Around this time, I began to have various health problems, chest pain and abdominal pain being the primary symptoms. I went to several doctors, even to the emergency room on a couple of occasions with chest pain. After lots of testing, the doctors found nothing wrong. They attributed the chest pain to high levels of stress.
I began to fear for my health if this pattern continued, so I began exploring meditation for the purpose of relaxing and calming my stress for health reasons. I started using guided meditations (from the wonderful YouTube channel, The Honest Guys) that focused on relaxation and health. I also spent time outdoors and in outdoor exercise, thinking positive and healing thoughts during these activities.
It took some time, but I finally was able to get my stress under control and reduce, and then practically eliminate my physical symptoms of stress. With this accomplished, I started focusing on mediation from a more spiritual perspective and use it for spiritual reflection, as well as for relaxation purposes.
Being a researcher in autism spectrum disorders, I started exploring more about using mediation for folks on the spectrum, who may experience high levels of stress and anxiety coping with a world that is not always designed for their needs. What I found, as well as my own journey with meditation, inspired me to create this page to help bring the serenity that I am learning to apply in my own life, to others. I hope you will read on to discover more about what I am learning.
Disclaimer: While I believe meditation to be a powerful tool, it does not take the place of traditional medical care. If you are experiencing high levels or anxiety, stress, or any other mental or physical symptoms, please consult with your doctor. This website is not intended to provide medical or professional advice of any kind, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition.
Around this time, I began to have various health problems, chest pain and abdominal pain being the primary symptoms. I went to several doctors, even to the emergency room on a couple of occasions with chest pain. After lots of testing, the doctors found nothing wrong. They attributed the chest pain to high levels of stress.
I began to fear for my health if this pattern continued, so I began exploring meditation for the purpose of relaxing and calming my stress for health reasons. I started using guided meditations (from the wonderful YouTube channel, The Honest Guys) that focused on relaxation and health. I also spent time outdoors and in outdoor exercise, thinking positive and healing thoughts during these activities.
It took some time, but I finally was able to get my stress under control and reduce, and then practically eliminate my physical symptoms of stress. With this accomplished, I started focusing on mediation from a more spiritual perspective and use it for spiritual reflection, as well as for relaxation purposes.
Being a researcher in autism spectrum disorders, I started exploring more about using mediation for folks on the spectrum, who may experience high levels of stress and anxiety coping with a world that is not always designed for their needs. What I found, as well as my own journey with meditation, inspired me to create this page to help bring the serenity that I am learning to apply in my own life, to others. I hope you will read on to discover more about what I am learning.
Disclaimer: While I believe meditation to be a powerful tool, it does not take the place of traditional medical care. If you are experiencing high levels or anxiety, stress, or any other mental or physical symptoms, please consult with your doctor. This website is not intended to provide medical or professional advice of any kind, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition.