I meditated 2 hours a day for 60 days, here’s what happened

Summary

In this video, George travels to a mountain in China to learn meditation and experience the daily routines of masters. Reflecting on his personal struggles with stress, self-doubt, and impostor syndrome, he explores meditation practices that promise peace and stress relief. Alongside his teacher, Master Goo, George discovers that true inner peace comes not from achieving perfection but from embracing the present moment. The journey encourages viewers to examine their own stress patterns, let go of cravings, and practice mindfulness, offering practical insights on achieving calm and balance in life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meditation and mindfulness practices can help manage stress, but it requires dedication and time.
• 😀 Living in the present moment and embracing imperfection is key to reducing stress and finding peace.
• 😀 Letting go of cravings and desires is an important step toward mental freedom and relaxation.
• 😀 The journey to peace isn't about reaching a destination, but rather accepting where you are right now.
• 😀 Feeling guilty for enjoying life while others suffer can add unnecessary stress. Embrace joy without guilt.
• 😀 Thoughts, not external circumstances, are often the source of stress. Observing thoughts rather than reacting to them can create inner peace.
• 😀 Life doesn't need to be rigidly separated into categories like 'work time' or 'play time.' It's about how we relate to these activities.
• 😀 Achieving Stillness in meditation doesn't always mean having no thoughts; it's about not getting lost in them.
• 😀 The desire to be perfect or stress-free all the time actually creates more stress. Embracing imperfection can lead to relaxation.
• 😀 True relaxation and confidence come from letting go of critical thoughts and accepting oneself as they are.

Q & A

What motivated George to travel to China for meditation?

George traveled to China to learn meditation with Masters on a mountain dedicated to transforming the mind and body. His goal was to live like the local practitioners, following their daily routine for 60 days to explore practices that could help him live stress-free.

What personal challenges did George face before embarking on his meditation journey?

George faced significant challenges, including being scammed and losing all of his money. He also struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and feelings of tension, despite sharing practices with others.

How did George describe his experience with meditation and finding peace?

George described his meditation journey as difficult but rewarding. He realized that meditation doesn't necessarily lead to complete stillness but can help with centering oneself and reducing stress. He found peace not by eliminating thoughts but by not getting lost in them.

What does George say about the relationship between desire and peace in meditation?

George reflects on a concept from the book 'DST Meditation,' where it states that to harmonize with the way, one must let go of desires. The challenge lies in the resistance to letting go, as years of cravings and conditioning make it difficult to surrender.

What insights did George gain from Master Goo's teachings on work-life balance?

Master Goo emphasized the importance of unity in every moment, suggesting that whether one is working, sleeping, or eating, it's not about separating activities but rather about how one relates to them. Peace comes from the way we approach all aspects of life, rather than rigidly dividing them into work and personal time.

How does George's perspective on stress evolve during his journey?

Initially, George struggled with stress, especially feelings of guilt for enjoying life while knowing there is suffering in the world. However, he came to realize that the journey to peace is not about striving for perfection but embracing the present moment, even with stress.

What does George mean when he says the journey is from 'there to here'?

George suggests that peace isn't about reaching an ideal place or state of perfection. Instead, it comes from letting go of the desire to be somewhere else and accepting the present moment, with all its flaws and imperfections.

What is the significance of the idea of 'emptiness' in George's meditation practice?

George discusses the idea of 'emptiness' as a concept he embraces more easily now. He sees it as a state where he can let go of critical thoughts quickly and return to the present moment. This emptiness allows for greater peace and joy in his practice.

How does George view the process of personal growth?

George recognizes that personal growth is not a linear journey from one point to another but a process of accepting where we are right now. He emphasizes that personal growth involves relaxing into the present moment, rather than trying to force an ideal future version of oneself.

What does George suggest for those dealing with stress or self-judgment?

George encourages people to notice where they are holding stress or self-judgment and to relax in those areas. He suggests that the journey to peace is about moving from the desire to be elsewhere to embracing the present moment, letting go of the need to be perfect.