Hello, I'm Dr. Andrew Escamilla from Ilumina Ketamine and Infusions in Brownsville, TX. Today, I want to share my experiences with mindfulness meditation. It has been a beacon of light in my life, guiding me through tumultuous times and helping me find peace within myself.
Embarking on the Journey
I started practicing mindfulness meditation about two years ago. Life was overwhelming, stress was constant, and my mind was constantly racing. As an ER physician, I’d spent the better part of 2020 and 2021 at the epicenter of the COVID pandemic. I found myself working more and seeing and dealing with situations I had never imagined. Something I had wholly enjoyed became a source of uncertainty and anxiety. I was searching for a way to quiet the storm within, and that’s when I stumbled upon mindfulness meditation. Books like “10% Happier” and “Meditation for the Fidgety Skeptic” by Dan Harris got me started. That led me down a rabbit hole of books, podcasts, and videos that helped build my practice.
The Initial Struggles and Building a Practice
I began with short sessions, dedicating around 3-5 minutes each day to meditation, and as I became more accustomed to the practice, I gradually increased the duration. Because my schedule changes almost daily, blocking off a specific time each day is difficult. I found the most consistent time was in the car while sitting in the hospital's parking lot before my shift. Other times included while in the shower and lying in bed before sleep. During the sessions, I use my breath to anchor myself and bring my attention back whenever my mind wanders. At first, my mind would wander, and focusing on the present moment seemed impossible. But, with patience and persistence, I started to experience moments of stillness. This approach helped me build a solid foundation for my mindfulness meditation practice.
Learning and Growing through Mindfulness
I’ve learned the importance of present-moment awareness, which involves focusing on the current moment and observing my thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings without becoming entangled. This practice encourages a non-judgmental attitude, allowing me to monitor my experiences without labeling them as "good" or "bad," "right" or "wrong," and accepting them just as they are.
Benefits I Experienced
- Enhanced Emotional Well-being:
Mindfulness meditation has allowed me to observe my feelings without judgment, understand them, and let them go. Meditation has significantly reduced my stress levels and has instilled a sense of inner peace and contentment.
- Improved Focus and Clarity:
Before, my mind was cluttered with incessant thoughts, making concentration a struggle. Mindfulness has helped clear the fog, allowing me to focus more effectively and approach tasks with a clear and calm mind.
- Better Physical Health:
I’ve noticed improvements in my physical well-being. My sleep quality and energy levels have improved, and even my immune system seems stronger. The relaxation and reduced stress from meditation have had a ripple effect on my physical health.
- Increased Self-Awareness and Acceptance:
Mindfulness has been a mirror, reflecting my true self. It has helped me understand my thoughts, emotions, and reactions better. This increased self-awareness has led to greater self-acceptance.
- Enhanced Relationships:
Being more present and attentive in my interactions with others has made my relationships more meaningful and fulfilling. The empathy and understanding cultivated through mindfulness have enriched my connections with my loved ones.
Conclusion
I don’t want to pretend to know and have everything figured out. Far from it, I still struggle with maintaining a consistent practice. I still find myself falling back into previous mental traps. My journey with mindfulness meditation has been life-altering but is not complete. I am grateful for every step of this journey and excited to see where else it leads me.
If you’re seeking peace, clarity, and a deeper connection with yourself, I wholeheartedly recommend trying mindfulness meditation. It might just be what you’ve been searching for.
Andrew Escamilla, MD
Andrew Escamilla, MD: Nov 27, 2023 1:06:59 PM
