Session 8 of Meditation Basics on Headspace called for paying attention to my present feelings. It could not have been a more appropriate topic for the day, because before I started the exercise, I was already feeling slightly angry about events that occurred over a week ago.

The instructor simply asked that I observe my feelings, without trying to engage in or interpret them. When I found myself able to do as indicated, it surprised me.

While meditating, I can see my anger objectively without actually feeling it. It is somewhat of a new experience for me. Usually, my emotions seep into everything I do.

So I think this meditation gig is going well. I truly believe, and I am not exaggerating, that breathing is going to change my life.

How? My TMJ is starting to heal, I think. At least I feel less pain. Generally, I stay upset for shorter periods. My resiliency and resourcefulness seem to have increased. And I have already found a solution to the problem I had at work.

Meditation is not completely new to me, which may play a role in my relatively quick grasp of the technique. I remember how hard it was to achieve the right state of mind when I was young, how hard I tried to get there and how trying that hard backfired.

For meditation, you have to unlearn trying. It has taken me a lifetime. I am grateful that I finally seem to be there.