Trait anxiety is a measure of how anxious a person usually is...
Trait anxiety is a measure of how anxious a person usually is...
Reference: Journal of Clinical Psychology (1989)
The theme for World Mental Health Day
2026 — "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change" —
resonates deeply with me. Behind every journey of healing is a personal story, and
when those stories are shared, they can inspire hope, understanding, and
transformation in others.
This is my story.
There was a time in my life when my health
was extremely fragile. I had to step away from my career, my commitments, and
many of the activities that once brought me joy and fulfillment. It was a
challenging period that taught me one of life's most important lessons: nothing
is more valuable than health.
When health is compromised, everything else begins to lose its meaning.
It was during this phase that I was introduced to Transcendental Meditation (TM). On 7 May 2024, I learned the technique with a simple intention—to support my health and well-being. I had no expectations beyond that.
What unfolded over the months that followed was far greater than I could have imagined.
Transcendental Meditation is remarkably simple,
natural, and effortless. Yet the changes I experienced through regular practice
touched every aspect of my life.
As I continued meditating, I felt myself
reconnecting with a deeper part of who I am. Gradually, there was greater
clarity, stability, and inner balance. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by life's
challenges, I found myself responding with more ease and resilience.
Most importantly, I began to experience a sense of alignment within myself—a quiet connection to an intelligence that seems to guide life naturally and effortlessly.
As my well-being improved, something unexpected
happened. The path I had once been forced to leave behind began opening again,
but in an entirely new way.
I found the inspiration and confidence to start my own purpose-driven venture, श्रीVastra.
Looking back, I see that TM did not simply
help me recover; it helped me evolve. It allowed me to move beyond survival and
reconnect with purpose, creativity, and meaningful contribution.
Today, I experience greater confidence, resilience, inner strength, bliss, love, and surrender. Life feels fuller and more balanced. I feel deeply engaged with the world around me while remaining connected to my inner spiritual life.
I often describe it as being 100% involved in the outer world and 100% connected to the inner world—together creating 200% of life.
As my TM practice deepened and I learned the
Advanced Techniques of the TM Program, I began to experience another
significant dimension of the practice.
These techniques seemed to take me beyond simply exploring and understanding myself, towards a deeper experience of being connected and aligned with the larger, creative intelligence of the universe. I began to experience how the intelligence through which all of creation is beautifully designed, sustained, and continually evolving also resides within us—and how, when we become still enough, it can guide us towards a deeper understanding of our purpose and our place within the larger whole.
On a practical level, I noticed that my meditations became deeper and more profound. Alongside this, I experienced:
Creative ideas began flowing more effortlessly—not
only within me but also into my work and business. Challenges that once seemed
complicated often felt easier to navigate, and I found myself approaching
situations with greater clarity and ease.
The journey also became increasingly meaningful on a deeper level. A quiet sense of witnessing began to emerge. Life continued to unfold with all its activities, responsibilities, successes and challenges, yet there was a growing ability to remain present, aware and deeply grateful through it all.
With immense gratitude, I continue to witness
and live this bliss and ecstasy, embracing all that continues to unfold, evolve
and reveal itself along the journey. If someone were to ask me what the secret
behind the beauty, abundance, opportunities and ever-growing possibilities in
my life is, I would undoubtedly say: Transcendental Meditation.
When I reflect
on my journey, words feel inadequate.
I moved from a phase
where even daily activities felt difficult to a life filled with purpose,
confidence, growth, gratitude, and joy.
Each day now begins and ends—and is filled—with love,
surrender, and appreciation. I feel profoundly
grateful for Transcendental Meditation and for the opportunity to experience
its benefits firsthand.
I began my journey with Transcendental
Meditation with health as my reason,
but what it has given me in return
has been so much more—a
life transformed in every way, allowing me to experience not just being human,
but the deeper fullness of being.
My wish has remained the same ever since I learned it: that everyone learn Transcendental
Meditation, meditate, and make it a part of their daily lives, so that each
of us may experience the fullness and beauty of the life we are meant to live,
blissfully.
On this World Mental Health Day, as we honor the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” I hope my experience encourages others who may be navigating difficult phases in their own lives.
Sometimes transformation begins with a simple step.
For me, that step was learning Transcendental Meditation.
Today, my heart
overflows with gratitude and reverence for Maharishi and his Gurudev - Swami Brahmanand
Saraswati Ji, whose wisdom has made this
timeless knowledge available to humanity.
Through this
practice, I have experienced a journey from struggle to fulfillment, from
restlessness to alignment, and from merely existing to truly living.
Sri Gurucharana Kamalebhyo Namaha
Jai Gurudev