Meet Dave

• 44 years old

• Married; father of three

• Stay at home Dad

• Visually disabled

David has been a meditator with Atlantic Meditation for 4 years

Tell me about your meditation journey.

"The biggest changes have been my anxiety levels. I used to have panic attacks pretty often. I would say it is 95% gone at this point. I feel so much more confident! I have more inner peace and stability. My life has vastly improved because my mind has improved. There's much more clarity in daily life and in interactions with other people. This meditation has taught me to be more empathetic and to not take things personally. I'm much more comfortable in my own skin. I didn't realize how terrible I felt about myself. I had low self esteem and a lot negative thoughts. Now, I feel more confident and at peace and also less shy or withdrawn. I'm still an introvert but I don’t mind talking to people as much.

I became blind when I was 29 and started meditating in my 40s. Meditation made me feel less in my head and isolated, which happened way more since I lost my vision. I lost a lot of Independence and had anxiety about being in crowds (agoraphobia) because it was disorienting and scary trying to go somewhere when I can't see. I felt so vulnerable being outside. I had a lot of negative thoughts and questions like: life is unfair and harder than others; did I do something wrong to deserve this? Am I inferior? I lost a some friendships and important relationships.

Since I started meditating, I feel more confident because I am more comfortable and accepting of my disability. This meditation helped me let go of all the difficult times (like being taken advantage of and being mistreated) I endured since being blind. I learned to recognize and appreciate authentic relationships and have become a more sincere friend. It really opened me up and brought me closer to people around me.

I recommend this meditation to anyone and especially young people so they can avoid a life time of pain. Just take it step by step, follow the method and be as diligent as you can. The more work you put in, the more you receive out of it."