It was 2012. And I had to speak in front of a packed stadium of middle school students and parents.

At the time, I was working with a non-profit, supporting its mission to provide a path forward for first-generation students to gain admission into college.

Needless to say, my anxiety was through the roof.

Overcoming my Fears

Days before the daunting moment, I had envisioned a performance of the ages. I practiced my speech in front of my bathroom mirror. Countless times.

I dreamt of the crowd giving me a standing ovation after wowing them with a scintillating, inspirational, and powerful speech.

Fast forward to the actual moment and I was a nervous wreck, drowning in the pressures of delivering a game-changing speech that would motivate students and jolt them to follow their dreams with ruthless ambition.

Lucky for me, I had discovered a powerful tool. Meditation.

Prior to stepping onto the podium, I closed my eyes, relaxed, and focused on my breath.

“Breathe in and Breathe Out,” I told myself. “Focus on the sensation of your breath. Use the nervousness. Use the energy. Focus on delivering the message.”

As I approached the stage, the nerves had taken hold of my body, but because of the meditative session, I also felt a strong sense of calm, confidence, and stability.

The gray cloud that had covered my mind with doubt and anxiety had begun to dissipate. And I was feeling more and more calm and powerful.

The Moment Had Arrived

I gently adjusted the microphone, gazed at the crowd, and delivered one of the most passionate and inspirational speeches I had ever presented, imploring students to storm past their challenges, seize their dreams, and ruthlessly go after their academic goals.

It was another defining moment in my life. I had risen past a robust challenge, and in the process, sharpened the ability to derive comfortability from uncomfortability.

Meditation Continues to Guide Me

Nowadays, meditation is a regular practice for me. In the shower. Before speaking in front of others. When running. When playing soccer, basketball, and tennis. When participating in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). When being part of difficult conversations. Before flying (when my anxiety is through the roof). When producing music. When having to address colleagues at work.

Meditation is at the core of all these activities, giving me the capacity to be more present and providing a calmness that sets the tone for every beautiful experience.

This is not to say that meditation is a panacea for every difficult moment. At times, my anxiety overwhelms and neutralizes my ability to be the best version of myself. I often beat myself up mentally after these events.

But meditation is the tool that helps bring me back, acting as the ultimate cheerleader when self-doubt torments my mind, blinds me, and tries to thwart my progress.

So if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation or challenge and it seems insurmountable. Try to calm your mind. Breathe. Embrace the ambiguity. And realize that your thoughts do not define you.

Final Thoughts

In moments of adversity, I’ve learned it’s important to remember that challenges are all a part of life’s journey.

Try to take a step back, center yourself, and focus on the present moment. Taking deep breaths and embracing the uncertainty can also help cultivate a sense of calm amidst the storm.

Remember, your thoughts don’t truly represent you. It’s your inner strength, resilience, and ability to navigate through challenges that are at the heart of your character.

Try to relax, breathe, and enjoy the gorgeous ride of ups and downs.

Meditation Resources

• Meditation Instrumentals Produced by Anietie
• Stanford Mindfulness Resources
• UCLA Guided Meditations
• UCSF Meditation Resources
• UCSD Mindfulness Guides

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About the Author

I’m a communication coach, award-winning technical content communicator, music producer, songwriter, blogger, professor, and sports aficionado.

For communication advice, uplifting musical content, and thought-provoking interviews, and blog content, join me at: https://anietiecommunity.com/why-i-started-this-community/.