Rejuvenating My Body and Spirit
Challenges: lumbar-disc herniation, weight gain, severe lower-back pain
By Sadaf, Canada
On a day in 2011, while I was bending down to pick up a laundry basket, I felt my back stiffen and a moment later, I couldn’t move at all. Family members immediately called for the help of paramedics. The doctor told me it was lumbar-disc herniation. This condition caused intense pressure on my nerves, leading to excruciating pain in my lower back.
Life of Darkness
I cried my eyes out during my five-day stay at the hospital as the pain was simply unbearable. After being discharged, I rested at home for six months. Due to the intensity of the pain and the stiffness of my back, I had difficulty walking. My life seemed to be in total darkness: no hope, no future. I lost my usual vigor and liveliness. Confined at home, I had to lie on the floor most of the time.
Despite half a year of rest, my pain remained chronic. I tried to get back on my feet, but my ability to walk was compromised. Efforts to alleviate the suffering bore little result, and I fell into depression. I was extremely worried that the herniated disc would torture me for the rest of my life. Due to immobility, I gained 13 kilograms during this period.
A Ray of Hope
My sister, Sara, joined Bodhi Meditation in 2014. She became more energetic and positive, her face looked radiant, and her eyes brightened considerably. I was struck by the changes in her.Sara’s transformation gave me a ray of hope.
In April 2016 I decided to attend Bodhi Meditation’s 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat. During my first practice of The Meditation of Greater Illumination, the pain in my lower back intensified. However, it was much alleviated after the third practice. By the end of the retreat, 70 percent of my pain had abated. After the meditation retreat, when I did get the pain occasionally, I always recovered within two days. It was unlike in the past where the pain would persist for two weeks.
In January 2017 I joined the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat again. This time I could practice The Meditation of Greater Illumination with ease. Now I go to the gym daily and with the help of exercise and meditation, my weight has dropped from 72 to 59 kilograms. My fitter, healthier body feels rejuvenated.
Life’s Great
Walking Energy Bagua at 5 a.m. every day gives me the energy boost I need, and I find it enjoyable as well. Following that, I practice The Meditation of Greater Illumination and full prostration. Group practices at Bodhi Meditation Center give me a sense of inner calm and peace.
Now I no longer feel the pain in my lower back. I have regained the vitality in my life, and was able to complete my studies with a degree
in architecture.
I am deeply grateful to Grandmaster JinBodhi for his compassionate teachings. The meditation practices have changed my life and led me to inner tranquility. A few days ago, a friend asked me to go on a holiday in Mexico. However, spending time practicing meditation is what makes me truly happy. I’d rather trade a holiday for time to rejuvenate my spirit through meditation. It brings a whole host of wellness benefits, empowering me with great health, energy, clarity, peace, and happiness.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
