Dermatitis was always a part of my growing years. Itchy rashes would spread to all parts of my body when it flared up. I scratched till my skin bled. Medications did not improve my condition. I could not wear short-sleeve shirts. The itching kept me awake. In summer, the condition worsened as sweat irritated the broken skin. My skin condition affected what I could eat. It seemed that healthy skin would always be beyond reach. I was on the verge of a breakdown.
A Year to Clear
My mother is a regular at Busan Haeundae Bodhi Meditation Center. She asked me to join her at the center to learn The Meditation of Greater Illumination. Since 2016, I’ve been practicing for 30 minutes daily. From the start, the meditation seemed to clarify my thoughts and boost my energy. It also seemed that my skin was cleansed during every practice. After a year, my complexion became healthy with no signs of dermatitis. I felt a freedom and an optimism I had never known.
Overcoming Challenges
Meditation practice also brought about inner changes. I used to be an introvert who found it difficult to communicate with strangers. I also had a challenging time focusing in class, thus my academic results were poor.
In August 2016, I attended Bodhi Meditation Youth Camp in Taiwan. During the camp, I made friends with people from around the world. We became close and I felt relaxed around them. I took the initiative to interact with and befriend everyone in the camp.
The atmosphere at camp was upbeat and filled with encouragement. The teachers shared that we could gain composure and wisdom through regular meditation. I set a challenge for myself: to stay focused during The Meditation of Awakening Wisdom and not take a break until I’d finished my practice. I succeeded. My endurance grew to the extent that I could practice for five hours without feeling tired. It was a real breakthrough.
Fulfilling Dreams
The youth camp also inspired me to study more diligently in order to realize my aspiration: to be a source of help to others. I continued my meditation practice and my memory improved as a result. My school results showed tremendous progress, and my classmates began to turn to me for advice. I feel a sense of achievement, and my parents are proud of me.
I am now a university student. Meditation continues to be a big part of my life. It inspires me to work toward fulfilling my dream of being of service to humanity.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
