What was the root cause of Federico’s chronic insomnia? Why did he come all the way from Italy to Malaysia for a remedy? Having tried all kinds of meditation practices, what made him fall in love with Bodhi Meditation?
Let’s find out how a Westerner views Bodhi Meditation, and how Federico was transformed in body and mind thanks to Bodhi’s simple yet profound methods of wellbeing.
My name is Federico. I am from Rome, Italy in 2004 which was the first time I came to Malaysia. I attended a Buddhist novitiate program. That was the first time I experienced a different state of mind which was quite different from the normal standard lives we have. I was searching for chances to experience that state of mind again.
Living in a Western society is quite stressful. Every day we have to face a lot of issues and problems. The negativity is causing more stress. When Westerners face too much pressure or stress, they usually go to a psychologist. But due to my previous experience, I felt it was not necessary for me. This 8.5 Day Health and Happiness retreat was what I was looking for to refresh the meditation skills I have studied before. So I came to Bodhi with that hope.
The more stressed you get, the worse you become. (My insomnia) got worse in the past 10-12 months. Sometimes I sleep very few hours, or I could sleep many hours but still feel tired. Because my sleep quality was not good. Despite sleeping less or more, I was always feel tired.
On the 4th day of the retreat, for the first time after so many years, I had a very good sleep. I did not sleep for long hours. It was my normal 7 hours of sleep, but the sleep quality was good. It was an amazing feeling in the morning. It felt as if I was a child; It feels like I have nothing to worry about. It’s really refreshing.
I started having sore throat on the first day of retreat. You will feel as if it will get worse in the coming 5 days. You will sniff and sneeze nonstop. So I said, “Oh, my God. Now I will have 1 week like this.” And actually not. Today, I still have a little bit of cold, but I feel so much better. So I didn’t go through the process of the normal sore throat which I usually have for 5 days. So it just heal itself. It is less than 24 hours actually. Very fast.
For many years, I have been studying different kinds of meditation. Grandmaster JinBodhi’s teaching is very practical. I found that it was very connected to daily life. Because certain Buddhist sutras or dharma talks can be quite difficult and complicated, but Grandmaster JinBodhi’s dharma talks were really practical and attentive to the smalls details in life that people need. Grandmaster JinBodhi taught us how to conduct health lifestyles, healthy foods, healthy habits and all the things that purify the body and make us feel better. I feel much more happier and in the connection with Nature.
I would like to thank sister Jane who suggested me Bodhi Meditation and her mother, auntie Jenny. I want to thank all the carers in BaoLing Bodhi Meditation Center; they are really nice, amazing and always ready to help. I would like to thank Grandmaster JinBodhi for giving me the chance to refresh and rediscover the feeling of serenity in my previous Buddhist experience. Thank you Grandmaster JinBodhi.
The intent of the testimonial is to offer wellness information of a general nature. Individual results of practice may vary.
