Earlier this year, I did something that completely changed the way I look at life.
I attended a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at the Dhamma Bhumi Centre in Blackheath, NSW — and those 10 days became one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
No phones.
No talking.
No eye contact.
Just me, my breath, and my mind — in complete silence.
It wasn’t easy. But it was absolutely worth it.
🧠 The Restless Mind
Before Vipassana, my mind felt like it was always racing — thoughts coming from every direction, worries about the future, regrets from the past, constant overthinking. It was exhausting.
I didn’t even realise how much of my mental energy was being drained until I sat in silence.
Day by day, the layers began to peel away. The noise started to settle. I started noticing how reactive I had become in daily life — rushing to respond, getting triggered, holding on to things that didn’t matter.
Vipassana gave me the space to observe all this — not with judgment, but with awareness.
✨ A Shift Within
Around Day 4 or 5, something shifted. I wasn’t just sitting in meditation anymore — I was understanding myself.
My thoughts slowed down.
I felt calmer.
Lighter.
Clearer.
And as the inner clutter began to clear, I noticed how much power we hold — not over the world, but over ourselves. I realized how often we blame outside circumstances for our stress, but true peace comes when we learn to master our own mind.
❤️ A More Present, Empathetic Me
After completing the course, I came back home with a new perspective. I started listening more — not just to others, but to myself. I became more patient with my family, more present in conversations, more aware of how I show up in everyday moments.
Even my relationships began to feel deeper and more meaningful. I started seeing people with more empathy — understanding that everyone is carrying something within, just like I was.
🌍 Why I Believe Everyone Should Experience Vipassana
In a world that’s always on, always loud, always demanding — Vipassana offers a sacred pause.
It doesn’t ask you to believe anything. It only asks you to observe — your breath, your sensations, your thoughts — just as they are.
No filters. No distractions. Just truth.
And in that truth, there’s healing.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or even just curious about your inner world — I highly recommend giving yourself this gift. It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity for modern life.
🌱 Final Thoughts
I didn’t come back as a “perfect” person. But I came back as a more aware, peaceful, and grounded version of myself.
I’m still learning, still growing. But now I have a tool — a practice — that brings me back to centre, no matter how chaotic life gets.
Vipassana changed my life. And I truly believe it has the power to change the world — one quiet mind at a time.
With love and awareness,
Anu 🧘♀️
🧘♂️ Have you ever tried Vipassana or wanted to? Let me know — I’d love to hear your journey. 🙂
Unfiltered thoughts by Anu 