I think it is now the right time to tell the story of my mindfulness journey. Growing up in Serbia in the second half of the 20th century seemed to be a perfect way to spend your youth. It appeared to be sure that tomorrow will always be better than yesterday, life looked great. Of course, not everything was great, but for young people, those days, politics did not matter. Then came the wars, and everything changed. Politics became the most crucial thing in our everyday conversations and in life.
We became aware that we are dependent on many political decisions, at home and abroad. It was the time when I have started my business, almost as a hobby. Soon doing business became dire, with all advantages and troubles that it bears with it.
Somehow I have managed to get along, most of the time playing the game I never wanted to play. It became a burden after some years.
The change started to happen
Meanwhile, I was lucky to be introduced to scuba diving, thanks to my good friend, who convinced me to go on a vacation, when I was thinking that I am irreplaceable on my work. I was not, of course. Out of sheer boredom, I tried scuba diving and stayed in love with it for the rest of my life.
My quest for great diving locations led me to Thailand. I have started to turn off my mobile phone at the airport and not switch it on while on vacation. In the beginning, I was not aware of Thai and Buddhist culture but felt the peace in people’s behavior and their relaxed views on life.
This visit gets me thinking about my need for change. I have resumed my studies, got a master’s degree, and apply for my Ph.D. Still, I dod not yet make the decision about what to do next.
Also, I met a friend who showed me that life enjoyment is an essential part of everyone’s life. This was something that I have entirely forgotten. I started to meditate and practice yoga.
Trip to Thailand, the start of my mindfulness journey
Next year I went to Thailand scuba diving trip again. Since we have some time on the sore as well, we did some sightseeing. Our Thai guide took us to a “native” restaurant, utterly different from the ones that we visited earlier. He has also given us talk about Buddhism and the Thai mindset.
I decided to change my life. I started to make a plan on how to do it with some sort of safety net, but I was determined to try. It took me three years to implement my plan. I sold the house and my company but stayed in close relations with them. I moved out of my city house to one in the suburbs, a village in fact. Soon I found out how I enjoy this change, and this only strengthened my determination to leave Serbia and come to live in Thailand.
Discovery of mindfulness idea
At that time, I also have tryout one silent meditation retreat for five days and found out that I am very comfortable with that concept. It really is not for everyone, but for me, it was a perfect fit.
I had some friends in this beautiful small scuba diving village in Thailand’s west coast, and I asked them to find me a home, similar to one that I spent last year in Serbia. They did, so I bought a ticket and began my mindfulness journey.
To this day, I am sure that was the best decision that I have made in my whole life. After settling here, I felt I need to tell my story and, possibly, though my example, show the people that change is possible, no matter how old you are.
Also, it is really not necessary to go across the globe to find inner peace. It can be easier for some, but much harder for others. It is quite possible to have your mindfulness journey at your home, with your families and friends alongside you. They may or may not participate, but it also does not matter. It is your life and your life decision and path. You should respect what they need and contribute and help always, but you are entitled to your “quiet corner” and your hour of peace every day.
If you want to know more
In the following stories, I will try to bring you my mindfulness journey story in detail, and I hope to help some of you to embark on the mindfulness journey of your own.
Let me know what you want to know the most, and how can I help you with my experience. Next week I will write more on things that lead me to start contemplating my plans for change.
If you want to learn more about things I write about, check out my books. See also what the goal of this web site is. You can check out my other post about mindfulness, and share your thoughts and comments.
If you like this post, please subscribe here, get a free e-book, and get a notification when future posts are published. Also, share with your friends, like, and follow on social media using buttons below.
Enjoy reading!
Share
