On March 9, Cangli Community and Xinghai Community co-hosted a special online meditation event: “Meditation from Zero – Start Simple, Feel the Shift.” Over 70 curious participants gathered on Zoom to begin a gentle conversation with their inner selves. Those who typed "meditation" in the chat also received a special mindfulness gift pack from the guest speakers.
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often overwhelmed by external noise and inner anxiety. Meditation is like a soft light that gently illuminates the corners of our minds. It teaches us to pause, return to the present, and reconnect with ourselves.
What is Meditation?
Our three guest speakers shared their wisdom and stories to guide us into the world of meditation:
Ting shared the story of a little fox to illustrate how meditation is a way of conversing with ourselves—observing our truest state without judgment. Ling described meditation as “a gym for the mind,” where we learn to coexist with stress and access our inner strength by observing breath and thoughts. Huang offered a technical lens, explaining that meditation is a tool to break thought-emotion loops, helping us step out of chaos and back into calm.
How Do You Start Meditating?
Many believe meditation is difficult, but it can start with something as simple as a breath. Huang shared how overwhelming work pressure and visa-related stress once brought him to a breaking point — an experience that led him to discover meditation as a way to reconnect with the present. Ling shared a powerful story: under the intense pressure of managing a male team on a construction site, she experienced a total physical and emotional shutdown. It was through a month-long retreat in Myanmar that she began to heal — and truly learned how to love herself again. Ting spoke about leadership training and how a 28-day habit shift made meditation an integral part of her daily life.
What If I Get Distracted?
This is a common question in meditation. Ling offered a liberating insight: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts—it’s about learning to observe them, like sitting at a crossroads and watching traffic flow. Huang reminded us that a wandering mind is part of being human. Meditation is about training the “monkey mind” and making peace with distractions. Ting noted that we have 60,000–80,000 thoughts per day. Meditation helps us notice when we get swept away—and gently return to the breath.
What If I Don’t Have Time?
Ling put it simply but profoundly: “You can always make time. Meditation is a long-term investment in your happiness and well-being.” Even 5 minutes a day can spark change. Brushing teeth, washing dishes, waiting for coffee, walking—all can become mindful moments.
Meditation vs. Mindfulness: A Way of Living
Ting explained this beautifully for beginners: Meditation is a practice. Mindfulness is a state of being fully present.She gave tangible examples: feeling the taste of your food, the temperature of your cup, the contact between your feet and the ground. These small acts make mindfulness approachable and real.Huang also recommended the Plum Village App, a great way to build mindfulness into everyday life.
Highlight Moment: A 5-Minute Meditation
At the end of the event, Ting led us in a 5-minute meditation. We closed our eyes, followed her voice, felt our breath rise and fall, noticed our thoughts, and touched a quiet stillness. For many, it was the first time truly experiencing the power of meditation: peace can be simple—and deeply profound.
In Closing
This event was held on March 9, just after International Women’s Day, to encourage more people—especially women—to explore self-love and self-acceptance through meditation.
As Ling said: “Being gentle with yourself is also a habit worth practicing.” Whether dealing with workplace stress or daily chaos, meditation helps us reconnect with our inner balance and strength.
Meditation is a gentle conversation with yourself. It doesn’t require complex techniques or long hours, just a willingness to pause, breathe, and be present.
If you’d like to begin your own meditation journey, join the Cangli Community and connect with fellow meditation learners and explorers. Start simple. Feel the shift. Grow from within.
We look forward to meeting you.
