Since its inception in 2010, more than half a million people from 200 countries around the world have participated in the 21-Day Meditation Challenge. We’ve been inspired by the thousands of heart-warming emails and comments from people sharing how the practice of meditation has transformed their lives. We are grateful to everyone who has participated and shared in our intention to create more peace within and more peace in the world. Here are just a few of the beautiful messages that have been posted on the 21-Day Meditation Challenge Facebook page.
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"I have been working nonstop for many years as a way of avoiding my real being." I have been using these meditations to find some space in my life. I have been working nonstop for many years as a way of avoiding my real being. I now have the taste for more and find it a joyous revelation. All of the elements of your meditation challenges are what has made this so successful for me − from the music, to the care you take with voice and word selection, to the content itself. It has all touched and awakened my soul. With love overflowing and a grateful heart, R. Jahoda *** ***
"I especially love the journaling aspect." This has truly been an amazing process. It is adding such depth to my current meditation practice. I especially love the journaling aspect. The questions asked helped me to delve deeper. I journal everyday but having a specific spiritual focus seems to peel more layers. I also LOVE having company in meditation . . . I greatly enjoy reading others' comments and seeing the impact this is making for so many people across the world. This is such a gift that is being given. Thank you, A. Mahoney *** ***
"I began to feel worthy of a life of abundance that includes ALL things . . ." This has been a FANTASTIC journey! For the first several days it was a challenge to be still, quiet, and keep my eyes closed. I couldn't even turn the television off, just muted it! (And I'd catch myself peeking to see what I was missing during the meditation). Then something happened! I started losing the fear I'd always had around the words "quiet" and "still." I began to breathe into the soothing words of Deepak, followed by the soothing sounds of the music. I began to feel worthy of a life of abundance that includes ALL things . . . wonderful health, a sense of well-being, work I love, finance, loving relationships, and much more! The Reflection Questions allow me a way to learn more about myself, and the Journal is becoming a new part of my life! Thank you, Deepak, for this very powerful exercise, and thank you, Oprah and OWN, for introducing us to such a life-changing practice! V. Jones *** ***
"To say that this has been a life changing event would not do it justice." I have always wanted to try meditating and this has been the perfect introduction to it. I am a recovering alcoholic. I am in AA and just celebrated a year of sobriety. Part of the 12 steps of AA is praying and meditating. So this has all come together for me. It has taught me to meditate and really there are a lot of similarities between what AA teaches and what you guys have taught in the summer challenge. To say that this has been a life changing event would not do it justice. It has changed the way I feel about myself and the world around me. It is like looking at the world with a new pair of eyes. And it is something my sweetheart and I have done together so it's has brought us just that much closer and it feels wonderful to be in this new way of life together. We have even started doing yoga together. So thank you for helping to get me started on this new way of life. I already feel the blessings and goodness in my life. Thank you, J.G. *** ***
"I recently lost my job and was feeling lost." The day before Oprah and Deepak announced that he was doing this 21-day meditation series I was lying in bed praying. I recently lost my job and was feeling lost. I live consciously and understand how my choices affect me and I live each day respecting nature, my environment, and people I come in contact with. What I have in my life now I am wholeheartedly grateful for: my beautiful apartment, my family and friends, my health, my happy positive attitude, and my 2 cats. But I was lying in bed praying and asking God (the universe, the force, the light, whatever you want to call it) how I could attract more abundance into my life. I didn't want to come across as being greedy, but I want to believe that I deserve it. We all deserve it. So I prayed on that and went to sleep. The next day I woke up and went about my daily routine and received an email saying that Deepak Chopra was creating a 21-Day Meditation Challenge to attract more abundance into your life. I almost fell off my chair and was so excited. I totally believe my prayer was answered and I have been doing this every day. I look forward to each day's new centering thought. I have been meditating on my own for years, but this man’s voice and positive messages really help me focus on what I want to attract in my life. I am so happy right now. D. Cheveyo *** ***
"I asked the other women in the salon if they were meditating with Deepak . . . and they were!" As I was getting my hair cut Monday, my hairdresser and I were discussing the day's meditation. I asked the other women in the salon if they were meditating with Deepak . . . and they were! Four women in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, all in the same room at the same time! I wonder how many untold others are helping transform consciousness here, there and everywhere! I would love to see a map of the locations where each of us is joining in Sat Chit Ananda [existence, consciousness, and bliss]! Thank you all! I love you! L.Kendall *** ***
"The teachings that you share give my mind something to do while at the same time nourishing and acknowledging my soul." These past three weeks have been truly amazing! I've been trying to meditate for the past few years. Over and over again I heard how important it is but I just couldn't seem to let go of the chatter in my mind enough to find the stillness and peace everyone told me about. And then I heard about your challenge and hoped you would help me make the transition. You did. I was resistant at first being used to all the complaints and distractions of my mind but you patiently and lovingly with your soothing voice enticed me into relaxing and letting go. The teachings that you share give my mind something to do while at the same time nourishing and acknowledging my soul. The mantras give me a vibration to keep coming back to as my mind wanders and the music feeds my soul. The chime feels like it lovingly flows through both parts of my brain and radiates out through my body. And then there you are again in your intimate nourishing way giving me centering thoughts to carry through my day. Has this been the most amazing gift or what? Wow! What bliss! I thank you Deepak from the very depths of my soul. I feel such profound appreciation and wish you so very much love and joy and of course abundance of all that you desire. Namaste, C. Harrison *** ***
"I am working towards healing wounds I have carried around that have caused me to hurt people I love." Nothing makes me happier then meditating. I am working towards healing wounds I have carried around that have caused me to hurt people I love. And I forgive the people I have loved that have hurt me. We all hurt and the one thing I would want is to have the ability to move forward. This deep meditation helps me not agonize over what I didn't get in my past but know that I would never have this inner peace that I obtain from taking a moment of my day to meditate on the perfection that is the universe. I am stronger, more loving, more patient, more forgiving, and more compassionate then I ever would have been without my experiences. Thank you, Y. Young *** ***
"Never have I felt so at peace and so happy and so fulfilled." Meditation has changed my life for the good so dramatically. Never have I felt so at peace and so happy and so fulfilled. My teenage daughter has noticed the change in me and I'm an inspiration to her in that through meditation, you find internal fulfillment and don't need external, artificial fulfillment, which is temporary. Meditation is eternal. Meditation will always be a part of my life and my daily routine. Namaste, C. Woolery *** ***
"I have begun to understand the true meaning of happiness . . ." This Meditation Challenge has changed me and my perceptions. Consciousness and the expression of love are the most important things as we embrace the abundance that has been given to us. I have begun to understand the true meaning of happiness . . . sharing your love, service, and God's gifts to everyone. Namaste to Deepak and his staff for this wonderful experience. J. Cruz *** ***
"− it’s the highlight of my day!" I have shared this challenge with everyone I know − it’s the highlight of my day! I love reading the posts from inspired people all over the globe. We can be the difference in OUR world − one person and one meditation at a time! Christina C. *** ***
"I love to think of others elsewhere all finding the same peace and inspiration." I belong to a running club in Northampton, UK, and there are several of us following the meditations. I love to think of others elsewhere all finding the same peace and inspiration. Z.Thornburgh *** ***
"Words can't express my gratitude for this life altering journey to true peace, happiness & joy I'm experiencing that no religion ever brought to the table for me. . . ." Words can't express my gratitude for this life altering journey to true peace, happiness & joy I'm experiencing that no religion ever brought to the table for me. . . . I had, many years ago turned my back on organized religion vowing to never be part of it again, but having a spiritual relationship with God was always my desire and goal, I just had no clue how go about it. Since that time, I've been searching to find a way to create a connection with my God that wasn't bound by anyone else's standards or belief system. I've was longing to find a pathway to true peace, happiness & joy that nothing but an unbreakable bond to my Creator could bring to me. I've suffered from depression, anxiety, stress, worry & intimacy issues my entire life that left me feeling isolated, lonely, disconnected, angry & unhappy with my life to the point that suicide was a real and viable option to release me from my pain. That is, until I found the fulfillment and conscious connection to my God I'd so longed for with this program. Finding abundant peace was my goal when I started this journey with all of you and I'm thrilled to announce to you that I've found it! This process didn't draw me away from God, it brought me right up to His feet. I'm in His presence & He's in mine! Namaste, K. Murphy *** ***
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity of meditating with you through this 21-Day Meditation Challenge." Dear Dr. Chopra, I am truly thankful for all that you do. I have a long list of ways that you have inspired me and my family to make so many positive changes in our lives. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity of meditating with you through this 21-Day Meditation Challenge. I have sent my personal thanks to Oprah as well. My 7 year-old now asks me on a daily basis if he can meditate with me. My husband, who would look at me like I was crazy when I first started, is now meditating with me. We are now saving up our money to go to the Chopra Center in Carlsbad for a meditation retreat as our 10-year wedding anniversary celebration. What better way to celebrate our growth together for life, love and each other. I thank you again from my heart and soul for the inspiration you have brought back into my life. Namaste, C. Sanchez *** ***
"Whether a person's spiritual journey is in infant or advanced stages we each recognize that we are journeying together and guide each other along the way." An amazing thing I am seeing from these meditations is how we are all connecting with each other in our meditations and in the area for comments. When reading the comments I see how much love and support we have for each other through the responses. When someone is unsure they are provided with the answer, when they feel pain they are understood, and when they are lonely they are reminded that there are many here who have love to share. Whether a person's spiritual journey is in infant or advanced stages we each recognize that we are journeying together and guide each other along the way. With only two weeks of the meditation finished we are seeing friendships formed that will grow into continuing relationships through our Facebook connections. In looking at the postings I have seen the contributions of the individuals that are doing this meditation and the change they are already bringing to our world. It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to the great positive changes that will come from the connection of so many united in our spirituality. May the ripples spread out to all of humanity in love, kindness, and understanding. M.McHaffie *** ***
"This was most touching and beautiful." This was most touching and beautiful. As I prepare for my day, I will remember to love everything and everyone I come into contact with. This has been the greatest meditation series, the wisest, and with the most connections for living consciously. Thanks from my heart! J. Keating *** ***
"Please do a 365-Day Meditation Challenge!" The biggest "shift" was reveling in gratitude each morning as I listened to Deepak's soulful voice and the beautiful music and was filled with love for the sunny corner in my kitchen where I meditate, the chickadees at the birdfeeder, my loyal Golden Retriever, who lies under the table and meditates with me. Please do a 365-Day Meditation Challenge! Namaste, K. Cone
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