A Journey of Self-Discovery and Inner Peace: My First Meditation Experience at Unity Center

As I walked to the Unity Center on W. 51st Street, I was consumed by a mix of emotions - rebellion, anger, sadness, and despair. Just a couple of weeks ago, I celebrated my first year anniversary of being sober through Alcoholics Anonymous, but little did I know that my life was about to take another unexpected turn. My second wife had just revealed her infidelity to me, leaving me reeling with pain and confusion.

Despite feeling like my world was crumbling around me, I decided to attend a meditation session at Unity Center, an experience that would forever change the course of my journey in recovery. As I entered the auditorium, I was struck by the peaceful atmosphere and the soft music playing in the background. The dim lighting created an intimate setting, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

Justin Morely, the meditation leader, began to speak in his rich baritone voice, guiding us through deep breathing exercises and encouraging us to quiet our minds. At first, my mind wandered, and I found myself thinking about my wife's betrayal and my desire for revenge. But as we continued to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment, I started to feel a sense of detachment from my emotions.

For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could finally take a step back and observe my thoughts and feelings without being consumed by them. It was as if I had been carrying around a heavy weight for so long, and meditation had given me permission to put it down.

As I left the auditorium that day, I realized that this experience was not just about quieting my mind or achieving inner peace - it was about acknowledging the power of mindfulness in recovery. Meditation has become an essential part of my daily routine, helping me navigate the ups and downs of sobriety with greater ease and compassion.

In the years since that first meditation session at Unity Center, I have come to understand that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances - it's about cultivating a deeper connection with ourselves and others. Meditation has been instrumental in my journey towards self-discovery and inner peace, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Aa daily reflections july 6th