Farewell agoraphobia, welcome - the world!
By Elizabeth - 2007
Wife, mother - and upcoming grandmother.
I first heard of Stillness Meditation approximately four years ago when, unable to sleep, I was listening to an overnight radio program: Pauline McKinnon was interviewed about her book on agoraphobia, (In Stillness Conquer Fear), and the practice of stillness. I thought that perhaps this was what I had been looking for as at the time, anxiety had made me retreat away from life, into my home and myself. I believed I could no longer drive my car and go out alone and my health was deteriorating. I made contact with Pauline at the Life Development Centre the next day and at my first appointment with her I remember saying that all I wanted was a chance to get my life back.
As my Stillness Meditation sessions continued over the months I wondered if this form of meditation was really working. But I certainly felt better and those around me could see the difference. I then began to realise that I was rediscovering life, driving again, walking, going out with the family and friends and more importantly, going alone. My health improved, including my sleeping and blood pressure and my GP decided to stop all medications. The effects of Stillness Meditation were so subtle that calmness had quietly entered my life.
Two years after that first appointment I was able to fly to the United States for a family wedding, something I would never have dreamt of before. The same calmness has also enabled me to confront family crises as they arose.
Each day, as I continue to practice my stillness, I find things I am now able to do without stress: from taking office in community organizations, to greeting strangers. Today I am sure Stillness Meditation has given me my life back – and I’m off again to the US later this year.
