The question I’ve been asked the most since this journey began is, “How do YOU meditate?”
There are countless ways to meditate or connect to one’s source. It’s a deeply personal path—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Throughout my life, I’ve tried Tai Chi, yoga, acupuncture, and other meditative techniques. Each was relaxing and helpful in its own way, but I could never quite calm my mind enough to see a clear path forward. I lacked the tools to quiet my brain and hear what the universe was trying to tell me—until I discovered the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza.
Tai Chi: A Gentle Beginning
When I was pregnant with Tristan in 2007, a friend (the same one who recommended our beloved herbalist Myron) suggested Tai Chi. This ancient Chinese martial art uses slow, flowing movements and breath to cultivate a meditative state. It’s also known to help with balance and gait issues, which are common in people with MS.
Jeremy and I began weekly classes with an instructor in Columbus. Jeremy would drive from Bloomington after work just to make the hour-long class. We both enjoyed it and always left feeling relaxed. Our instructor spoke often about the healing aspects of Tai Chi, and he was clearly knowledgeable.
Still, I spent more time focusing on getting the movements right than actually feeling centered. Perhaps if we had stuck with it longer and gained more confidence, the experience might have deepened. But with Jeremy’s long commute and my pregnancy progressing, we eventually stopped. Tai Chi might be the right path for some, but at that time, it wasn’t for us.
Yoga: A Sanctuary in the Woods
In 2011, while working as a pre-K teacher at Penny Lane Childcare in Bloomington, my health began to decline again. The Swank diet alone wasn’t enough. After some research, I discovered Yoga for MySelf—a free yoga class specifically for people with MS.
The class was held at the Tibetan Cultural Center in Bloomington, a peaceful spot nestled in the woods where deer roamed freely. Just being there was calming. I was nervous before my first class. What would it look like? How many people would be there? What abilities or (dis)abilities would they have?
There were six other participants—four women in their 60s, one man in his 20s, and me. The instructor, about my age, was technically a yoga therapist, not a traditional teacher. She had studied in India and had also trained under my neurologist, Dr. Mattson. I was excited to begin.
The classes were gentle and accessible, with a focus on breath and movement. Every Tuesday morning became a little oasis of quiet and calm, especially valuable with two toddlers at home. However, despite how good it made me feel, I rarely practiced outside of class. Life was busy, and quiet time was scarce.
I continued yoga for seven years across multiple locations and class changes. By 2018, my MS had progressed—I was walking slowly with a cane and struggling with daily tasks. My yoga therapist wanted me to commit more time and money to my practice, but I couldn’t. We eventually parted ways.
Yoga was always positive and relaxing, but even after all that time, I still found it difficult to get out of my own head.
Acupuncture and Cupping: Eastern Practices
For nearly 20 years, I’ve suffered from severe SI joint pain. My yoga therapist suggested trying acupuncture and cupping. She referred me to Dr. Young Park in Indianapolis, a kind and soft-spoken doctor who practices preventive and Eastern medicine.
His exam room was nothing like a typical doctor’s office—dim lights, calming music, and a warm, cozy atmosphere. I was a little nervous, but he explained everything thoroughly. The acupuncture process, though it involved a lot of needles, was surprisingly relaxing. I’d lie on the table for 10 minutes, completely still, and actually feel at peace.
Then came the cupping. It was… strange. Glass cups were placed on my SI joint using heat and suction. While it didn’t hurt exactly, it was incredibly uncomfortable. The sensation made it hard to relax. I dreaded that part of the session.
I saw Dr. Park monthly for a year. I always enjoyed the acupuncture and felt looser and more relaxed afterward. Cupping, not so much. Unfortunately, the cost and time commitment weren’t sustainable, especially since I wasn’t seeing dramatic results.
Meditation: Finding My Path
Despite all these experiences, I still struggled to quiet the constant chatter in my mind. That changed when we discovered Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work.
We were gifted his 9-week online course, and it was life-changing. I won’t try to explain his methods in detail—his books You Are the Placebo and Becoming Supernatural do that beautifully—but I’ll say this: his guided meditations helped me finally get out of my own way.
Dr. Joe knows the power of meditation firsthand. After a devastating biking accident in his 20s, he healed himself through meditation. He now teaches others how to access their own healing power. Watch his story here.
How I Meditate
I don’t have a single set spot for meditation, but I prefer to be outside when I can. The key is comfort and quiet. I always let my family know I’m meditating so I’m not disturbed—something I learned the hard way after repeatedly being tapped on the arm mid-session with a, “Mom, are you meditating?”
Headphones help block out noise, and I often use Dr. Joe’s guided meditations from YouTube or ones I’ve purchased. I rarely miss a day, and I can feel it when I do. Even my kids notice. “Mom, I think you need to meditate,” they’ll say. And they’re usually right.
Meditation hasn’t made my problems disappear, but it’s changed how I deal with them. I feel more grounded, more hopeful. Since April, there’s been a shift—I finally feel like I’m moving forward again.
Meditation has become my anchor. It’s free, it’s always available, and most importantly—it works.