By a practitioner in the U.S.　　

　　My cultivation journey began in March of 2000. I had no idea at the time what I was undertaking. I couldn't believe how many insights and truths I read in Zhuan Falun when I first started practicing Falun Gong. I have to admit I did not believe everything I read at first. Some of it seemed so far out and was hard to comprehend. But other things I read I knew were truth. I also had a little problem with some of the concepts, but I just kept keeping on. Each time I read the book, I understood a little more. I just knew deep down I had to trust and that gradually my understandings would keep upgrading, which they did. For a time, I didn't know each day if I were going to keep practicing or not.　　　

　　It was like being led down an unfamiliar path with the only connection being my heart. Nothing was familiar and it was faith that led me. I knew I had to keep open minded. It would have been so easy to quit and go back to my old ways of never really cultivating one way, but floundering and always searching.　　　

　　All of my close friends were excited about Falun Dafa when it was first taught to us, including my husband. We all thought the energy felt great when we did the exercises together, and we were all pretty faithful doing them for about 6 weeks. hen little by little, as time went by they all fell by the wayside. I think the reason most people didn't continue is because they realized how many old patterns and habits they had to change to become true practitioners, and also the discipline it took. I know it wasn't easy for me, especially giving up all kinds of attachments.　　

　　When my husband saw how dedicated I had become, he got very hostile and angry, and even said bad things about Dafa. I really had to look within to see what caused this. After many tribulations with my husband, I have become so much stronger in who I am as a Dafa practitioner. We talked about it together, and it helped me to understand my husband's side more, and I have been more compassionate and tolerant towards him and his needs. He in turn had let go of his anger towards Dafa. He has been able to understand better my deep commitment and is much more tolerant of my beliefs. It would have been easy to blame him, but it is not one sided—we both had things we needed to work on, and we still do. Even though my husband doesn't practice Dafa, I feel my practice also helps him in many ways. I know he realizes now how good Dafa is because of my actions. If we Dafa practitioners walk our paths well, others will see our compassion and kindness, and through these actions we will show the goodness of Dafa.　　　

    One thing I have noticed is that I don't have ups and downs so much anymore. I'm more on an even keel. I don't try to ight life anymore but just let things happen. I also don't have expectations like I used to. I just do what my heart draws me to do without expecting any results. It makes life so much smoother.　　　

　　Another aspect of the greatness of Dafa is my clarity of mind. From reading, studying and sharing, I know what is right and wrong and I know what has to be done to upgrade my character and become a better person. I don't have to guess. I also have a lot more compassion for other people because of the understanding I have gained from studying Falun Dafa.　　　

　　From reading the Clearwisdom.net website I have gained so much from reading the experiences of other practitioners, especially the Chinese practitioners. I am very grateful to them and have great respect for their courage. They made me realize how small my hardships are compared to theirs.　　　

　　Because of Master Li's teachings, my whole view of the world has changed. I have much to learn, and I will keep working on improving my understanding.