(Minghui.org) I came across Falun Dafa two years ago. At the time, I felt like I was barely holding my life together. I had become very critical inside but was still overtly polite on the outside. Because my thoughts had become so critical, I found myself unable to stop hurting others even in the tiniest of interactions. I felt desperate, that I needed to find a way to help myself become genuinely good to the people in my life.

As I was walking through the park one day, I was longing to find a set of principles to live by, as I had heard martial artists do. I looked over and saw a group of people meditating there in the park. I thought they looked very peaceful and decided to attend the following week.

A lovely young woman, Melanie, showed me the exercise movements. I could tell by her manner that she was truly a good person from the inside out, and I have since continued to admire her in all our interactions. I am so thankful for her friendship and guidance. I knew this was a sign of the goodness of Falun Dafa.

On the first day, my meditation experience was wondrous. I borrowed the main book, Zhuan Falun, to read, and understood even more. It was compelling from the start and spoke of life in the vastest terms I had ever read about. As I learned more, I felt that the teachings were clear and upright, with no exceptions.

During the past two years, I have had experiences of immense compassion and inner wisdom and have learned a lot. One of the biggest changes came just a week ago, when I decided I would dedicate myself to meditate every night and read Zhuan Falun every morning.

On the very first day I felt so glad to be alive, completely spontaneously. I was naturally happy, feeling light-hearted and gracious, in a way that, as a “worrier,” I had searched so long, hard, and far to find. I have also found myself able to treat people with more respect and genuine understanding, and these changes are just happening, without significant effort on my part.

With this combination of reading and meditation, I am changing from the inside out. I am now able to be present and connect with others as friends, and to communicate more effectively. I know I am on the path to a much more enriching and upright life, and I am so thankful that I found Falun Dafa.