How Sarah Blondin Changed My Life

For nearly 20 years, I dabbled in meditation with mixed success. At first, I thought the goal was to clear my mind—something I quickly realized I was terrible at. Then, I discovered different techniques: focusing on my breath, a mantra, sounds around me, or even sending loving-kindness thoughts. These methods helped me feel a little more relaxed when stressed or a bit more energized when tired, but I was still searching for something deeper.

That’s when I found guided meditation. Having someone gently lead my focus made it easier to stay present, and I started noticing a slightly bigger impact on my overall well-being. Then, in January 2024, I joined a 28-day meditation challenge on the Insight Timer app. The first seven days were led by Sarah Blondin, and that was the moment everything changed. 

Learning to Truly Love Myself

Through Sarah’s guidance, I connected with my heart in a way I never had before. I didn’t just learn to appreciate or accept myself—I learned to truly love myself. You know that giddy feeling of being newly in love? I now feel that every day. Whenever I intentionally connect with my heart, I experience this warm, deep, unconditional love—for myself and for life.

Meditation also helped me:

• Set goals and take action to improve my life.

• Accept myself, others, and situations I cannot change.

• Manage my anxiety in ways I never thought possible.

Since then, I’ve explored many other meditation guides. Some resonate with me, some don’t—but I always come back to Sarah. Her voice, pace, tone, and messages feel like they were meant for me. She speaks not just to my soul, but to both the darkness and light within me.

Discovering the Power of Sensitivity

Sarah Blondin’s book, Heart Minded: How to Hold Yourself and Others in Love, deepened my journey even further. One of the biggest lessons I learned was about sensitivity—something I had consistently struggled with.

I’ve always been deeply emotional. I cry easily—not just when I’m sad, but when I feel any strong emotion. Books, movies, TV shows, Terry Fox Day, Remembrance Day, seeing someone else cry, even speaking about my mom (who passed away over 10 years ago)—all bring tears to my eyes. Every student I have ever taught has seen me cry. Often strong emotions will stay with me for days, or sometimes even longer.

For years, I thought this was a weakness. I would tell myself to “toughen up” or “grow thicker skin.” But Sarah taught me that my sensitivity is my greatest gift. It means I care deeply. It means I love deeply. She taught me that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength. That I don’t need to protect my heart because it is resilient. That by opening my heart, I invite love, opportunities, joy, awe, and freedom from fear.

How Meditation Has Changed My Life

Meditation has become a daily practice for me. Sometimes I listen to guided meditations; other times, I meditate in silence. No matter the method, it helps me start my day feeling grounded and positive.

I’ve also use meditation to:

• Sleep better—especially on restless nights.

• Find guidance—I search for meditations on topics I’m struggling with or want to focus on (setting boundaries, emotional regulation, gratitude).

• Deepen my marriage—My husband sometimes joins me, and we’ve had incredible conversations sparked by what we’ve learned.

• Manage chronic pain—While it doesn’t make the pain disappear, meditation diminishes it.

• Dig deeper - The thoughts and feelings that arise during meditation often spark new ideas, insights, and realizations, which I explore further through journaling—usually right afterward. This practice helps me process emotions, gain clarity, and take meaningful action in my life.

• Be present throughout my day—Not just when meditating, but in everyday moments—observing my thoughts, feelings, and surroundings with awareness.

• Deal with stress - Meditation is my most powerful form of self-care that helps me calm my mind and body and create a sense of inner peace.

Meditation has transformed my life in ways I never expected. It has helped me connect with my heart, embrace my sensitivity as a strength, manage my anxiety, and deepen my relationships. (Thank you Sarah!) If you’re curious about meditation and its benefits, I encourage you to explore it for yourself.

For more on the science-backed benefits of meditation, check out this article from Healthline: How Meditation Benefits Your Mind and Body.

There are so many different ways to meditate. If you’re interested in starting your own meditation journey, I’d love to help you find a practice that fits your life. Click here to connect with me.