Meditation saved my life and helped me recover from rape trauma. I was required in a meditation teacher training course to create a podcast explaining why I meditate and I decided I should share the complete truth, because meditation is a powerful source of healing. It's difficult to put into words how meditation has changed my life. Through meditation, I connected with my Higher Self. I realized I'm much more than this body. There were times when I thought I didn't have the strength or courage to go on, but meditation helped me realize that my spirit is free -- no person can harm my soul. My soul, the soul in each of us, is connected to a higher power that is a source of goodness and strength. Meditation builds that connection. This is still painful for me to share - 40 years later - but I want to help others heal and move forward to have full, healthy and happy lives. Healing from rape is not a straight path. I've had ups and downs. Panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. I would run away in the opposite direction if a man I thought might touch me came near. It destroyed relationships when I was younger. For years, I thought it was my fault, before I got the tools for my self-healing. If you're having a hard time, it's okay. It's normal. You are a beautiful person and no one can touch the inner you. Meditation lets you feel that, not in your mind, but in your heart. Trust in goodness. It exists. I've created a career out of helping people create health and happiness and it is my passion to support others so they can avoid any of the suffering I have experienced. I support you. One (1) out of every Five (5) women in America have been a target of sexual assault. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/hea... Many people don't have the strength to speak up, but it's not their fault. You know women who have suffered this and simply aren't saying it. It's okay. You will be okay. Keep believing. And, meditation helps. Mindfulness helps. You realize that you are not your thoughts, you are not your fears. You are a strong, resilient, amazing person. I studied about meditation and ptsd, meditation and panic attacks and meditation for anxiety and depression. I learned how beneficial meditation and mindfulness is for healing. I wrote several articles on this topic. I'm the perfect example of how meditation and mindfulness can change your life. Subscribe to Shirley's Soundcloud for new podcasts each week featuring a mindful moment - how to master stress and create calm focus for abundant health. Please leave comments or requests for tips to help you with your biggest struggles to reach your wellness and happiness goals. Email me at shirley@shirleyarcher.com Follow me here too: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirleyarcher/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shirleyarcher Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shirley_arc... Tumblr: http://shirleyarcher.tumblr.com/ Shirley Archer is a mindfulness and lifestyle coach, a best-selling author of health and fitness books, and an award-winning trainer who helps busy, hard-working people who want to balance career, relationships and self-care, but who can't find the time or the right guidance.