Saurabh Joshi saw the unabashed joy in toddler son Sarvesh three years ago, and wanted the same in his life — one in which he often felt exhausted.
“I wanted that child-like enthusiasm,” Joshi said.
He gained it three years ago at a meditation workshop, and subsequently lost nearly 40 pounds in three years without specifically trying.
Therein lies part of his motivation in leading the local gathering of “America Meditates” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus. The free event is to help people find focus and better health and clarity, and is part of a 100-plus city movement midweek. No previous experience with meditation is required.
The Art of Living Foundation, focusing on stress relief and self development, has organized the event.
“The primary goal of this event is to create awareness of wellness, mental fitness, and peace within the community and in the U.S.,” said Joshi, works for Cummins Inc. but lives in Greenwood.
He is uncertain how many people to expect, but hopes for as many as 100. Previous local meditation gatherings he has coordinated at the library or North Christian Church have attracted 10 to 15 people per session.
But he realizes that misconceptions abound about meditation.
“One of them is that meditation is mystical or religious practice,” Joshi said. “However, meditation has been practiced in the East since thousands of years, before religion was formally established.”
A meditation event he organized in Greenwood in March attracted 80 people, though. He simply wants to see others see positive changes just as he has.
“Within a short span of few weeks, I started noticing phenomenal differences inside myself,” Joshi said. “I started feeling a surge of positive emotions and enthusiasm. My sleep improved and I had more energy for exercise even after a busy day. I naturally enjoyed eating healthier food and avoided junk food.”
He has heard similar reactions from others who began meditating, sometimes for as little as 15 minutes per day. He mentioned that some studies linked with meditation show that a meditative state triggers the brain to release the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Dopamine plays a vital role in enhancing happiness. Oxytocin creates feelings of security, contentment and reduces anxiety.
“People say they feel so much better,” he said.
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What: The local gathering for “America Meditates
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus
Cost: Free
Information and reserving a spot: Organizers would like to know who is coming to make room. Visit artofliving.org/us-en/program/161664
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