The following feedback is from people who attended the Beginners' classes at Rensselaer Senior Center, Hindu Cultural Center, Schodack Senior Center, East Greenbush Community Library, Nassau Free Library, Office of Padma Sripada, MD (my daughter), and online classes for community groups, families, and individuals.
April to June
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode x 2
Feeling mode, Staring mode, 911 mode
Tip mode, segment mode, Staring mode
Feeling mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode, 911 mode x 14
Feeling mode
Segment mode, 911 mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode x 2
Tip mode, Staring mode, 911 mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Segment mode, 911 mode
Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Counting mode, Tip mode
Feeling mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Staring mode
Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Concentrating on stomach expansion and contraction
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode
Counting mode, Segment mode, Body scan, Yoga nidra
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Counting mode, Staring mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, 911 mode
Feeling mode, Tip mode, Staring mode, 911 mode
Tip mode, Segment mode, 911 mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode
Counting mode x 2
Tip mode, 911 mode, Observing expanding and contraction of belly
Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode, 911 mode, Sitting meditation, Chanting "Sri Rama ..."
Feeling mode, Segment mode, 911 mode,
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, 911 mode, Sitting meditation
Segment mode, 911 mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Staring mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode. Sitting med. for 5 min
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode, Segment mode, Staring mode
Feeling, Counting
Feeling, Counting, Tip
Feeling, Counting, Tip, Segment, 911
Tip
Counting mode, Staring mode
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Segment mode, 911 mode
January to March (Summary)
Most popular combinations in descending order. (Total = 76)
Feeling mode, Counting mode x 11
Feeling + Counting + Tip + Segment + Staring + 911 x 11
Feeling mode, Counting mode, Tip mode x 8
Staring mode, 911 mode x 6
All other combinations = 41
April to June
Sleeping, to get back to sleep, on waking up, until leaving the bed, Waiting in a line
To fall asleep, Doing chores
Get back to sleep, When someone irritates me or arguing
Get back to sleep, Stoplights, Walking, Waiting in line
Waking up till leaving the bed, Waiting in a line, Walking
Fall asleep, Doing chores
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, during a lengthy MRI scan
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Prior to playing the organ at the church after a long time.
Definitely helps me
Nighttime, to fall asleep, To get back to sleep, On waking up in the morning, until getting out of bed, Waiting at stoplights, Doing chores, walking
To get back to sleep, On waking up in the morning, until getting out of bed, Waiting at stoplights
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Waking up, Waiting in line, when angry or depressed
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Waking up, Doing chores, Walking
Stoplights, Waiting in line, driving, between patients, To control too many thoughts
Clarity of mind, tranquil disposition, Being in the present moment
Better sleep, Control of negative emotions
Fall asleep
Fall asleep, Waiting
Fall asleep, When a negative though enters
Back to sleep x 2
Walking x 2
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Waking up, Doing chores, Walking, Stoplights, Waiting in line,
Back to sleep, Waking up, Waiting in line, When angry, depressed or mind monkey
Stoplights, Waiting in line, Doing chores, Walking,
Back to sleep, Waking up
Walking
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Doing chores, Walking, Stoplights, Waiting in line, Computer work, Studying, Hobbies
Waking up, Waiting in line, Walking
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Doing chores, Stoplights, Waiting in line
Fall asleep, Stoplights, Waiting in line, Walking
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Work, Anxiety
Fall asleep, Waking up, When I have to participate in any event
Fall asleep, Waking up, Walking, Waiting
Back to sleep, Waking up
Fall asleep, Doing chores
Sitting in sofa
Stoplights, Waiting in line, Doing chores, walking
Fall asleep, Waiting line
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Waking up, Stoplights, Waiting in line, Doing chores, Walking, Studying, Work assignments, HobbiesWaking up, Waiting in line,
Fall asleep, get back to sleep, Waking up, Racing thoughts
Fall asleep, Doing chores, Stressed
Fall asleep
Fall asleep, Doing chores, Stoplights
Back to sleep, Waking up
January to March (Summary)
Practice times analysis (Total count - 216)
Fall asleep — 57
Get back to sleep — 48
Waiting in line — 26
Doing chores — 25
Stoplights — 22
Waking up — 26
Walking — 12
Stressed / stress-related moments — 4
When stressed / under stress (general) — 3
April to June
My thoughts dominate over my counting :-). "I was waiting to see my eye doctor, and it was delayed. It annoyed me to see patients being called who came after me. They called me in after an hour wait, which was ridiculous. To calm me down, I started doing the 911 method of breathing. It really helped me to be sane. I plan to use this method in such situations when my energy drains. 911 lifts the spirits with its cooling effect in the nose! Thanks for teaching me this method.
When my mind is bringing the thoughts that hurt me ..I'm trying to get out of it or saying to myself to ignore or don't bring it on.
Reduced stress, Calm, Relaxed
Staying calm and relaxed
Calmness, acceptance
Peaceful start, Calm mind, Better focus
Reduces stress, Back to normal after a severe stress period, Sleep benefits
During a lengthy MRI testI used the breath counting method to keep me focused, to give me the strength to endure the 45 min test while lying face down on my stomach.
Feeling much relieved post meditation.
I feel the cooling effect in my nose now
Calm mind, Focus, Less stress, Being in the present moment, Motion sickness cured,
I am able to relax after doing it
Negative thoughts are curtailed the moment they start. Felling relaxed immediately.
Having adequate shelter and basic needs met at the moment
Practicing 911 at the time of stress is making me calm and plan the work accordingly. Able to sleep early and wake up fresh by practicing segment mode or concentrating on belly while inhaling and exhaling
Calm, After attending the classes, she has been able to tell her sons who were talking politics, "Either change the topic or I leave." She also said at the lunch table to others who were talking politics, "No politics at lunch". Everyone agreed and stopped.
I was able to get out of multiple hurtful thoughts at that moment while practicing meditation
Better sleep x 3
Clarity, Solution-based perspective
Fall asleep, When hurtful thoughts coming, to overcome them im doing in the afternoons after completing house hold works
Less anger, depression, and mind wandering
Coming back to present moment, Improved mood, focus and wellbeing
I am less panicky at work
Calmer, No problem falling asleep and getting back to sleep, I had before doing meditation.
Yes - I love quick wins. Doing every morning meditation after waking up.
I do the Tip mode when I feel angry and if something is bothering my mind
Coherent thinking, Clarity of mind, Increased patience, Better temperament
Focused mind, Less frustration, Calmer mind
Feeling calm and relaxed
Less stress because I am not afraid to speak up when I don't like.
Feeling energetic waking up in the morning, because of the sound sleep at night. Practicing breathing when I am occupied with multiple tasks is relaxing me
Particularly, doing tip mode breathing waking up from bed has a significant influence on stress levels throughout the day.
Getting consistent on morning meditation
Sometimes able to stop myself to get into fight/ argument with husband for his actions,because I understood he won't listen or have any impact even if I say something.
Less time to get back to normal from stress
Calmer mind, Less anger, More focus
Clarity, Direction, Lower grief & Distractions
Better sleep, Relaxed, Back pain relief
Relax, come back to present moments, well being
A little bit more concentration
I am sleeping better. managing emotions better.
Practicing while doing dishes makes job easier and quicker
Yes , I feel good when I practice daily.
January to March (SUMMARY)
Transformative Impact on Sleep
Falling asleep faster and more easily
Returning to sleep quickly after waking
Experiencing deeper, more restful sleep
Waking up fresh, calm, and energized
Rapid Calm and Stress Relief
Quick reduction in stress and anxiety
Instant relaxation during high-pressure moments (e.g., MRI, emotional situations)
A reliable “reset tool” during overwhelm
Clearer Thinking and Mental Clarity
Clearer, more coherent thinking
Better focus and concentration
Breaking repetitive or intrusive thought patterns
Relief from “analysis paralysis”
Emotional Regulation and Self-Control
Reduced irritability and impulsive responses
Less anxiety, panic, and frustration
Increased emotional balance and stability
Better behavior in social and family settings
Increased Calmness, Peace, and Well-being
Feeling calmer, happier, and more peaceful
Reduced crankiness and mood swings
A sense of control and inner stability
Present-Moment Awareness
“Being in the moment”
Reduced mind-wandering
Breaking cycles of overthinking
Improved Relationships and Social Behavior
Avoiding arguments
Increased patience with family
Better communication and boundaries
More appropriate behavior in public
Increased Energy and Daily Functioning
Higher daytime energy
Improved productivity (e.g., school work)
Greater engagement in daily activities
Benefits for Neurodiverse Individuals
Notably, a participant on the autism spectrum reported:
Reduced anxiety and panic
Improved self-regulation (e.g., less impulsive behavior)
Better communication and eye contact
Practical use in stressful situations
Practical, Everyday Usability
Falling asleep or returning to sleep
Waiting in lines or at stoplights
Managing anger or conflict
Medical procedures
Moments of boredom or stress
April to June
"I was waiting to see my eye doctor, and it was delayed. It annoyed me to see patients being called who came after me. They called me in after an hour wait, which was ridiculous. To calm me down, I started doing the 911 method of breathing. It really helped me to be sane. I plan to use this method in such situations when my energy drains. 911 lifts the spirits with its cooling effect in the nose! Thanks for teaching me this method."
One meditator's wife shared her observation of her husband "We were at an entertainment program featuring a popular singer. My husband never ventured to speak in a large gathering. But at this event, he raised his hand and asked a question to the performer!" Both husband and wife were happy with this change in his attitude.
One meditator who came in for the second class at a senior center said that when he was practicing the counting mode saying the numbers out, his cat came to him, felt his breath at his nose, quietly lay in his lap, and took a nap!
January to March
A meditator at a senior center wrote in the survey form at her fourth class: "During a lengthy MRI test, I use the Breath counting method to keep me focused to give me the strength to endure teh 45 minutes test while lying face down on my stomach."
A meditator, ~40 years, attended my online classes with his wife. His college-going son also joined for a couple of classes. In the most recent session, I introduced the Feeling mode by focusing on belly movement and sensation without placing a hand on it. I set the timer for one minute. He, his wife, and I started practicing. When the timer bell rang, his wife and I opened our eyes. He continued meditating. It was as if he didn't hear the bell ring. I gestured to his wife to let him continue and not to disturb him. She resumed the practice, and in a few minutes, she fell into a deep sleep. I could hear his younger son, aged 11, call from outside the room, and said "I want to talk to you, open your eyes." It looked like he didn't hear his son. Even then, the father didn't open his eyes. That son came into the room to check on him. When I saw him, behind this man, I gestured to him not to disturb his father. He quietly went out. He continued practicing for 29 minutes! He scratched the back of his head a couple of times while still in deep meditation. I never saw anyone going into such a deep state and remaining in it, in any of my classes over 25 years. Amazing!
A 91-year-old woman who has been attending the classes at a senior center said that after she started practicing meditation, she is now able to speak up when needed. When her adult sons talk politics when they visit her, she simply changes the topic to avoid arguments because she didn't like their party. This eliminated the distress she felt for a long time. One day, while at a lunch table at the center, people were discussing politics. She promptly said, "No politics at lunch." Everyone agreed and dropped the topic.
One night, I couldn't sleep for 2 hours. Practiced feeling mode and thinking of temples and Gods. Then, I fell asleep. On waking up, I felt fresh (not like I was sleep-deprived). I was surprised that my 'Aura ring' didn't show a sleep deficit or increase in stress level! I was surprised.
I was in great distress, anticipating the MRI scan recently. I used the tip mode throughout the scan. I thought of you at that time. - A lung cancer survivor
This week, I went to the temple twice and sat in front of Lord Siva. Both times, I practiced segment mode and staring mode, looking at the Shiva Lingam. In each session, I was able to reach a reasonably calm state by around the 7th or 8th finger. After completing both hands, I felt a natural desire to continue practicing. Sadhana (practice) is God, and God is Sadhana. (A long-time client whom I met for the first time in 2013 when he had a bout of depression, and have been meeting again, from 2023).
One senior came to the Senior Center limping with severe hip pain and back pain. Walked her through a series of postural changes from sitting to standing against a wall, standing off the wall, holding a chair with one hand, and finally walking slowly. She was very much relieved of her fear of walking. I met her accidentally (providentially?) when I was at the entrance about to go out.
One doctor started attending from 1/17/26.
The Indian teenager attended the fourth class with his father.
'Segment mode' was beneficial in calming me down while being angry with my brother." helped in keeping calm when stressed by others.
One meditator said, "I was at an auto repair shop. The job was to be completed in half an hour. But as the part didn't fit, they had to get another part. The whole process added two hours to my wait time. All the time, I practiced the feeling mode and could keep my cool. When I was at the desk for check-out, the cashier was surprised by my coolness. I was so happy to have this technique to help me keep cool!"
When I practiced 911 breathing—especially using the imaginary straw between the lips, I was able to feel instant relaxation. Overall, meditation can weaken certain thoughts when practiced in the right way. I’m a big fan of segment mode; it not only supports my meditation but also serves as a great tool for focused chanting. In the past, I used to lose track of my mantra count, but thanks to segment mode, I don’t anymore.
One doctor and family have attended 4 classes online and continue.
One family with an autistic child attended 3 online classes and continues.
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