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Meditative Story

Where the water takes me, by Donald Miralle

Meditative Story

WaitWhat

Meditation, Mindfulness, Society And Culture, Personal Stories, Mental Health, Spirituality, Health & Fitness, Religion & Spirituality, Storytelling, Society & Culture

4.63.2K Ratings

🗓️ 15 July 2020

⏱️ 27 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Twenty-four long miles into a grueling paddleboard competition, photographer Donald Miralle sights the buoy that tells him he's just a few miles from home. But what should offer a sense of relief provokes a feeling of dread. His body shuts down, his muscles refuse to work, his motivation dwindles. With nothing left to summon, he is desperate to quit. That’s when Donald spots a shadow in the water: a massive, majestic blue whale, serenely passing beneath his board. The rare sighting inspires awe in Donald, and an acceptance of forces beyond his control -- the wind, the waves, the tide and the whale. With restored confidence, Donald moves through his fear by leaning into the training that has prepared him for moments like this. And makes his way to shore.

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Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.com

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Transcript

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0:00.0

I'm meant to be right here.

0:09.0

This isn't an accident.

0:13.0

And the only thing holding me back is my fear.

0:18.0

This deep-rooted fear that has plagued me for long enough that has played in the background of my life like a haunting melody fear of losing fear of being a loser fear of losing others fear of losing things that matter fear of losing others, fear of losing things that matter, fear of losing control.

0:40.3

I know this fear.

0:44.3

I refuse to let it rule me, or try to protect me, or keep me from where I know I can go.

0:52.3

I can do this, I tell myself.

0:56.2

I've done it before.

1:03.5

Donald Murale is one of the most respected sports photographers working today.

1:08.8

He is the recipient of more than 40 international awards.

1:12.5

Confronted with a painful loss at a young age, Donald sought solace in the water,

1:17.6

where he often felt more comfortable and confident than he did on land.

1:22.0

In today's meditative story, Donald takes us to that place of great meaning and healing for him. He takes us out into the

1:29.5

ocean, where, after a life of training, he's prepared to handle any situation. In this series,

1:38.0

we combine immersive first-person stories and breathtaking music with the science-backed

1:43.0

benefits of mindfulness practice.

1:46.1

From Wait-to-Wat and Thrive Global, this is Meditative Story.

1:52.3

I'm Rohan, and I'll be your guide. The body relaxed.

2:15.3

The body relaxed. The body relaxed.

2:20.3

The body breathing.

2:23.3

Your sense is open. Your mind open.

2:27.3

Meeting the world. The sun shines brightly over the cold, deep, blue water.

...

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