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From Professor to Author: Demystifying Meditation for Modern Life
Kajal Tehri
GENRE
NO. OF PAGES
BINDING
Introduction
In the world of meditation and spiritual practices, where misconceptions often limit participation to monks and the elderly, Kajal Tehri, an assistant professor in Delhi University's Department of English, has embarked on a journey to make meditation accessible to everyone. Her maiden book, "And I Thought Only Monks Could Meditate," challenges common myths about meditation while sharing personal experiences of transformation.
Key Development Areas:
Breaking meditation misconceptions
Making meditation accessible
Addressing modern lifestyle challenges
Providing practical guidance
Sharing personal transformation stories
Current Challenges:
Common Myths
Only old people meditate
Only monks can meditate
Meditation is for those separated from life
Meditation is only for work productivity
Religious requirements for meditation
Personal Barriers
Lack of peace despite material success
Health issues and dependencies
Work-life balance struggles
Relationship challenges
Mental stress management
The Pre-Author Life
Before embracing meditation, Kajal faced various challenges despite having material success. "I have a lovely family, yet there is something missing. So what was missing? That search was very overwhelming for me," she shares about her pre-meditation life.
Her journey began with a deep questioning of life's purpose: "I am running after money, I have decent money, I have my own vehicle, I have my own houses and yet I was not happy." This realization led her to look beyond material success for true fulfillment.
Life Challenges:
Frequent illness and health issues
Migraine and sinusitis problems
Medicine dependency
Work pressures
Inner peace seeking
Personal Struggles:
Health Issues
Regular sickness
Dependency on medicines
Physical limitations
Impact on daily life
Care for young children while ill
Professional Challenges
Work-life balance
Career pressures
Time management
Relationship dynamics
Personal growth limitations
The Trigger Point
The decision to write emerged from Kajal's desire to share her transformative experience with meditation. "I think I was in the seed stage for a long time. I always had a feeling that I have to write a book. But I didn't have much confidence," she reveals about her initial hesitation.
Key Motivations:
Personal transformation experience
Desire to share knowledge
Journey from seeker to guide
Need to simplify meditation
Make meditation accessible
"Friends, meditation is just being with your breath"
Choosing the Topics
Kajal's approach to content focuses on making meditation accessible and practical for everyone. She emphasizes that meditation is simply "being with your breath" and follows the technique given by Gautam Buddha 2500 years ago.
Her book includes 18 guiding principles that synthesize various spiritual practices while maintaining simplicity: "The 18 principles are the essence of so many systems. There are some new things in it, like first of all, you should do Anapana Sati meditation."
Core Content Areas:
Basic meditation techniques
Practical tips for beginners
Using music as a tool
Pyramid meditation benefits
Personal transformation stories
Special Features:
Chapter-End Resources
Recommended videos
Curated book lists
Practical tips from experience
Implementation guidance
Progress tracking methods
Meditation Tools
Music integration techniques
Pyramid energy utilization
Breathing exercises
Time management strategies
Group meditation approaches
Publishing Journey
The transition from professor to author presented unique challenges, particularly in gaining confidence to write a full-fledged book. Initially facing doubt from family members who questioned the book's reach, Kajal persevered.
"My family had not supported me initially. They were like who will read this book... they were very doubtful that you and your sister will read this book," she shares about her early writing journey.

Marketing and Branding
The book has achieved significant success:
Bestseller status on Amazon
International reach (US, Canada, UK)
Available in Kindle and paperback formats
25% discount on paperback
Free Kindle edition promotions
The Business Impact
Beyond commercial success, Kajal's work has created meaningful impact through personal transformations. She shares specific examples of her own healing journey: "I have been meditating for more than 5 years. I started in 2017 and in 2023, it has been 5 years since I have not even taken a single pill in the last five and a half years."
Her impact extends to family relationships and workplace dynamics: "My own son is a meditator. He has so much clarity. I never had to discipline him. I never had to tell him right or wrong... He is not even tempted [by negative influences]."
Transformation Areas:
Physical Health
Freedom from medication dependency
Relief from chronic conditions
Improved overall health
Natural healing processes
Increased energy levels
Mental Well-being
Better stress management
Improved workplace relationships
Enhanced problem-solving
Emotional balance
Clear decision-making
Social Impact
Improved family dynamics
Better professional relationships
Natural leadership emergence
Positive influence on others
Community building
"People started looking up to me. People started looking up to my suggestions, my advice," she shares about the social impact of her transformation.
Final Advice for Aspiring Authors
Kajal emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in both meditation and writing. Her key advice includes:
Practice Guidelines:
Start with 15-20 minutes daily
Take the 40-day challenge
Match meditation time to age
Use music as a tool
Stay connected to meditation groups
"Any thing becomes a habit in 40 days. So if you are at it for 40 days then you understand that you will not leave it. Just 40 days," she advises new practitioners.
Conclusion
Kajal Tehri's journey from professor to meditation author demonstrates how personal transformation can lead to meaningful contribution to society. Her book serves as a bridge between traditional meditation practices and modern life challenges.
"Friends, meditation is just being with your breath," she concludes, emphasizing the simplicity and accessibility of meditation for everyone.