When I was in university, I was driven into a frenzy by a cascade of problems. I struggled with conformity, in terms of dealing with my identity, to fitting in with my peers and society, and ultimately, with forming my own thoughts and opinions.

At that time, I was introduced to the idea of vipassana meditation, which seeks to bring insight into the true nature of reality. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery by spending ten days in silence—I uttered not a single word during that time—something I had never done before. During that week, I learned about the three marks of existence: suffering and dissatisfaction, impermanence, and the realization of the non-self.

I learned, by sitting in place for hours at a time, the value of mindfulness as I explored my breathing, my heart-rate, my muscles, my sinews, every part of my body and mind which were trembling with energy. I saw that my troubles and worries were a part of a cycle of being, which also included happiness and satisfaction. I may not be an expert on mindfulness after a mere 10 days, but I can tell you that what I learned has reverberated throughout my thoughts and actions even now. In times when I feel pain and suffering, I fear not—change is always around the corner.

From what I've read, in Tibetan, vipassana is known as lhagthong, which in English may be translated as "supreme wisdom," or as "seeing that which is the essential nature of things." This approach focuses on a clarity of mind.

As a journalist, and also as a person—titles which are ephemeral and anchored to a notion of the self—I strive to see matters from a balanced and clear perspective. I must tolerate cognitive dissonance, while at the same time, cope with the beauty of the complexity that surrounds us.

Now that I am here in Tibet, I am once again faced with a multitude of factors from which a clear image is hard to discern. But I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the reality of the situation in this corner of the world. It is a solemn reminder for me to continue practicing mindfulness, and to contribute by spreading compassion whenever and wherever I can.

We are all interconnected, regardless of the color of our skin, our language, our nationality or even our own perception of identity. As we head forward into an uncertain future, lets work together and remember that empathy is what unites every single person—empathy, compassion, and mindfulness—these are the things that we need to move forward.

(Bryan Michael Galvan, English Editor of Beijing Review)