26. august 2023
About me
My name is Bastian Sundling, I am 33 years old and I am an open, curious and tolerant guy. I am a speaker, the founder of Your Mental Armour, a litigation business lawyer, husband, (soon to be) father, mindfulness practitioner, writer, communicator, and much more - not necessarily in a specific order. I have climbed Mount Cancer and survived.
I am passionate about life. The buzz of activity brings me joy, just as much as the tranquillity of solitude. I juggle numerous responsibilities and activities across academic, athletic, and social spheres. In my leisure time, I engage in a variety of activities including reading books, watching series, cooking, exercising, writing, and practising meditation. My fitness routine encompasses football, beach volleyball, squash, running, and strength training. Regular meditation and monthly "floating" sessions significantly enhance my mindfulness and focus, aiding me in navigating life's hurdles. Working as a business lawyer, I find litigation and courtroom appearances particularly gratifying. Each case presents a challenge to my analytical skills, storytelling ability, and performative talents.
My practise
I've dedicated myself to daily meditation practice for a decade, allocating between 10 to 30 minutes each day — occasionally more. My routine consistently begins in the morning, establishing the tone and direction for the day ahead, and often includes an additional session later on. My routine has accumulated over 100,000 minutes of meditation, translating to well over 1,500 hours. Many have much more experience. When counting moments of mindfulness throughout the day, my figure could be amplified by a factor of 1,000 or perhaps even 10,000. A few years ago, I also attended a mediation retreat (Goenka silent Vipassana retreat) in Sweden,
In my practice, I practise being fully present in the moment, observing thoughts and sensations without judgement — core principles of e.g. Vipassana meditation. Additionally, I incorporate elements from Metta (Loving kindness) meditation, and particularly from Dzogchen meditation, especially Dzogchen's direct approach to recognizing the nature of consciousness as it is I practise through a secular lens, emphasising the value for psychological well-being and self-inquiry without the need for religious belief.
Today, my meditation and mindfulness practice is an integral part of my daily routine. It has not only helped me to manage the physical and emotional pain from the tumor in my brain, the cancer treatment and the rehabilitation, but has also led me to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. The journey hasn't been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Through the lens of mindfulness, I've learned that even in the midst of suffering, there is the potential for growth, peace, and joy.
It has been life changing! Besides the immediate and ever-growing science-backed mental and physical benefits I experience, such as enhanced concentration, attention and cognitive functioning, better sleep, fewer sick days and reduced stress, my practice has helped me to manage the physical and emotional pain from my brain surgery, the cancer treatment, and the rehabilitation. And maybe most importantly, it has led to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.