I often say my journey to Falun Dafa was a long one.
Looking back, it feels like I was being guided all along.

My first encounter was in 2001, in New York City. I saw a reenactment exposing the persecution in China. I remember thinking:
If something is suppressed this intensely, it must be extraordinary.

Soon after, I learned the exercises in Central Park. As I practiced, I felt a powerful energy—something I had never experienced before. For a moment, the world felt bright, even golden.

But I didn’t continue. I forgot about it.

🌱 Opportunities Kept Appearing

Over the years, Falun Dafa kept showing up in my life—in the most unexpected ways.

A stranger handed me a book.
A friend talked about its teachings—then later forgot everything he said.
A random gamer sent me a link to Lunyu.
Flyers appeared. Practitioners crossed my path.

It was as if something was gently reminding me, again and again.

But I was lost.

I was chasing pleasure, drinking, partying… and sinking deeper into emptiness and depression.

🌑 At My Lowest Point

One night, after drugs and a long, reckless evening, I walked alone through Riverside Park at dawn.

I felt ashamed—of myself, of my life.

Then I saw a young woman meditating quietly.

Something stirred inside me.

I thought, “If only I had a Master… I would practice too.”

At that very moment, I felt a powerful beam of energy pass through my body—like light filling every part of me.

I dropped to my knees and cried.

🚗 A Life Saved

Not long after, I was in a serious car accident.

I was driving under the influence and blacked out.
When I opened my eyes, the car was flying toward a concrete barrier.

We hit. The car flipped into the air.

And then—everything went dark.

In that moment, I saw a massive hand lift the car, carry it over traffic, and gently place it on the side of the road.

We survived.
The car had only a flat tire.

Even the rescue driver looked at us in disbelief.

At the time, I didn’t understand.
Now, I know—I was being protected.

💔 The Turning Point

After years of chaos, my life finally collapsed.

My girlfriend left. I moved back home. I felt completely lost.

Then one day, someone close to me said:
“Why don’t you try that practice… Falun Dafa?”

This time, I said yes.

I watched the exercise video.
For the first time, I truly paid attention.

And something clicked.

🌟 Everything Changed

From that day on, I began practicing.

Memories came back—moments from childhood where I had narrowly escaped danger again and again. Times I should not have survived… but did.

I realized:
I had been protected all along.

🙏 A Life Given Another Chance

Looking back, I don’t think my story is special.

I believe many people are given chances—again and again.

The question is:
Do we recognize them?

Do we take that step?

(Adapted from a true story; full story at Minghui.org: https://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2026/2/8/232589.html)