Welcome, Friend

If you are reading this, something in you is already curious about slowing down, paying attention, and starting the new year with intention.

Meditating daily has genuinely changed my life. Not because it made everything perfect, but because it gave me a steadier relationship with my thoughts, emotions, and stress. Over time, I became less reactive, more emotionally resilient, and better able to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. These are skills, not personality traits, and they can be learned.

Whether your goal is to improve concentration, reduce anxiety, cultivate emotional balance, or explore spiritual growth, a simple and consistent meditation practice can give you practical tools for everyday life.

The hardest part is not meditation itself. It is starting, and then continuing.

That is why this challenge exists.

The New Leaf 10-Day Meditation Challenge

This challenge is designed for real people with busy lives, wandering minds, and imperfect motivation. You do not need prior meditation experience. You do not need to clear your mind. You do not need to be calm or spiritual. Oh… and it’s FREE.

You only need a willingness to show up for a few minutes each day.

Together, we will focus on consistency over intensity and progress over perfection. The goal is not to meditate “well,” but to meditate regularly enough that it begins to change how you relate to your inner world.

What You Will Experience

During the 10-Day Meditation Challenge, we will:

• Learn how to meditate in plain, practical language, without mysticism or pressure

• Focus on habit formation, realistic goals, and psychological sustainability

• Receive daily emails with brief guidance, encouragement, and reminders

• Attend live online teaching sessions that clarify common obstacles

• Participate in guided Zoom meditation groups for accountability and connection

• Engage in an online community dedicated to meditation, wellness, and growth

• And optionally: You can be paired with 3 accountability partners also on this journey who you can check in with daily by email

Everything is optional but strongly encouraged. You can participate at your own pace while still benefiting from the shared structure and support.

Why This Works

Most people fail to establish a meditation practice not because meditation is ineffective, but because they try to do too much, too soon, alone.

This challenge combines three elements that research consistently shows support behavior change: structure, social reinforcement, and gentle accountability. When those are in place, consistency becomes far more likely.

You are not committing to a lifelong practice. You are committing to today, repeated for 10 days.

An Invitation

Join us! We can’t wait to get to know you and see how we’ll grow as a community. You’ll be shocked when you find out we aren’t trying to sell you anything after this 10 day challenge. We’d just like you to feel welcome and like you belong.

Anthony A. Cernera, M.Ed., M.A., LPC-A 
Founder & Lead Instructor

Anthony founded New Leaf in 2014 because he starting to meditate in 2007 as a way to deal with depression and anxiety. It worked!  

When he isn't meditating, skydiving or playing with his cameras, Anthony is a psychotherapist. He holds masters degrees in Education and Clinical Mental Health care. He continues his research as doctoral candidate focusing on habit formation and motivation for new meditators.

Anthony says, "I have benefited greatly from a daily meditation practice and want to share what I've learned with others."