Dear Listeners,
Last week I took time off from writing as I was doing a (home) retreat combined/inspired by an Ayurvedic detox I learned about. Over the years I've explored different healing modalities in my quest to understand health, healing and methods which may be helpful for myself or others.
Below, I created a list of actions a person can take to cultivate a calming movement inward. You might ask -why do this? There are many reasons a person might do something like this they may wish to; mark a transition between seasons or a stage of life, develop deeper self understanding, to learn/practice letting go, to quiet the mind, you get the drift. For myself it marked a transition, this August-September time frame feels pivotal, for me it felt an opportunity to welcome in the new, which means clearing out old habits. I was initially inspired by something Iw as reading which mentioned ancient traditions which promoted regeneration- the timing seemed right. I also hadn't taken an action this radical for more than 20years, so 'cleaning house' meaning the mind (meditation) and body (detox), seemed a good fit. And here I am on the other end of it.
My experience is not important and could unintentionally interfere with your experience will be if you chose to do this… Each person encounters something unique to them- whether it be urges, impulses, habits, routines, thought patterns, dreams or feeling patterns. It is curious to take action like this in our modern world where distractions and accessibility are outrageous compared to 10 or 15 years ago. That is a short period of time for us humans to adapt, considering we have the same brain-central nervous system and are also not that different from our parents and grandparents- when these distractions didn't exist. Not to pine away for the ‘good old days’, I should say they lived with a different set of stressors. Sometimes a person will exit a retreat with an clarity about themself which prompts them to make a decision of not doing X anymore but incorporating more of Y in their life. All of which is guided by an intention to cultivate an unencumbered mind. Using a small example from my own experience, I've come to realize there is a certain type of movie I'll likely stop watching and a certain concentration practice I'll incorporate going forward.
Of all the things I did- one which quieted my mind the most was reducing contact with technology (no screens, minimally played soft music). Alternatively- spending time in nature, gazing at water or the woods, noticing a breeze rustling the trees generating movement and sound- washed away pre-vacation stress rather quickly. Mind you there were may routines I engaged in (I was kind of busy during the day)- with self massages, walks, preparing meals, taking an herbal supplement on a schedule, reading contemplative material and simply paying attention to any task I engaged in, like washing dishes- fully.
Exiting out of this experience, I encourage you, the reader/listener of this pod to consider taking a similar action, which is in form, is a commitment to self, self growth, self understanding. These can be done together, however if time or obligations create limitations which is very understandable, see how far you can pull back, then incorporate a few of the below points for a few days or a week.
Consider any and/or or all of the following;
* unplug from devices, if need be only correspond in the morning so you have the rest of the day to be quiet, observe
* draw inward, quiet down as much as you're able without distractions
* read spiritually inspiring material- writings/talks by a teacher who represent wisdom
* commune with nature- this might be a camping trip with a like minded friend, or a long walk in the early hours, or stargazing from your window at night
* reduce input of stimulus close to zero, explore silence, or reduce your previous technology use by 90% (or more)- which includes screens, music, conversations, etc..
* slow down- nothing is urgent requiring an immediate reply, you might try something simple like walking slowly, slowing down your eating, try a walking meditation
* eat a very very simple diet (mine was inexpensive- mung beans with rice or quinoa)
* go without; go vegan (no meat/dairy/eggs) and abstain from sugar, caffeine - I know!
* go to bed early
* stretch or walk, abstain from vigorous exercise
* daily massage with a simple oil
* write down your experiences in a journal
* meditate
* do daily breathing exercises
*try a sauna if that suits you
This list may be a lot for some readers, lifestyle change is not easy but if you cannot do all, try a few, do them for a few days and notice what it’s like. Notice what happens when you switch things around, habits, routine, simplify diet. And of course, if you have health needs which a few suggestions interfere with, pick one thats easier to do. Again, take a gentle road, walk softly, be intentional, see what happens.
Thank you for listening, reading, participating. This post is public, please share it with anyone you think it might help.
Clouds can be so entertaining sometimes, go figure!
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