Wow! I can’t believe this is the last week! Time flies! Week 7 was a very special week for me. A few years ago, it helped me decide to change careers and pursue what really makes me happy. This time, as I asked myself what my heart’s desire is, I found answers that I wasn’t expecting. They had nothing to do with careers, but rather how I want to experience my life. I believe that our needs and desires change as we go through life and that our priorities change – and that’s ok. Elizabeth Gilbert said that we should “always be prepared for endless waves of transformation” in our lives. It’s the only way we can grow. I hope you’ve been able to enjoy your periods of self-inquiry and are receptive to whatever comes to you during that time. I’d love to hear what you’ve learned!!
During Week 8, Sarah discusses the importance of sleep, that good health is directly tied to good digestion, and the practice of Noble Silence in order to nourish ourselves and continue to develop our meditation habit. She also teaches us how to experience everything we’ve learned over the past 7 weeks in a Personal Retreat.
We all know that sleep and nutrition are essential for good health. Sleep is the time when we recharge our batteries, which helps reduce stress, balances hormones, and keeps our immune systems working properly. Without ample sleep, we’re low on energy, our brains don’t function well, and we’re not able to handle situations as well as when we’re well-rested. Sarah gives some pointers on how to achieve optimal sleep habits so that we’re at our best every day. She also suggests that digestion doesn’t just mean how we process food, it can also mean how we process events in our lives. When we aren’t present, we have trouble digesting a situation. Mainly, though, she points out that food plays an important role in our overall health and suggests that when food is in its natural state, without processing, that’s when we get the most nutrition to fuel our bodies. And when our bodies are functioning properly, that helps our mental state as well, which leads to overall better health. It’s all connected.
Two incredibly interesting practices this week involve “unplugging” ourselves from the outside world and truly going inward. The first exercise is called “Noble Silence” and it’s one of the most difficult, yet magnificent experiences we can have. It’s when we simply step into complete silence and just be. We remove ourselves from all distraction and be silent. It can be a meditation or just sitting in silence and experiencing everything as it comes. I try to do it as often as I can.
The other exercise this week is the Personal Retreat. Basically, you set aside a period of time (a half-day, full day, weekend, etc.) and retreat into Noble Silence for the entire time, going about your tasks completely “unplugged” from all electronics and in complete silence. You can use this time to practice all of the different exercises you’ve learned over the past several weeks – Long, Slow Deep Breathing, Walking with Awareness, Delectable Eating, and Body Scan to name a few – but the main goal is to be present and aware in each and every action, thought, and feeling. Go about your tasks mindfully, and welcome all that you experience throughout your dedicated time. It’s totally worth doing whenever you get the chance!
I really encourage you to try these exercises this week. I would love to hear how it went. And read the overview as well at the end of the chapter. There are some things I forgot about and will be doing again soon. It’s all about cultivating peace and mindful living – and we have all that we need to do it! Good luck this week!
Next week: Becoming “Soul-Centered” – Conclusion.
The information and exercises listed above are from Sarah McLean’s book “Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation”. I have done my best to accurately quote Sarah as well as to adequately paraphrase and express my own thoughts regarding the information in her book.
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 