How to regain clarity and focus – by not talking to anyone for a day
In Singapore and beyond, when the circuit breaker period and other lockdowns were implemented, many mindfulness-inclined types rejoiced. This would exist a time to go back to basics and to reconnect with oneself, they said.
Inspired by their upbeat outlook and a rash of pseudo-motivational Instagram memes, the wannabe health junkie in me figured I could finally piece of work on one of my large resolutions of 2022 – to detect inner peace through meditation. Afterward all, with my social life essentially vanishing into the ether, what better fourth dimension to light designer scented candles and listen to Spotify playlists of crystal basin music while chanting "Om"?
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Just as information technology turned out, life under enforced safe distancing was far from relaxing. Much of my newfound spare time was spent doom scrolling bad news virtually the pandemic or washing a seemingly abysmal sink of muddy dishes thank you to all the stay-home meals I had been cooking. And in my eagerness to prove my productivity in a worrying economical climate, I concluded upward existence even more than hopelessly chained to my email and work than ever before.
Ironically, I was probably the to the lowest degree mindful that I had ever been in my life. In the days earlier COVID-19, I would find a measure of calmness by practicing a daily 10-minute app-based meditation that offered a precious time-out from the hustle of daily life. But at present that I was stuck at home with nowhere to get, I could not even all the same my mind for a few minutes. Nirvana had never felt so out of achieve.
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Then, my editor assigned me to participate in a one-day online silent retreat by Singapore based wellness company Re:Well Rebels. Touted as the world's showtime digitally-based silent retreat that tin can exist done at home, all I had to do was ready aside one twenty-four hour period to disconnect from all my devices and brand a commitment to non talk or utilise other forms of advice, such every bit via writing or sign language with anyone.
The plan, which is designed by Bali-based mindfulness and meditation guide, Subba Vaidyanathan, includes a detailed schedule of activities and recorded meditations. There is also an selection to schedule a ane-on-one Zoom consultation with Vaidyanathan at the beginning and end of the retreat.
At that point, I had already embarked on a few other digital mindfulness initiatives including a 21-day meditation plan by Deepak Chopra conducted via the Telegram app and video pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) sessions. Sadly, none of these options had made much of an bear upon, which I attributed to the impersonal nature of the digital medium. So, I could non help but wonder only how torturous it would be to spend an entire day in silence during a time when virtually of us are already starved of social interaction.
All the same, piece of work is work, so I agreed to give this a go, which is how I found myself blearily waking up at the fissure of dawn for a sunrise walk 1 morning a couple of weeks ago, equally instructed. I dutifully locked away my phone and got in the spirit of staying silent for the twenty-four hour period as I breathed in the surprisingly cool air (through my mask) and enjoyed the chorus of chirping birds.
At an do expanse, I noticed a woman with her feet strapped to a snowboard while hopping on a yoga mat sprinkled with flour. A curious sight indeed but since I was sworn to silence for the day, I contented myself with having to alive with this little mystery forever.
At 8am, I logged in for my first of two video sessions with Vaidyanathan – also the just two times that I could speak that day. Right off the bat, I found his straightforward manner a refreshing change from the usual new age-y jargon nigh adjustment chakras or inviting "abundance" that many self-described gurus similar to employ.
"The primary purpose of today is to exist with yourself," he said, explaining why he chose to structure this stay-home retreat as a silent i. "By disconnecting and non talking, you give yourself the risk to mind and reflect."
Then I was on my own for the next 12 hours. Besides the meditations, his programme included leisurely activities such as reading a book of my choice, journaling and indulging in a artistic hobby like painting or writing poetry.
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In all honesty, I do not recollect I have ever fitted all these into a single day, non even during the holidays I used to take when traveling was a thing. Interestingly, I did not feel alone or feel the urge to talk or bulletin anyone when thoughts bubbled up – I but pulled out my notebook and wrote them downwardly the practiced erstwhile-fashioned way: Past manus.
That mean solar day, mindfulness was a state of being. My simple luncheon of soup and toast, which I had to fix and eat in silence, tasted particularly delicious as I took fourth dimension to savour every last bite. During an allocated session to do something creative, I brought out my long neglected color pencils and relaxed into a colouring activeness.
All-time of all, without the distractions of social media or the cocky-imposed obligation of trying to reply to work related letters as quickly equally possible, the day seemed to stretch endlessly, only in a proficient fashion. I marvelled at how there was even time to have an afternoon nap.
That evening, when I greeted Vaidyanathan during our "debrief" session, I said, "My brain feels like it has gone on vacation."
Indeed, I had not felt this warning and focused in a long time. The sense of articulate-headedness that I had been chasing futilely for the past few months had returned. Before we concluded our conversation, he left me with this parting pearl of wisdom, "Meditation is nigh grooming your focus and attention."
Perhaps there is more to mindfulness and meditation that I take not yet discovered, just if this even so and unfluctuating state of mind is my advantage for a day of silence, that is skilful enough for now.
And if I had to nitpick, the only thing missing from this day'southward retreat was a pampering massage, but hey, at this point in a pandemic, I will accept what I can get.
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/experiences/silent-retreat-mindfulness-meditation-247741
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