I've never completely unplugged with no access to texts, emails, Spotify, Instagram OR Netflix for more than a day. It's hard to believe I survived a Complete Urban Detox for an entire week. Aside from an emergency number provided to my family, I was all ALONE. I had some initial reservations and anxiety about detaching from work, unable to answer client communications. I did everything possible to inform clients via email, social media and auto-responders. Modern technology makes booking online a breeze so I really had no excuse other than to just do damn the thing. But I mean... Who would I be without the reassuring pings and dings telling me I am needed and important???
With a tinge of resistance, I sealed my phone in a cardboard envelope, knowing that I was all in. I mean I wasn't going to go tearing into it like some wild animal.
I worried that clients who did not read my email would send me a message and feel neglected with the unusual lag in response time! I pride myself in being a good communicator, because it is important to me that you feel valued, prioritized and cared about.
Interestingly, unplugging was much easer than I thought. It allowed me to disconnect from the me I have been so busy-BEING, and be open to the possibility of something more. I committed to being present and I am so glad that I did. There were tears, laughter, LOTS of connection, inspiration, revelation and stories of beauty and hope.
We meditated for 3- 5 hours per day, which was both horrible and fantastic at the same time. It was my first time sitting with myself doing absolutely nothing for hours on end, except on the beaches of Hawaii in my younger years! Most of the time we were in silence but a few guided meditations prompted us to envision our ideal future as well as conjuring memories of our proudest achievements, things we are grateful for, moments of love, passion and laughter etc.
Through the (agonizing) lengthy meditations, we were invited to explore any sources of pain or blockages that bubbled up, previously masked by the countless distractions and addictions of urban living.
My initial journey into deeply connecting with myself revealed its ugly head as a hodgepodge of resistance, fear, anxiety, and overwhelm with being "forced" to sit in silence. I thought how clever that the name of the retreat was "The End of Effort" led by Kyle Cease. I was so annoyed! I bet he didn't plan anything, because he is done trying, I thought to myself. Now we just have to sit here with nothing to do! UGH. All the stressful emotions I'd been avoiding started showing up and needing immediate attention. I had 2 choices, escape to the bathroom, or surrender into the meditation. Begrudgingly, I chose the latter.
I am not used to sitting still. I love learning, doing and keeping myself busy. I'm a go-getter, I love being productive, efficient and I'm always looking for ways to improve. Could it be that I've been distracting myself from these uncomfortable emotions as I tenaciously pursue self improvement, skill advancement and career development?
Whether it's TV, social media, news, food, drinking, shopping, it's crazy to think about all the distractions that unknowingly keep us from connecting with ourselves. I find myself "keeping busy" eating, organizing, listening to podcasts, personal development courses, projects, industry events, reading, webinars, etc. You get the point.
I'm still processing, but what if these things intended for my growth and improvement could be also preventing me from hearing my inner voice and paying attention to my intuition? My take away: If I don't make time for silence TOO, I can't hear what my soul wants.
I eventually got to a peaceful and restorative place with the meditations. In fact, I now practice silence throughout the day when I would normally listen to music or podcasts, driving and around the house. I also meditate for 20 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night, which was completely impossible prior the retreat. I could maybe sit anxiously for 3- 5 minutes before eagerly jumping up to check my phone. Things to do, people to see. You know the drill.
Although the process was uncomfortable at first, it was probably the easiest, hardest thing I have ever done. Silence creates the opportunity for that which we avoid and ignore to be discovered and acknowledged. "Getting real with ourselves" paves the road to more joy, authenticity and intention in our lives.
The Importance of Rituals
In the morning, if we immediately begin reading emails or watching the news, we may find ourselves driven by demands and ideas from the outside world, rather what is truly important to us. Not to mention being caught up in whirlwind of stress and overwhelm, risking compromised health and premature aging.
At night, if we are dragging the days problems and yucky energies into bed with us, we disrupt our sleep hindering our rest and rejuvenation cycles, waking up feeling sluggish, and skin lacking luster.
This, of course, is not how we do things at the Hi VibeTribe.
Morning and evening routines are literally the bookends of our day, impacting our mood, interactions, and the ability to create the life we want.
Moving forward, SILENCE will be the foundation that will both start and finish EACH DAY. I will use meditation to literally book in relaxation, clarity and discernment and set a tone that will create magic, purpose and excitement in my life. I invite you to do the same.
What other ways can we utilize these crucial parts of our day to help support rejuvenation and reduce stress so we can focus on our top priorities and highest values?
Morning rituals should ground, energize and create intentions and energetic boundaries for your day.
The morning is the most important part of your day, start it with intention, purpose and positivity.
☀️ Sit with yourself for 5 -20 minutes using meditation to ground, protect and visualize the day you want.
☀️ Write about your dreams, anticipations, issues, anything that comes to mind.
☀️ Drink a glass of lemon water or celery juice to kick start your digestion.
☀️ Move your body. Take a few minutes to wake up your joints and muscles by swinging side to side, twisting and turning, touching your toes anything that feels good.
☀️ Use essential oils such as bergamot, grapefruit, wild orange, sandalwood, peppermint, white fir to energize, elevate your mind and mood, and boost your immune system and metabolism.
Night rituals should purge and cleanse, allowing you time to restore and reflect.
At the end of our day, it's important we relax, unwind and set ourself up for success the next day. The following tips will ensure that you get the highest quality sleep, helping you feel and look energized and rested.
⭐️ Take a shower. We MUST cleanse the energy of the day to allow for quality sleep free from outside energetic influences.
⭐️ Write down at least 3 things you're grateful for and 3 things you'd like to do better tomorrow.
⭐️ Ideally, no watching TV at least 3 hours before bed opting for books, writing or being with your loved ones. But if you do, be sure to use blue light protective glasses or programs like f.lux.
⭐️ Plan out your week.
⭐️ Mediations to release attachments from your day, forgiveness ritual such as Ho’oponopono or chakra cleanse.
⭐️ Use essential oils such as Lavender, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Marjoram, and Ylang Ylang to reduce stress and anxiety, calm the nervous system and induce relaxation.