The Art of Well-Being

I first wrote this article just prior to leaving for a trip out to California to visit some friends, and decided to bring the draft with me to review on the flight out. I remember thinking there was something missing from the article, as if the words were just that…WORDS. I decided to put the pad down once the pilot began his descent. My vacation was about to commence and I promised myself this time “all play” and “no work.”

Staying with close friends in Encinitas, California, our days and evenings were unplanned. I found myself living in the moment and enjoying the present. While taking long walks on the beach, through the town or simply across the yard, the elements of nature awoke my senses. For the first time, I really noticed the texture of the earth beneath my feet, the sounds of wind chimes clamoring in the summer’s breeze, a wave crashing in the distance, a bird chirping in the tree, and even a fly buzzing by my ear.

Each morning I woke up slowly, savoring the soft sheets that nestled my body. Moving slowly out of bed and feeling the cool travertine tile beneath my feet, I noticed my body awaken a bit more. I made my way out to the veranda with a hot cup of green tea and allowed myself to become a part of the beautiful scenery: while a local jogger passes by, the bright pinkish-red flowers of nearby bougainvillea cascade the pergola, and the palm trees move gently in the morning breeze. I finished my tea and took my yoga mat and laid it out on the fluffy grass yard.

I began my moving meditation practice, but this time with my eyes closed. I listened to the sound of my breath reverberate in the back of my throat as I inhaled deeply through my nose and exhaled releasing my secular attachments. The repeated sound of my breath quieted my mind, and my senses grew sharper. With each asana (posture), my energy became closer to that of the surrounding environment. The sweet smell of the grass danced around my head, and the heat of the sun washed over me. By the time my yoga practice ended, I found myself fully surrendering to the moment and connecting to everything in my path. This was my morning routine six out of the seven-day stay, each day feeling a deeper level of well-being.

On the morning of my last day, I decided to take a 2-mile walk with my husband and friend to see the Swami gardens. As we walked up and down the hilly streets that line the pacific, three crows seemed to follow our path. When we arrived at the gardens, the view was breath taking: on one-side cliffs overlooked the pacific, and on the other side a menagerie of garden vignettes graced with sheer beauty . The magnificent colors and cascading waterfalls that filled fresh ponds of koi fish looked as though an artist had just finished a masterpiece on raw canvas.

Our walk back to the house was quiet and gratifying. The next thing I knew I was packing my remaining belongings and we were off to the airport. The ride was peaceful, not another car in sight. It was as if the energy we were emitting into the Universe told the highway we were all on a spiritual high. As I sat in my seat and prepared my pre-take off meditation, a wave of peace washed over my body, from which a message came: “rewrite your article and draw upon your vacation experience.” I re-wrote my initial draft, including a few points that defined my experience while on vacation. What I mean by this is the “Art of Well-Being” concerns both the mind and body - not as separate entities, but rather connected parts of asingle whole. “Wholism” is the ability to balance the physical with the mental and spiritual realm. When we do this, we experience greater vitality, and the clarity to access inner peace .

Breaking these components down on a physical level requires a form of movement. Qigong , Tai chi or their sister practice, yoga , naturally awaken our inner qi. My vitality skyrocketed because I began every morning by moving my inner qi [through yoga] throughout my body. My physical environment enveloped by natural materials – wood, marble, stone, natural linens, plants, water fountains and lush vegetation – propelled my physical and spiritual awakening to the next level.

Spending time in nature and meditating before and after my yoga practice eased my normally overactive mind. Where my mind was once filled with idol chatter, it now remained open to experiencing the present moment. I felt mentally renewed and physically refreshed. As I was sitting on the plane returning home, I realized that I had brought my article to life while on vacation.

We are all capable of reaching our highest self if we take the time to live authentically. This is something the intuit self already knows how to do. Tuning into nature and bringing it into our surroundings, living in the here and now, and moving the body simultaneously with the Universe are the components to the “Art of Well-Being.” If you take the time to nourish this natural state of mind, body and spirit, it is well worth the effort.