EMERGENCY ROUTINES:

In this delicate and urgent moment, I almost felt compelled to write an article so as not to remain silent, but, on the contrary, to make you feel that we of Zen Meditation are there.

We are here.

We are present.

We are close to you.

I have chosen to give a written form to my thoughts, to make you think about the possibility that we have, right in the here and now, to change the vision of the things that surround us and of the situations we can live.

I would like this emergency situation to become the extreme way to give a different value and weight to our loved ones and loved ones, a chance to reverse the point of view on our routine and a way to change definitively.

We are asked to really think about our weakest neighbor and to make a huge sacrifice in the first person to protect "the other". And the other may appear extremely indifferent and distant to us, but it can be a mother, a father, a brother, or even just a neighbor with whom we have barely exchanged a few words in a few years.

We are forced to stay at home, to slow down to a very high pace which, by now, had taken possession of our body and mind. And, of course, going from overstimulation to immediate stop can feel like a punch in the stomach and overthinking

solidarity

Having made this premise, which I considered fundamental, let's move on to practical and come to our 20 new and healthy daily routines to put into practice immediately and to maintain even when all this is over!

20 new habits to establish and maintain

Wakes up

Let's not postpone the alarm clock, let's set ourselves the goal of waking up by 7 in the morning.

It is really true that "the morning has gold in its mouth"! According to the circadian cycle of Chinese Tractional Medicine, the ideal time to wake up is between 3 and 5 and I understand that it is too early for many (including myself: D), but a good compromise is to set the alarm for 6.30 / 7.00. .

Getting out of bed

Let's not wake up suddenly pulling ourselves up (as an excellent actor would do in the role of the mummy who wakes up after 3000 years) and thus also causing damage to the back. Let's take some time to curl up on our left side, then move into a sitting position and get out of bed. The left side releases the Nadi Pingala of the Ayurvedic tradition and also helps to avoid cardiac hyperstimulation and stomach acid.

Morning exercises

Once up, we can practice about twenty minutes of Sun Salutation or gentle stretching. Muscle and respiratory awakening will bring more positive energy to your day!

Walking meditation

If you have dogs, take advantage of the daily walks to practice the in-depth walking meditation by Master Tich Nath Han and Mindfulness outdoors. There's no need to travel too far from home - a simple tour of the yard or block is enough!

Physical activity

In any case, allow yourself the opportunity to practice physical activity outdoors and alone three times a week. It will be a great way to keep your immune defenses up and learn to listen to your body with greater awareness.

NB activity that does not lead the body to suffering. You should not experience a feeling of extreme tiredness, but of well-being.

Breakfast

Before work, have a healthy and abundant breakfast. The best time for stomach activity is between 7 and 9! Let's educate him and keep him healthy.

Work

If smart working has been activated, remember to keep the breaks and get up to stretch your back and stretch your legs at least every 30 minutes. It takes a couple of minutes to be able to regain sensitivity in the legs 😀

Main meals

Lunches and dinners will be an opportunity to choose what to eat, cook something quick and enjoy everything by chewing slowly, feeling the individual flavors, visually observing the dish and, possibly, doing everything in silence. The whole digestive system will thank you!

Kitchen

If you have children at home, cooking is a moment that can turn into play and sharing. Take advantage of these moments with them to laugh… with taste!

Herbal teas and infusions

Get into the good habit of preparing herbal teas (not containing theine) and infusions during work breaks or throughout the day. A hot drink lifts your spirits and, in the evening, helps you sleep.

At this time, an excellent herbal tea to support the immune defenses is the classic lemon, honey and ginger (NOT indicated in the presence of gastritis or hiatal hernias), or an infusion of calendula, mallow and erisimo, herbs that support the respiratory system , digestive and immune system.

Communication

If, in times of crisis, you should miss your loved ones, nothing prevents you from taking advantage of what today's technology offers us!

Organize an aperitif or a video-call dinner 😉 sharing, even from a distance, warms the heart.

Reading

Rediscover the pleasure of reading. You know that book that you left all alone and dusty on the shelf? Here, take him.

Descartes in the "Discourse on the method" wrote: "the reading of all good books is like a conversation with the most respectable people of past centuries, who were their authors, and it is also a well thought-out conversation in which these authors reveal to us only the best thoughts [...] Conversing with people of other centuries, in fact, is almost like traveling. "

Decluttering

Choose the minimal approach and use your time at home to get rid of the objects you don't need. Give your home a good clean and ...

Get rid of the clothes and shoes you don't use!

Away with objects linked to a nostalgic past! Away with unnecessary furnishings!

We live in the present and in the essential!

Learning

Set yourself the goal of learning something new: take an online language course, pick up the guitar or instrument you left in a corner, dedicate yourself to a particular recipe that has never been cooked, paint !

Gardening

If you have a terrace or a garden, sow some particular plants and take care of the green. Enjoy the scent of the flowers that are blooming.

Movie

Netflix and Amazon Prime replace cinema. Prepare some popcorn at home, a tasty snack and make yourself comfortable watching the film!

Well being

Treat yourself even if you have limited your outings. Make yourself a coconut oil hair mask , a face mask with natural ingredients (for example flour and chamomile infusion, mixed to create a paste or lemon juice with honey), put on a shiny nail polish and take care of yourself.

Aims

In this moment of crisis, one can feel challenged and lost. It is the right time to work and understand what your Ikigai , your life goal, is. Pen and paper in hand and go!

Relations

Communicate your affection to your loved ones. Physical contact is not possible, but verbal sharing is a great help. Let's keep this good habit. It's nice to feel loved and to hear it said 🙂