HEALTH

HEALTH by DR. LINDA MOORE

Retreat. Meditate. Regroup. Heal.

The changes in our lives for the last two years have been wide ranging and challenging. We have never had to recover from something like this pandemic. And we are just beginning to do so. Many people have taken off their masks, are attending large gatherings shoulder to shoulder with others, have returned to in person work, and are traveling on crowded planes. Others are still wearing masks and being mindful and cautious. The unseen aspects and best decisions going forward after two years of isolation and shut down still appear to need careful reflection.

There is an underlying anxiety expressed and experienced by many that is challenging to understand and articulate. We, essentially, have no roadmap that helps as each Monday rolls around and we again shift gears in efforts to return to some new normal.

Perhaps a realistic adjustment calls for time alone and quiet reflection that is voluntary rather than forced. Research and experience suggest that planned, rather than forced or required, time alone is what benefits most individuals. Think more of just relaxing and day-dreaming, staring out at a beautiful body of water or lush, green flowering forests and gardens, or whatever creates a relaxation response for you.

Because of the contrasts between jumping right back in and hesitation that you can’t accurately define, it’s good to take time to reflect. Making major changes in the midst of this recovery will feel perfect to some while actually frightening to others. There is no right or wrong; however, reflection is a good idea regardless of the camp you identify with.

For our brain to function well, to make good choices, it’s sometimes essential to give the mind a genuine rest. And an actual retreat, where there is guidance available, if desired, is a good way to unplug, regroup, and restart.

A retreat is defined as a “withdrawal from battle.” So imagine your ideal withdrawal – your ideal getaway. Begin with no imposed limitations of what’s practical. At least start with doing what feels truly ideal and plug in practicality later.

The most simple thing is to take time away from your regular schedule and find ways to reflect … preferably to meditate, journal, stare out a window. The purpose: to truly reflect on what you think and feel. Write and rewrite and imagine and redefine. And if you can only find time for an hour, it’s a starting point.

The ideal is to find an opportunity for a physical place to retreat. Imagine time away where reflection is the primary objective. Some reflect while walking or running and that’s one good option. Primarily, however, I’m suggesting sitting quietly, using a meditation technique or a recording with guided instructions.

Imagine time away where reflection is the primary objective – with a journal and pen close by for recording thoughts and feelings. Writing with pen on paper creates a valuable connection to the brain. However, if you feel better with a laptop, go for it.

For a simple start, a first step if you’ve never tried meditation, is simple breathing exercises. The most simple, and you might try it now, just as an experiment, is the following exercise: Breathe in to the count of four, hold your breath to the count of seven and release very slowly to the count of eight … release through pursed lips, like preparing to whistle. Repeat this four times. Then do it again. And take a minute to pay attention to how you feel.

Meditation techniques range from simple breathing exercises like this to silent repetition of a mantra (a word or phrase) to listening to guided instructions for deep relaxation and resting the mind.

To what end? When the mind is allowed to truly quiet down … especially when applied after long term, persistent stress … feelings and thoughts emerge that are truly helpful to each of us as we contemplate where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to venture forward today and in the future.

You may confirm doing exactly what you are doing is great; and you may reflect on new things, options for going forward, or something right in between. It’s simply finding your own renewed sense of direction. And if you discover all you need is to stare at the water, mountains, or woods and rest somewhere other than the comfort of your home, own it. Meditation can simply affirm we are on the right path. Or, it can open hearts, minds, eyes, to something new, slightly new, or dramatically different. Meditation, retreating, allows whatever to surface.

Meditation also helps with healing. Far too many have experienced tragic loss during this difficult time and both emotional and physical healing is needed. Understanding what you think, feel, want, and need is important to determine what changes are both desirable and possible. The more you reflect, meditate, and write about what you think and feel, the more clarity you’ll achieve. The challenge is to make these two difficult years have a positive outcome when and where possible.

My personal easy getaway is Timber Creek, a quite elegant retreat center an hour drive from Kansas City. The website, timbercreekretreat.org, has information for options across the country. My wish is for you to take good care of yourself, recognizing the past two years have been a challenge that we are still trying to accurately evaluate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Linda Moore has been in practice in the Kansas City area for over 25 years and is a published author on personal and family issues.