TMOS #2: How a Slice of Pizza Sparked My Health Transformation
A Journey to Health and Gratitude
Hello Friends,
Warm Greetings to the second edition of my newsletter, The Monastery of Self. I'm sincerely grateful for your time spent reading this.
In this edition, we will explore :
The Thinking Robes - How a Slice of Pizza Helped My Health Transformation.
The Pausing Dandelions - What are the Right Yardsticks?
The Breathing Lotus - Meditation in Pursuit of Intentions.
Without further delay, let's begin this edition.
The Thinking Robes
“How many days have I sought medical assistance or needed medication this month?” - This has been the leading question in my monthly review for many years now.
I picked that question out of my grandfather’s journal, who introduced me to the art of self-reflection. My younger self was fortunate to rarely need those, and thus this question often served as a reminder of my blessings. It used to consistently set a positive tone for penning entries in my gratitude journal.
However, in 2021, following a series of consultations, my doctor strongly recommended a fundamental change in my lifestyle.
The doctor's counsel didn't resonate with me. My current lifestyle was propelling me forward in my professional and financial pursuits. It seemed to me that the doctor was blowing things out of proportion, presenting an idealistic lifestyle that felt unachievable while maintaining productivity.
My busy job gave me ample reasons to avoid exercise or give in to a desire for certain foods. Working late into the night, stressful deadlines, and always feeling tired made it easy for me to reach for foods that comforted me. Those things, along with a strong desire for specific foods, made it hard for me to eat a balanced diet. After all, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, who really has the time or energy to prepare fresh meals and work out daily?
One night, I was busy trying to improve the efficiency of a vital piece of code at work. I started by reading the code repeatedly to fully grasp its function. Once I understood what the code was doing, I began to experiment to identify areas for potential optimization. Out of the blue, a thought struck me:
"Your body is the only piece of belonging you own that can never be replaced. Why not give it the same respect? Why not apply the same strategy to solve your health problems?”
With this new perspective in mind, the very next day, I decided to take action. I downloaded a mobile app to log everything I consumed for each meal, gathering data on my daily food intake. Alongside this, I also began to monitor the changes each meal had on my mood and energy levels.
I kept up this routine for a month. This practice gave me valuable insights into my eating habits, identifying what I should avoid to optimize my mood and energy levels.
As much as I would like to claim that these insights sparked a life-changing transformation, the reality was far from it. I confronted a new enemy that seemed invincible - cravings. I managed to stay loyal to my dietary regimen for a few days, but invariably, I would succumb to the allure of cravings. Each defeat was followed by a hollow promise to myself - that I would exercise better self-control 'next time'.
One day, I was caught up with some tasks and didn't have the time to prepare my meal. As hunger started to set in, I decided to order a pizza.
The doorbell rang, surprisingly a lot sooner than I expected. As I approached the door, I cautiously peered through the small, circular lens of the peephole. Satisfied that it was the delivery person standing on the other side, holding a package that smelled delicious, I opened the door and received the box of pizza.
As I gulped the second slice of pizza, the entire sequence of events leading to its delivery replayed in my mind, and a thought emerged,
"I exercise so much caution before allowing anyone into my home, yet I don't apply the same scrutiny when it comes to what I let into my body".
I captured that thought in my notes and journaled about it every day for multiple days at a stretch. As I journaled, I started to notice small subconscious changes in how I approached my life. For example, I deleted the food delivery apps on my phone, I started to plan my day so that I could prepare my meal, I read about the health benefits of food items I consumed, etc.
Slowly, I felt I began to own my health with these small initiatives. I realized that ultimately, everything I ingest fundamentally contributes to who I am!
Though it would still be a lie to say that I have completely won over my cravings, more often than not a voice inside reminds me of my bigger goals before I give in to those desires now.
The question - “How many days have I sought medical assistance or needed medication this month?” has begun to be a reminder of my blessings again.
As we wrap up this segment, I invite you to be mindful and appreciate the elements around you that often go unnoticed. These could be fleeting thoughts that cross your mind, seemingly inconsequential events that occur in your daily life, and more importantly, the de-prioritized individuals who subtly support and shape your journey. They often convey messages that you may be too preoccupied to notice, but I assure you that they have your best interests at heart and genuinely care for you, just as that random slice of pizza had for me.
Please do reflect on these blessings, and be mindful of seizing them while you can, for they may not be there forever!
The Pausing Dandelions
The following tweet from @farnamstreet has been a significant source of inspiration for me.
For a considerable period, I found myself transitioning from one goal to another, yet accomplishing little that was meaningful.
During a moment of introspection, I realized that I had been succumbing to the allure of being result-driven, an aspect largely beyond my control, rather than focusing on the actions - the inputs - which are entirely within my control.
As I craft this newsletter, I've pledged to myself to be authentic, savor the journey, refine my writing skills, and uphold discipline in the process.
Which yardsticks do you use to measure your goals?
The Breathing Lotus
As we draw near the conclusion of our newsletter, let's devote a moment for a brief meditation, centered around the pursuit of intentions.
While this meditation is ideally suited for mornings, setting the tone for the day, it can also be practiced at any other time during the day as and when needed.
Take a few moments to contemplate your intention for today. Remember, intention is not a task but a purpose - it could be having a productive day, a peaceful day, and so on.
Next, find a comfortable position, either sitting or even lying down and gently close your eyes. Draw in a deep breath, letting the air expand your lungs, then slowly exhale, allowing any pent-up tension or stress to melt away.
Inhale deeply again, counting to four, envisioning that you're absorbing a quality that will assist you in achieving your intention - be it courage, persistence, optimism, etc
Now, exhale gradually for a count of six. As you breathe out, visualize releasing a trait that might hinder you from fulfilling your intention - fear, procrastination, etc.
Continue the cycle of inhaling and exhaling for counts of four and six respectively, four more times. With each breath in, visualize drawing in a trait that will support you in accomplishing your intention. And with each breath out, picture yourself letting go of an obstacle that might obstruct your path toward your intention.
Now return to your normal breathing. Slowly open your eyes.
How do you feel?
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As always, your thoughts are highly appreciated. Did any part of this piece particularly resonate with you?
I assure you that your feedback will be thoroughly read and responded to, as it is incredibly valuable to me.
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