Start 2022 off on the right foot with five simple tips from Mandali, Italy
Wouter Tavecchio and Wildrik Timmerman are the founders of eco retreat centre Mandali and their mission is to improve emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Here they provide five simple tips as recommended by Evangelos Diavolitsis and Nishta Matarese, two of the visiting teachers at the centre, on how to enhance your day.
Just two hours’ drive from Milan, Mandali is an eco retreat centre welcoming guests who are interested in developing a conscious, healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and a deeper connection to themselves. Located high on a hilltop overlooking Lake Orta with spectacular views across to the Swiss Alps, it’s an idyllic setting in which to rest, reflect and reset.
1. Spend time in nature to oxygenate the brain and body
In the world of urban living, we spend a lot of time in our unventilated homes. Commit to going on daily short walks, and to a natural park for longer periods at least once a week. Walking in a heavily forested environment changes our outlook on the day. Since we spend many hours a week wearing a mask, give yourself the gift of clean air. At Mandali, we have the advantage of pristine nature and unpolluted air all around us.
2. Avoid conversations and people who get into heated polarised, political, social, or cultural views
Cultivate respect, understanding and empathy for the other view. If you feel yourself getting angry when others have a difference of opinion, remove yourself from the environment, breathe and remember that every view has merit (even if it’s only 1% true). Do not compromise your state of equanimity for anyone or anything. The wise person listens with friendliness and decides whether to engage or disengage without causing harm or hatred.
3. Honestly review your day
Practice self-inquiry. Ask yourself at the end of each day: Where was I self-aware and kind? What did I do well today? How can I improve tomorrow? By doing this regularly, you will spend more time living the kind of day that brings joy and fulfilment. Remember to forgive yourself daily. Practice self-compassion. Don’t just be critical with yourself. Think about what you did well so you can repeat it tomorrow. Be grateful for the good that happened today!
4. Take multiple, short five-minute mindfulness breaks throughout the day
This will reset your nervous system. Practice your favourite breathing meditation. Breathe in consciously and imagine that with every exhale, you’re removing the mask of tension. By consciously breathing and imagining that we are unmasking ourselves of our struggles and pain, the joy of our original face is revealed.
5. Move your body vigorously at least once a day
Dance to your favourite song. Moving to music instantly changes your chemistry. Moving your body in creative and emotionally expressive ways reduces stress and depression, increases energy and serotonin, increases mental capacity and creativity, and increases so much joy that we’re better equipped to handle the ups and downs of home and work life.
Evangelos Diavolitsis and Nishta Matarese are the founders of Four Ways to Freedom, a way of teaching that demystifies the journey of spiritual unfoldment and offers a bridge between sacred and ordinary life. It is an innovative voice in mindful embodiment, money, health and the mystery of existence. They are also visiting teachers at Mandali.
You can read about Mandali eco retreat centre here