Over the years, numerous forms of meditation and wellness have been tried, including Vipassana, Sahaj, Sudarshan Kriya, Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, Flute Meditation, Candle Meditation, and Pranayama, among others. Each morning, the decision to meditate is made, only to be hindered by the information overload already gathered over time. Information paralysis has been experienced, leaving meditation unattended.
The same struggle has been faced with fitness. From HIIT, Pilates, and yoga to aerial training and boxing, sticking to one without feeling the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has proven difficult. However, a recent experience at Dharana at Shillim shifted that perspective—where wellness was approached in a simple manner.
Simplicity in Wellness: The Dharana Experience
At Dharana, a wellness program was followed, consisting of a daily yoga session, a brief sound healing session, and a 45-minute pranayama practice. Compared to today’s diverse wellness rituals, the regimen seemed overly simple. However, perhaps for that reason, it was followed even after returning home. It wasn’t about mastering the latest techniques or consuming excessive wellness information—it was about doing the basics repeatedly.
The beauty of repetition stood out in the midst of endless wellness options. Even in the monotony of yoga and meditation, new things were noticed each day. Clouds chasing over mountain tops or the beauty of a flower that blooms once every seven years were observed. The realization dawned that life is not a race but a slow journey, and perhaps the slowest person—who takes time to embrace the basics—truly wins.
Breaking Through FOMO with Consistent Practice
For someone accustomed to constantly switching cuisines, adaptation to the wholesome meals at Dharana was surprising. Meals like Indian thalis, Buddha bowls, or broccoli salad became more enjoyable over time. A cooking class provided insight into how healthy meals can be easily prepared at home. Simple dishes like millet pulao and sweet potato chaat were discovered to take only 15 minutes to make.
It was realized that wellness had been overcomplicated. While extensive knowledge of meditation, yoga, and breathwork had been acquired, it had not been practiced. The retreat at Dharana enforced a return to basics, emphasizing the importance of practice over theory.
Reconnecting with Nature for Holistic Wellness
As a child, time was spent playing in the mud and running in the rain, but adulthood and city life had led to a disconnect from the Earth element. During the retreat, the first-ever spinach plant was planted, at the age of 25. The experience of walking through a stream during a rain shower brought back the joy and excitement once felt in childhood. A simple reconnection with nature was found to be deeply fulfilling.
Simplifying Wellness for Sustainable Practice
The retreat at Dharana highlighted the idea that less is more in wellness. Though the mind resisted the simplicity of the practices, thinking they were too basic, it became clear that knowing something intellectually is different from putting it into practice. The retreat solidified the understanding that practicing the basics consistently leads to greater well-being.
Rather than chasing every new wellness trend or complicating routines, it was found that focusing on a few simple, foundational habits—like yoga, pranayama, and healthy eating—had a more lasting impact. Wellness, it turned out, wasn’t about knowing everything; it was about doing the essentials regularly.
Moving Forward with Wellness: The Basics
In today’s world of overwhelming wellness options, the most effective approach may be the simplest. The retreat at Dharana revealed that returning to basics—daily yoga, meditation, pranayama, and a reconnection with nature—can bring about greater health than chasing endless wellness trends.
By committing to the fundamentals of wellness, a deeper, more sustainable sense of well-being has been achieved. For those feeling overwhelmed by choices, simplifying and focusing on the essentials could lead to the wellness journey they’ve been seeking.
