I’m glad I did, because in some ways I got more out of the Part 1 program than I did from the Part 2. The Part 2 was very physically an mentally challenging, and focused very heavily on meditation. Part 1, although mentally challenging, wasn’t as physically challenging. For example, in the Part 1, we didn’t have to sit cross-legged for hours straight – as we had to do in the Part 2 course.

I still felt the same connection with the people around me, even though we spent significantly less time together – about half the time you would spend with the people in a part 2 course.

Another benefit of the Part 1 course, it can be done locally, and on a working man’s schedule. They recommend doing the Part 2 course two times per year, but that would be all my vacation time! The Part 1 can be done in most major cities, and just on the weeknights and weekend.

A less tangible benefit that may differ between participants, but I was able to stick with the breathing techniques much better after the Part 1. Maybe because I did the Part 2 already, so I was pretty indoctrinated into the program. But I think it’s because I understood what I was doing better. I personally have a hard time doing things if I don’t understand why I’m doing them.

Although I’ve been remiss in the program recently, I did find myself feeling better physically and mentally. I also kicked my morning caffeine habit, and feel better eating less red meat.

I still recommend for everyone who is looking to become a better person, give the Art of Living a try.

On a side note, I recently met an individual who has a developed a program that helps one accomplish the same goals, but using needle-less Acupuncture theories.

Daigle

One of the recommended steps to help cure you from your information-overload addiction is to take a silent retreat. He lists a couple of locations including Spirit Rock in the Bay Area and Sky Lake Lodge in New York. Due to schedule constraints and timing, I instead opted to take the Art of Living Foundation 4-day silent retreat over the Christmas Holidays. Here is my quick and dirty guide to doing your own silent retreat…

*First off, if you plan to take the Art of Living Course Part 2, be sure to first sign up for Part 1 as you’ll need those techniques for Part 2.*

Having Fun in Silence

In focusing all your thoughts inward, you learn about yourself, both emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Art of Living Silent Retreat

Celebrating Our Last Night of Silence

So when you break it down, your day was spent walking for a few hours, meditating for a few hours, and using your right brain for a few hours.

One thing I was surprised about was the comedic attitude of the teacher. She had been through what we were going through, and she would crack jokes about the process, the funny techniques, etc. I actually laughed in those 4 days more than I would in a normal 4 days.

The course I happen to take was not an in-residence course, which means we had to drive back to our host’s apartment every night. If I were to take it again, I would prefer to stay on location and not have to engage the outside world. A location in the middle of nowhere would be perfect because you could really be alone with your thoughts.

I really liked the meditation technique used by Art of Living, as it helps you really get into your meditation without even knowing it. Supposedly they use to meditate for 8 hours per day and have short meal breaks, which I would have probably found too intense. The mix they had was perfect for newbie meditators like myself.

Bring Your Backjack

So after all the time, effort, and numb legs, what did I gain from this experience?

One of the largest things I noticed, and most people do, when coming out of silence, you really are aware of how much useless, inconsequential stuff is going on around you – conversations, gossip magazines, news about death, music that you don’t even hear. It helps you focus on what’s really important, the people you love and the things you love doing.

A long term impact I think will stick with me for a while is the ability to give my brain a break. They suggest you take this course from time to time like an oil change for your brain. After this course, I have a better ability to focus on positive thoughts, focus on the “now,” and acknowledge negative thoughts but let them pass.

I look at this course much like training for a marathon. Yes it was tough and it’s not for everybody. There were times when I was questioning my decision. However, by the end, I felt a wave of gratitude that I stuck through it all. Most likely I’ll be doing it again…