A game of awareness and intention.

For ten days, I participated in a meditation retreat. This experience, which required waking up at 4 am, challenged my preconceived notions about my habits and routines. I had always considered myself a morning person, but the early start to the day at the retreat was a new experience for me.

I also needed to figure out what to think of the light meal option of two pieces of fruit at 5 pm with a cup of tea as the final meal for the day. I was used to having it reversed: a light breakfast consisting of a healthy smoothie with protein, a decent lunch, and, most of the time, a warm dinner.

As I contemplated the idea of meditating for 100 hours and the unique meal plan, I found myself curious and genuinely intrigued by the possibilities.

Here’s what happened in reality.

From the first day, I found myself in a state of serene calm. The early morning walk, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the fresh English countryside air, instilled a sense of tranquility that I grew to cherish.

The meals were also great. I had a healthy breakfast with peppermint tea, a vegetarian meal with thyme tea for lunch, and two pieces of fruit with chamomile tea, my favorite, for dinner. In between, I…