Listen Here:
In recent years, Mental Health has taken its rightful place, front and centre in the public psyche.
This, of course, isn’t a new phenomenon; humans have always strived to feel good.
In this series, we will look at formal Power Down practices that can be helpful with our mental health, including:
- Hypnosis
- Mindfulness
- Brain Entrainment (e.g. Binaural Beats)
- Breathwork
- Peso Tapping
- Havening
In particular, we will investigate how they can help with mental health, mood, productivity, and health in general. As you’ll discover over the month – the benefits filter through your life, relationships and how you deal with the world.
“you should meditate for 30 minutes a day, and if you haven’t got time for that… you should do it for an hour!”
– Dalai Lama
We won’t suggest an hour—in fact, we are going to try to fit as many of this month’s practices into ten minutes as possible.
We will begin with Mindfulness Meditation.
You can download the full version (Called Philosopher’s Notes) and this shorter introduction from the Vault.
Formal Practice Definition:
“To take time each day to sit and create an intentional, unhurried pause.
To slow down – usually in solitude, and reflect.”
Formal practice, as we define it – is about setting aside time each day to pause and reflect intentionally. It’s creating a quiet space, usually in solitude, to slow down and engage in your chosen practice.
It’s distinct from activities like walking or having a massage. Formal practice is a deliberate break from the everyday hustle, reserved specifically for your practice.
Whether it’s Mindfulness, breathwork, hypnosis, binaural beats, or another meditative practice, formal practice means carving out some time, on purpose, to dedicate to it.
Some might argue that one type of practice is superior to the others because they are passionate about what they know. But what matters most is consistency. Five minutes every day beats two hours once a week – just like with exercise.
You might find one method that resonates with you, or you might mix and match depending on your mood. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Focus Overview:
- In meditation / Mindfulness, you focus inward, exploring your inner with your senses.
- With relaxation and self-hypnosis, the emphasis is on visualisation and a sense of ‘letting go‘.
- In meditation and Mindfulness, you concentrate and focus,
- In relaxation and self-hypnosis, you relax without the need for concentration.
- For those with faith, prayer can serve as a formal practice, directing attention outward to a higher power, ancestors, or the energy of the Universe.
This Month’s Focus:
This section will explore specific practices such as mindfulness, binaural beats/brain entrainment, hypnosis, breathwork, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the background, context, science, and experience you need and, hopefully, a regular personal practice.
You might find yourself exploring other traditions and protocols online or in real life, which is fantastic. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality!
Consider what resonates with you – whether it’s something organised, scientifically focused, or a practice you craft yourself. There’s no right or wrong, just a wealth of benefits waiting to be discovered.