Going tech-free on my journey inward.

It’s 7:15am. I know that because my phone just woke me up to tell me.

A pair of earbuds greets me as I head downstairs, updating me with the usual recap of late night/early morning emails.

Even in the first few minutes of waking, technology is standing right in front of me, though ever so polite. “Here, let me remind you about that interview. Let me warm that up for you. No, really, I couldn’t let you actually handwrite a note?”

The same holds true for my meditation practice. There are countless options available. AND for good reason -- meditation apps can be helpful, especially for those of us who have a hard time turning off AND serving as their own personal guide into...well, nothingness. (That would be me.)

I’ve become keenly aware that, for every action, there seems to be a gadget designed to help me do it better. Or more efficiently. But what if these doodads are really impeding the true quiet for which I’m searching? Maybe this bird is ready to try flying solo.

But not before I called on my friend, Arielle Estoria -- poet, author, speaker -- who crafted for me a 10-minute “introductory meditation.” It’s important to note that this meditation is meant to better inform your breathing without incorporating every line of it. And, most importantly, to ensure you’re making much-needed space for yourself. Now, I’m only a few days in, but I can already tell you this: I feel more illuminated.

3rd Ritual Bel Candle

In her meditation, Arielle employed the use of a BEL candle, an aurally-pleasing alternative to a phone alarm. The candle comes with 3 small brass pins that you can insert into the shaft to denote time, thanks to a VERY smart measuring guide embossed on the side of its packaging. (Want a 5-, 10-, 30-minute routine? This candle can do that, for up to 2 hours!) See, once the coconut wax melts to that marker point, the pin will gently fall, striking the base and emitting what I can only describe as a “radiant ding.”

I don’t need an app to tell me that THAT is something special.

Now, without further ado, we’ve created a link here so that you can download Arielle’s meditation for easy reference. (Sorry -- asking you to use tech for just a moment in your quest to go free of it later!) Allow yourself about 10 minutes -- or however long you need.

Deep breaths and much (quiet) love.