10 Rituals of Radiant Living

I haven't explored writing LinkedIn articles at all since I became more active on this platform, and to be completely honest with you it is because I haven't found the urge to do so...until this morning.

While sitting in the rain at a beach near my house, I was reading the best selling book by Robin Sharma, "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari." Over the past two years, I have developed a deep love for books because almost all of the profound changes or shifts that have occurred in my life were the result of reading and applying the knowledge. 

Immediately after finishing the book I knew it would be the catalyst for yet another big shift!

So why am I writing this article today? 

There was a section in the book where Julian (the monk) told John (his old apprentice) that he would only share his wisdom with him if he promised to continue spreading the wisdom with others. Because I was so touched by this story I felt the desire to play the part of John and share one of the numerous gems in this timeless book. 

Quick Summary

Just so you understand the context of the book let me give you a little summary. 

Julian, a famous defence lawyer had everything he ever wanted. The money, cars, women, fame, and millions of dollars which he invested in his huge mansion. But still unsatisfied, Julian wanted more. Until one afternoon while in court he feel to the ground and suffered a massive heart attack. 

This moment was Julians tipping point. The moment that made him reassess his life situation. Seeing his health flash before his eyes made him question all his previous pursuits. After contemplating, he decided to sell everything he owed, the house, the fancy clothing, and ever his Ferrari. He would then embark upon a journey to learn the secrets of true happiness, health and longevity. 

Julian then went up the Himalayan mountains, seeking out a mentor to teach him what he desired to know. He would end up stumbling upon a Yogi (monk) and would spend three years as a student in their town/temple. 

Julian then came down the mountain to visit his old friend (John) and to share the wisdom he learned up in the mountains. Below is one of the numerous lessons Julian taught to John.

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10 Rituals of Radiant Living 

The ten rituals for radiant living were habits that each of the monks followed in the mountains. When they did not stay accountable to these habits they would walk to the nearest waterfall and stand under the freezing cold water until their arms and legs went numb. This punishment reinforced the importance of taking these habits seriously, and associating pain when they were not completed.

1. Ritual of Solitude

The Ritual: Spend time alone every day. Execute this habit at the same time each day. Examples include: Meditating or communing with nature (walk, water plants etc.) Robin stressed the importance of doing this habit in or surrounded by nature.

2. Ritual of Physicality

The Ritual: Invest at least 5 hours a week in physical activity. I personally follow a four day workout split, but also incorporate walks along the beach, and yoga each morning. Again be sure to get outside and start breathing in the fresh air.

3. Ritual of Live Nourishment

The Ritual: Eat a live diet of fresh fruit & vegetables & grains. Aim to eat live foods created through natural interaction of sun, air, soil & water. (Be careful with the grains). Vegetables, fruits, and anything grown from the ground is fair game. You do not have to go full vegetarian, but increase your intake of vegetables while simultaneously decreasing your intake of ret meat. According to Sharma, meat is dead food. He says it is hard to digest, and he stressed how centarians (people living over the age of 100) would only eat vegetables. 

4. Ritual of Abundant Knowledge

The Ritual: Read for at least 30 mins a day. "A book is the best friend of the wise." It doesn't have to be a book, it can be any form of learning (audio book, podcast, etc). According to Sharma, every answer to every problem you have ever faced is in print. Knowledge is power, once you take that knowledge and apply it. Don't limit your learning only to your life experiences. Other people have dealt with the same thing you're going through and have written about it! 

5. Ritual of Personal Reflection

The Ritual: Spend time each day reflecting on the things you’re grateful for, the things you accomplished today, and your visions for tomorrow. We all know this one is important but it's so easy to put off! Get to the point where you enjoy inner contemplation. Stop making excuses and just do it! 

6. The Ritual of Early Awakening

The Ritual: Get up with or before the sun. Robin suggests getting up between 5am - 6am, The holy hour." He states that, "The average person can get by on 6 hours sleep, and the quality of sleep is more important than quantity." To improve your sleep quality never eat after 8pm or partake in any stimulating activities before or close to bed time. Instead meditate, or enjoy a herbal tee before sleeping.

7. The Ritual of Music

The Ritual: Listen to music every day if you can. It will energize you and lift your spirits, similar to spending time in nature. Never forget the power of music to motivate, calm and rejuvenate your soul.

8. The Ritual of the Spoken Word

The Ritual: Create mantras that you retreat to yourself daily. A mantra is a collection of words strung together to create a positive effect. In Sanskrit ‘man’ means mind and ‘tra’ means freeing. Thought become things, and if you can own your mind, you can own your life.

Here is the most powerful mantra according to Sharma: 

"I am more than I appear to be, all the worlds strength and power rests inside me" 

9. The Ritual of Congruent Character

The Ritual: Take daily incremental actions to build your character. This will improve your self confidence a tonne. "You sow a thought, you reap an action. Reap an action, you sow a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character, you reap your destiny."

10. Ritual of Simplicity

The Ritual: Simplify your life as much as you can. Only surround yourself with the possessions that you absolutely need and love. Less is more. Only fill your wardrobe with the clothes that you actually wear. Only buy the food that you’re going to eat. Turn off all notifications on your devices, or even sell your phone. (Don't go to all extremes lol)

Conclusion

There you have it, the ten rituals of radiant living. I have been following them since this morning, and I already feel amazing. Robin suggests to give it a shot for 30 days, and then assess how you feel! If you're going to embark on this journey please let me know and we can hold each other accountable :)

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If you enjoyed this brief book summary please reach out to me, or leave a comment and I will continue doing it after I read each book I come across that highly influences me.