What happens when you trade a typical college spring break for 10 days of silence, no phone, 4 a.m. wake-ups and hours of meditation?

This week, we're joined by Lily Lev, a recent University of Michigan graduate who studied biology, health and society. While studying abroad, Lily traveled to Thailand for a 10-day silent meditation retreat—an experience that challenged her physically and mentally and ultimately changed the way she thinks about health, emotions and resilience.

In this conversation, Lily shares what those 10 days were really like, why sitting still was harder than staying silent, and the lessons she brought home about non-attachment, loving-kindness, stress and becoming less reactive.

We also explore Lily's evolving definition of holistic health, the connection between physical and mental resilience, and the routines she recommends for young adults navigating the transition to college and beyond.

IN THIS EPISODE:
✨ What 10 days at a silent meditation retreat actually looked like
✨ Why discomfort became one of Lily's greatest teachers
✨ How non-attachment can change our relationship with difficult emotions
✨ The surprising power of loving-kindness
✨ Why health is about so much more than nutrition and exercise
✨ Lily's advice for creating healthy routines during college

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Why Lily chose a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Thailand
04:27 – What a typical day at the retreat looked like
10:20 – The hardest part: learning to sit with discomfort
13:55 – Mental resilience and the lessons Lily brought home
16:34 – Loving-kindness, compassion and letting go of anger
22:01 – Redefining health beyond diet and exercise
26:05 – HYROX, physical challenges and pushing yourself
28:27 – The connection between physical and mental health
29:20 – Lily's advice for navigating college and building healthy routines
32:53 – What the Art of Living Well means to Lily

FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR A RESET

Fall is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ

CONNECT WITH THE ART OF LIVING WELL
💌 Substack Newsletter: https://theartoflivingwell.substack.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well/
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gym3jO
🍎 Apple Podcasts: The Art of Living Well Podcast
🌐 Website: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave us a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use this conversation.