Understanding a Level 10 Life

A Level 10 Life is a holistic personal development concept by Hal Elrod and discussed in his book, “the Miracle Morning”.  This concept encourages individuals to strive for a higher level of satisfaction and balance across various aspects of their lives.  It’s based on the idea that life can be divided into different areas, such as health, finances and personal growth.  By assessing and continuously improving each of these areas, a person aims to elevate their overall life experience to a “level 10”.  This approach promotes a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle where every dimension of well-being is nurtured and developed, leading to a more harmonious and enriched life.

Level 10 Life: Spiritual Health

**Finding meaning, connection, and peace while rebuilding in my 50s**

## What I Mean By Spiritual Health

Spiritual health isn’t about religion – though it can include it if that works for you. For me, it’s about:

– **Connection** to something beyond my daily routine
– **Meaning** that makes life feel like more than just getting by
– **Reflection** to process what’s happened and where I’m going
– **Values** that guide my choices
– **Presence** instead of constantly living in my head

This isn’t a success story. It’s a search story.

Why This Matters Now

I’ve rebuilt before.

In 2010, my father died in January and my wife died in August – both within the same year. Then my mom in 2023. Then triple bypass surgery in 2025.

Each time, I had to figure out how to keep going.

When you’re younger, you can run on momentum. Career progress, raising kids, building things – there’s always a next step.

In your 50s, after multiple losses and near-death, momentum isn’t enough. You need something deeper.

I’m not trying to “find myself” or have some enlightenment moment. I’m just trying to live with more intention. To notice what matters while I still can. To build a life that feels like it’s mine, not just one I fell into.

Spiritual health is the part of Level 10 Life that asks: What’s this all for?

 

 

The Six Pillars

I’ve broken spiritual health into six areas I’m actively exploring. Each has its own post where I go deeper into what I’m actually doing (not just talking about).

### 1. Mindfulness & Presence
**Finding moments of calm in a chaotic life**

I’m not good at meditation. My mind wanders. I fidget. But I’ve found a 5-minute morning practice that actually works for me – imperfect but real.

→ **Read:** [5-Minute Morning Mindfulness: What I’m Actually Doing (Not Perfect, But Real)](#) *(Coming Soon)*

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### 2. Purpose & Meaning
**Figuring out what I’m here for**

In my 50s, after everything fell apart, I had to rebuild not just my health but my sense of why I’m here. This blog is part of that. So is helping others through sharing. Still figuring out the rest.

→ **Read:** [Finding Purpose After Everything Changed: My Work in Progress](#) *(Coming Soon)*

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### 3. Connection
**To others, to nature, to something bigger**

After loss and surgery recovery, I’d let connection atrophy – with people, with the world, even with myself. Here’s how I’m rebuilding it through small, practical steps.

→ **Read:** [Why Connection Matters When You’re Starting Over](#) *(Coming Soon)*

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### 4. Reflection & Processing
**20 years of bullet journaling taught me this**

I’ve kept a bullet journal for 20 years – not pretty Pinterest spreads, but messy, honest processing. It’s been essential for working through grief, surgery, and starting over. Here’s why it works and how you can start.

→ **Read:** [20 Years of Bullet Journaling: How Writing Helps Me Process Life](#) *(Coming Soon)*
→ **Related:** [Journaling Prompts for Different Situations](#) *(if you have this post, link it)*

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### 5. Values & Integrity
**Living by your own code**

Starting over forces you to ask: What do I actually value? Not what I’m supposed to value – what I do. The gap between stated and lived values creates stress. Here’s how I’m closing mine.

→ **Read:** [Living by Your Own Code: Figuring Out What Actually Matters](#) *(Coming Soon)*

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### 6. Gratitude & Appreciation
**Noticing what’s good while I still can**

Gratitude journals feel cheesy. But after almost dying, I’m trying to notice what’s good while I’m still here. Not toxic positivity – just real appreciation for being alive.

→ **Read:** [Why Gratitude Practice Feels Weird (But I’m Doing It Anyway)](#) *(Coming Soon)*

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Where to Start

If you’re new to thinking about spiritual health, **start with reflection** (Post 4 on journaling). It’s the easiest entry point and helps you figure out what matters to you.

If you’re dealing with grief or loss, **start with connection** (Post 3). Isolation makes everything harder.

If you’re rebuilding after a health scare or major life change, **start with meaning** (Post 2). Survival mode is necessary at first, but eventually you need something to move toward.

Pick one pillar. Read the post. Try something small. Build from there.

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 Resources I’m Using

**Apps for mindfulness:**
– *[List your actual apps – Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, whatever you use]*
– *[Why you picked each one]*
– *[Which is free]*

**Books that helped:**
– *[List 3-5 books you’ve actually read]*
– *[Brief note on each]*

**Other resources:**
– My journaling prompts post: [link if it exists]– My Resources page: [link]– My Journey (my full story): [link to My Journey page]

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A Note About Religion

I grew up religious but stepped away. That’s my path – yours might be different.

If traditional religion works for you, great. If not, also great. Spiritual health doesn’t require believing any specific thing. It just requires paying attention to what gives your life meaning.

I respect all paths. I’m just sharing mine.

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This Is a Journey

I don’t have this figured out. I’m not a spiritual teacher or guru. I’m just a 53-year-old guy who almost died and decided he should probably figure out what he’s living *for*.

These six pillars are what I’m exploring. Some days I’m better at it than others. Most days I’m just trying to show up and pay attention.

That’s enough.

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## Follow Along

**New to this site?** Start with [My Journey](#) to understand where I’m coming from.

**Want regular updates?** Subscribe to my weekly email: [subscribe link]

**Questions or thoughts?** Leave a comment below or find me on Instagram: [@chriswhalen72](https://instagram.com/chriswhalen72)

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*Part of my [Level 10 Life framework](#) – a practical approach to improving all areas of life simultaneously.*

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## Coming Soon

I’m publishing this series one post per week. Each pillar gets a full deep-dive with specific practices, honest struggles, and what I’m actually learning.

Bookmark this page and check back, or subscribe so you don’t miss them.

The journey continues.