Everyday Wisdom #102

Be true to yourself

It sounds simple, but it requires great faith and courage.

Despite the doubters, the detractors, the risks of failure, and the self doubt, 

Believe in yourself

You are unique, and fabulous and wonderful.

Be proud to be you ♥

Effortless flow – the benefits of minimalism

Firstly, what is minimalism?

Minimalism is about not filling your life with more possessions, more clutter, more “busy-ness” than is absolutely necessary.

A minimalist is simply one who questions the necessity of things, and who tries to live with what’s necessary, rather than with consumerism.

All these unnecessary extras don’t add to our happiness.  Actually they get in the way.  By eliminating the unnecessary, we make room for the essential, and give ourselves more breathing space.

And minimalism does not just apply to possessions.  It also applies to how we run our lives.

It’s very easy – and satisfying – to keep ourselves busy.

The more work meetings and appointments we schedule, the more important and valued we feel.

The more social activities we are invited to, the more popular we feel.

Being busy = feeling productive.

However it also leads us to feel exhausted.  With little time to unwind, focus on ourselves, or just enjoy the present moment.

This is where minimalism comes in.

Minimalism takes many forms, but it basically comes down to reducing unnecessary clutter from your life.

What possessions could you REALLY live without.  Do you really need 30 pairs of shoes? 100 DVD’s (that you’ll never watch again)?  Whatever forgotten items are shoved at the back of your bedroom cupboard?

My adventures in minimalism came following the breakdown of my marriage, and subsequent sale of my house.  I went from a 4 bedroom, 2 living area, huge house, to a 2 bedroom tiny cottage.

I decided what was absolutely essential to take with me, and I gave away the rest.

And I don’t miss any of my “stuff”.  It feels good to live a simple and uncluttered life.  I value the possessions that I did retain.  Instead of being overwhelmed by the multitude of useless items that I did own.

In the end your possessions won’t make you happy.  And neither will accruing more of them.

Aside from possessions, how else can you simplify your life?

By making your social calendar less full, you get to enjoy the events that you actually do attend.  Instead of sitting there looking at your watch timing your escape so you won’t be late for the next one.  You can relax and enjoy the company of the people that you are with.

Fewer “to-do” items means that you can concentrate on the task at hand.  Which makes sure your work is done well, on time, and is of high quality.

Simplifying your schedule, your work, and your home leads to living a less stressful life.

Which allows you to focus on living.

Make the shift

Shift from caring about possessions and status and goals to caring about actual life.  Like taking long walks, making things, having conversations with friends and loved ones, playing with your kids, eating simple food, going outside, and staying active.

Time really passes by quickly – do you want to look back on your last 40 years and think: “What exactly have I done???”

When you do less, you take the time to do it right and to enjoy it, which results in your caring more about what you do.  And actually remembering it!

It makes sense to limit our desires, and to keep our pursuits focused on the most important and most beneficial to our lives and the lives of others.

Then, each of our limited resources could be wholly directed toward them. And the opportunity for their accomplishment would increase dramatically.

Simplicity is the path, the means

It’s not a far off destination,

somewhere in the future

It’s right here, right now

It’s taking things one at a time

It’s asking simple questions

It’s taking simple actions

It’s doing it slowly

It’s considering and being conscious,

with everything

Leo Babauta

Don’t be afraid to give yourself

In every interaction you have – no matter who with – you have a choice in how you respond.

Once choice is politeness, formality, a lack of connectivity.

This is the easy thing to do…. the safe thing to do.

It doesn’t require much risk.  You don’t have to expose who you really are.  You are not risking rejection.

The other choice is to give yourself.  Share your heart.  Your passion.  Be open and without boundaries or reservations.

This other type of interaction usually leads to interesting discussions, friendship, love, and connection.

In this way you are giving a piece of your heart.  You are giving the real you – your attention, and your presence.

This is the hard thing to do. The risky thing to do.

And it provides the most rewarding and “real” connection.

Instead of thinking about what you want to say, or do.  Or what message you want to convey, you engage fully in the present moment, and act from your true intentions. Your true “self”.

It requires great truthfulness.  Mostly to yourself.

And it requires great courage.

However it leads to the greatest rewards.

Know that you are loved

A dear friend and I were talking today.  We’ve both been through some very hard times – her more so than me.

We’ve both hit rock bottom, and we are both still here – filled with love and kindness and hope.

Having been through this has changed me.  And the one thing I would like to say – to everyone that is in pain or suffering – is that you are loved.

Even by people that you don’t know.

People like me who sit on our meditation cushions, and send love and warmth to you.  Who want to ease your suffering, and want you to find comfort.

There are so many others who send love, and light and kindness into the world.

You are never alone.

When the road seems too long
When darkness sets in
When everything turns out wrong
And you can’t find a friend
Remember ~ you are loved

When smiles are hard to come by
And you’re feeling down
When you spread your wings to fly
And can’t get off the ground
Remember ~ you are loved.

When time runs out before you’re through
And it’s over before you begin
When little things get to you
And you just can’t win
Remember ~ you are loved.

When your loved ones are far away
And you are on your own
When you don’t know what to say
When you’re afraid of being alone
Remember ~ you are loved.

When your sadness comes to an end
And everything is going right
May you think of your family and friends
And keep their love in sight
A thank-you for being loved.

May you see the love around you
In everything you do
And when troubles seem to surround you
May all the love shine through
You are blessed ~ you are loved.

By Roger Pinches

Cloths for causes

I am excited to announce the launch of my new project ‘Cloths for Causes’.

I intend to knit cloths to sell locally, with 100% of the profits to go to people or families in need, or to a worthwhile charity.

The cloths are made from organic bamboo cotton. Extra soft, extra durable, and environmentally friendly. They can be used as dish cloths, cleaning cloths or luxurious face/body cloths.

I hope to be able to help those that are suffering.  Whether it’s to be food for their families, or clothing, or to help provide warmth and shelter.

Blessings,
Meg