I am back!! We finally have Wifi. I was just thinking tonight as I was picking up some more things from the storage unit, I want to simplify my life by getting rid of more clutter. My commute to work is more simplified also – 12 mins!! Thank you for all of the warm wishes for my new home too!
I live quite simply,
but have to pay attention to my head,
as it can get really cluttered up
with fears and pressures to be doing more . . .
this spider’s web of perceived obligations
is often self-defeating
and I end up
not getting anything done at all.
There’s always an excuse not to do what needs to be done . . .
sabotage at its best.
Getting my house in order
would not only allow me to enjoy my simple life more,
but would open up a lot of space
for me to be more present . . .
for these past few weeks,
nearly all other activity in my home
has been swept aside
or put on hold
to get our seeds organized,
set up,
and started.
There was a sense of urgency to it
because as the weather gets warmer
I want them to be ready to go into the garden . . .
the pressure was on.
Laundry and dishes have been washed during spare moments,
and the rest has been managed haphazardly,
or not at all.
But all the while,
my mind was heavily occupied,
and scattered with feelings of shame for the rest of the house,
thoughts of getting things clean,
dusted,
and put to rights.
Now that the seeds are planted,
space has opened up,
allowing me to get busy
and lose the shame.
Already
I feel an expansiveness in my head and chest,
and a wide open space
where I can let the thoughts go,
and do what must be done . . .
with clear intent
and single minded presence
to the task ahead . . .
I might even enjoy it. ♥
We opened our ditch, the El Viejo, on the 2nd. I have been working to begin irrigating since. I had several things to do, take down an electric fence, drag the hay fields with a harrow to break up the steer turds and spread it out as evenly as possible, clean my head ditch. My plan was to scatter my irrigation tarps out and begin water this afternoon. My little Ford tractor I had hooked up to the 16′ trailer had a flat tire. It took two trips to the tire shop. When I got home from town the first time the tire was flat. Back again. By the time I got back the second time, put the now fixed tire back on and loaded and scattered my tarps it was too late to send water my way and follow it down and throw out weeds. I tried to stay present and not let my mind get “heavily occupied”. Too early to get seedlings started but not to get water on the hay fields. Tomorrow dear Sparrow❤️😊.
At present my life is very complicated. Dealing with my husband’s physical situation and now I was diagnosed with pneumonia.
The best way I can deal with simplicity is to remain grounded in truth and being real to my self.
I am so sorry,
dear Yram,
to hear that you have contracted pneumonia,
especially with everything else that is going on . . .
do take it seriously
and follow your doctor’s orders.
You already know
that you cannot help your husband
if you are not taking care of yourself . . .
I hold you in my heart
and send you healing energy
with love . . .
sparrow
Dear YRAM, I’m sorry. I hope you heal quickly. Have you tried drinking apple cider vinegar, hot water and honey? My grandmother who lived to be 103 swore by honey and vinegar.. 💓
Learn to do one thing at a time. I get side tracked very easily. I think meditation would help.
Stop trying to find solutions for issues that aren’t mine to control. Help to identify when I’m doing that.
EILEEN, I don’t know where you’re located but here is a link that is provided all of the different Meditation locations around the world. There are over 350 hunters that teach you how to let go and you can do it on Zoom it’s totally amazing. I’ve been doing it for four years. I recommend it wholeheartedly.. https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
I struggle a lot with executive dysfunction in many areas of my life. I find that creating routines and daily work plans (more recently with the help of chat gpt) has really helped me stay more present and focused, simply because it eliminates the panic of having to think about what to do next.
I live a pretty simple life. I guess my main distraction, these days, is social media. Scrolling for entertainment. I need to be more disciplined in this area. I would like to get back to reading more and scrolling less. 😁
After reading all of your responses, I would add, that two goals that I try to keep in the front of mind, not always very successfully, are to be as present as possible and to see things as clearly as possible. That is, catching myself when my inner dialog is living in the past or future and when I find myself hoping/wishing things were different, instead of exactly as they are.
Whether my life is simple or complicated isn’t so important to me. I prefer simple, but I am not in total control of my external circumstances. It’s the stuff between my ears, that’s my responsibility.
Social media is not good for me. I was scrolling a few nights ago and afterwards noticed that I was comparing myself to others and not surprisingly (since I was comparing my inside to the outsides of others) I was coming up short. 🧐
I need to keep decluttering this house. It’s a long-term project that fell by the wayside recently. More clutter crept in, and to have a low-clutter house would be dreamy.
My outside life is pretty simple, but there is a lot of mind-stuff going on that I am continuously working on simplifying. “When will this happen?” “Why did I feel singled out?” “How come they do ___ when I ___?” There’s all kinds of examples. Sometimes my mind is so peaceful and accepting, and other times, well, it’s just not. But this, and Antionette’s reply, brought me to Yoga Sutra 1.2 “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah” – there are many commentaries, and one translation says, “Yoga is restraining the mind–stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis). —Swami Vivekananda.
Another commentary on it says, “The extraordinary experience gained by controlling the modifications of the mind is itself called Yoga.” This is what ultimately brought me to yoga, even if I would tell others that it was to become a better surfer (which it was, at the time), and why I love it so much and want to share it with all.
Your comment brought the phrase “citta chatter” to mind. It sounds like you’re on a well-supported path with yoga. A peaceful, simple day to you too Sunnypatti!
OMG, citta chatter is perfect, as citta is pronounced chitta!! I would put a little laughing face here if I was on my phone! I remember people using “chitter chatter” a lot when I was a kid… funny how the definition is perfect in the practice of yoga… all of the examples are definitely “mind-stuff”
from thefreedictionary.com
chitter-chatter
1. verb To talk idly or incessantly.
Now that she can talk, my little girl will just chitter-chatter away all day long.
My date is still chitter-chattering away, but I stopped listening a while ago.
Uncle Ned is already chitter-chattering about politics, so I’d steer clear of him if I were you.
2. noun Idle or incessant talk.
Now that my daughter can talk, I get to listen to her chitter-chatter all day long.
You can always count on some inane chitter-chatter in the conference room before a meeting starts.
Sounds like chitter-chatter to me. I really don’t think they’re talking about candidates for the promotion.
In my future occupation. Simply focusing on studying and gaining experience through volunteering helps reduce my anxiety about the opportunity to get a job after I graduate.
I have to chew on this a little bit. I am in a phase of life where there is a lot of doing. But, it’s not something I can whittle down. I am a mom and I am caring for aging parents. I think it’s merely my karma to be busy these days. But, I take a lot of pauses and I am deeply committed to being present in all that I do. My practices help me to not make it a bid deal–maybe I have already simplified what needed to be done.
Nothing is simple, everything is simple. That paradox can get the monkey who lives in the addicted corner of my mind way active, jumping from branch to branch. I now invite the little SOB into my lap instead of trying to shoot him from the branches. Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind. Much simpler, I have discovered, than reaching for alcohol to anesthetize that monkey. If I remain present in the moment my perspective shifts.
The -Word for the Day- “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Synder
May today be filled with simplifications. Namaste.
I love today’s Word,
dear Joseph . . .
Nature is home for me as well,
and I am so grateful
to live on a little piece of it.
Thank you for posting it here. ♥
“Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind.” – thank you for this wisdom, Joseph.
What a great mind shift: “Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind.” Chasing those circumstances is a forest of branches for the monkey, isn’t it? You’ve inspired me to ask myself throughout the day: “What is my capacity right now? What’s important now?”
‘
I have become much better at focusing on being more present. I can’t think of one specific area of my life regarding simplification aspect … Looking forward to reading others responses.
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Also decluttering the place where i live.
I am back!! We finally have Wifi. I was just thinking tonight as I was picking up some more things from the storage unit, I want to simplify my life by getting rid of more clutter. My commute to work is more simplified also – 12 mins!! Thank you for all of the warm wishes for my new home too!
A hop, skip and a jump of a commute………good for you Robin Ann.
I live quite simply,
but have to pay attention to my head,
as it can get really cluttered up
with fears and pressures to be doing more . . .
this spider’s web of perceived obligations
is often self-defeating
and I end up
not getting anything done at all.
There’s always an excuse not to do what needs to be done . . .
sabotage at its best.
Getting my house in order
would not only allow me to enjoy my simple life more,
but would open up a lot of space
for me to be more present . . .
for these past few weeks,
nearly all other activity in my home
has been swept aside
or put on hold
to get our seeds organized,
set up,
and started.
There was a sense of urgency to it
because as the weather gets warmer
I want them to be ready to go into the garden . . .
the pressure was on.
Laundry and dishes have been washed during spare moments,
and the rest has been managed haphazardly,
or not at all.
But all the while,
my mind was heavily occupied,
and scattered with feelings of shame for the rest of the house,
thoughts of getting things clean,
dusted,
and put to rights.
Now that the seeds are planted,
space has opened up,
allowing me to get busy
and lose the shame.
Already
I feel an expansiveness in my head and chest,
and a wide open space
where I can let the thoughts go,
and do what must be done . . .
with clear intent
and single minded presence
to the task ahead . . .
I might even enjoy it. ♥
When it’s a time for sowing, it’s a time for sowing. Other things have to wait and that’s as it should be.
You are so right,
dear Barb . . .
thank you for validating what I already knew
but had allowed myself to forget. ♥
Congratulations on getting all those seeds planted, it will be wonderful to see them grow.
It’s always a wonder,
dear Drea,
to watch them grow . . .
very satisfying. ♥
We opened our ditch, the El Viejo, on the 2nd. I have been working to begin irrigating since. I had several things to do, take down an electric fence, drag the hay fields with a harrow to break up the steer turds and spread it out as evenly as possible, clean my head ditch. My plan was to scatter my irrigation tarps out and begin water this afternoon. My little Ford tractor I had hooked up to the 16′ trailer had a flat tire. It took two trips to the tire shop. When I got home from town the first time the tire was flat. Back again. By the time I got back the second time, put the now fixed tire back on and loaded and scattered my tarps it was too late to send water my way and follow it down and throw out weeds. I tried to stay present and not let my mind get “heavily occupied”. Too early to get seedlings started but not to get water on the hay fields. Tomorrow dear Sparrow❤️😊.
. . . and I thought I was busy,
dear Joseph! 🙂
I need to replace more “ What ifs” with “ What now’s” staying present
Deann, what ifs eventually run full-circle.
At present my life is very complicated. Dealing with my husband’s physical situation and now I was diagnosed with pneumonia.
The best way I can deal with simplicity is to remain grounded in truth and being real to my self.
Wishing you a smooth recovery, Yram.
I’m so sorry to hear this … feel better and wishing you a speedy recovery Yram.
❤️
Feel better soon Yram. Lots and lots of rest!
I am so sorry,
dear Yram,
to hear that you have contracted pneumonia,
especially with everything else that is going on . . .
do take it seriously
and follow your doctor’s orders.
You already know
that you cannot help your husband
if you are not taking care of yourself . . .
I hold you in my heart
and send you healing energy
with love . . .
sparrow
I pray you heal quickly.
Dear YRAM, I’m sorry. I hope you heal quickly. Have you tried drinking apple cider vinegar, hot water and honey? My grandmother who lived to be 103 swore by honey and vinegar.. 💓
Learn to do one thing at a time. I get side tracked very easily. I think meditation would help.
Stop trying to find solutions for issues that aren’t mine to control. Help to identify when I’m doing that.
EILEEN, I don’t know where you’re located but here is a link that is provided all of the different Meditation locations around the world. There are over 350 hunters that teach you how to let go and you can do it on Zoom it’s totally amazing. I’ve been doing it for four years. I recommend it wholeheartedly..
https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
I struggle a lot with executive dysfunction in many areas of my life. I find that creating routines and daily work plans (more recently with the help of chat gpt) has really helped me stay more present and focused, simply because it eliminates the panic of having to think about what to do next.
I still need to declutter. Less stuff would be very calming for me.
I live a pretty simple life. I guess my main distraction, these days, is social media. Scrolling for entertainment. I need to be more disciplined in this area. I would like to get back to reading more and scrolling less. 😁
After reading all of your responses, I would add, that two goals that I try to keep in the front of mind, not always very successfully, are to be as present as possible and to see things as clearly as possible. That is, catching myself when my inner dialog is living in the past or future and when I find myself hoping/wishing things were different, instead of exactly as they are.
Whether my life is simple or complicated isn’t so important to me. I prefer simple, but I am not in total control of my external circumstances. It’s the stuff between my ears, that’s my responsibility.
Yes,
dear Charlie . . .
we cannot change or control others,
but can change or control
ourselves . . . ♥
So true
Me too.
Social media is not good for me. I was scrolling a few nights ago and afterwards noticed that I was comparing myself to others and not surprisingly (since I was comparing my inside to the outsides of others) I was coming up short. 🧐
I need to keep decluttering this house. It’s a long-term project that fell by the wayside recently. More clutter crept in, and to have a low-clutter house would be dreamy.
Yes! Amazing how it seems to creep back in.
Drea, I can relate!
My outside life is pretty simple, but there is a lot of mind-stuff going on that I am continuously working on simplifying. “When will this happen?” “Why did I feel singled out?” “How come they do ___ when I ___?” There’s all kinds of examples. Sometimes my mind is so peaceful and accepting, and other times, well, it’s just not. But this, and Antionette’s reply, brought me to Yoga Sutra 1.2 “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah” – there are many commentaries, and one translation says, “Yoga is restraining the mind–stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis). —Swami Vivekananda.
Another commentary on it says, “The extraordinary experience gained by controlling the modifications of the mind is itself called Yoga.” This is what ultimately brought me to yoga, even if I would tell others that it was to become a better surfer (which it was, at the time), and why I love it so much and want to share it with all.
Wishing a peaceful, simple day to each of you 🙂
Thank you for the insight here. 💜
I learn so much from the Sutras!
Patti, thanks for sharing the insight into Yoga sutras
Happy to share 🙂
Your comment brought the phrase “citta chatter” to mind. It sounds like you’re on a well-supported path with yoga. A peaceful, simple day to you too Sunnypatti!
OMG, citta chatter is perfect, as citta is pronounced chitta!! I would put a little laughing face here if I was on my phone! I remember people using “chitter chatter” a lot when I was a kid… funny how the definition is perfect in the practice of yoga… all of the examples are definitely “mind-stuff”
from thefreedictionary.com
chitter-chatter
1. verb To talk idly or incessantly.
Now that she can talk, my little girl will just chitter-chatter away all day long.
My date is still chitter-chattering away, but I stopped listening a while ago.
Uncle Ned is already chitter-chattering about politics, so I’d steer clear of him if I were you.
2. noun Idle or incessant talk.
Now that my daughter can talk, I get to listen to her chitter-chatter all day long.
You can always count on some inane chitter-chatter in the conference room before a meeting starts.
Sounds like chitter-chatter to me. I really don’t think they’re talking about candidates for the promotion.
I know all about this,
dear Sunnypatti . . . 🙂
In my future occupation. Simply focusing on studying and gaining experience through volunteering helps reduce my anxiety about the opportunity to get a job after I graduate.
My Ngoc, work experience goes a long ways. The real world and classroom are different animals.
You are getting good practice,
dear Ngoc,
which will stand you in good stead
when you graduate . . . ♥
I agree, keep doing the good work, Ngoc.
I have to chew on this a little bit. I am in a phase of life where there is a lot of doing. But, it’s not something I can whittle down. I am a mom and I am caring for aging parents. I think it’s merely my karma to be busy these days. But, I take a lot of pauses and I am deeply committed to being present in all that I do. My practices help me to not make it a bid deal–maybe I have already simplified what needed to be done.
”My practices help me to not make it a bid deal–maybe I have already simplified what needed to be done.”
Maybe you have,
dear Avril,
intuitively. ♥
Thank you Sparrow.
Nothing is simple, everything is simple. That paradox can get the monkey who lives in the addicted corner of my mind way active, jumping from branch to branch. I now invite the little SOB into my lap instead of trying to shoot him from the branches. Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind. Much simpler, I have discovered, than reaching for alcohol to anesthetize that monkey. If I remain present in the moment my perspective shifts.
The -Word for the Day- “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Synder
May today be filled with simplifications. Namaste.
I love today’s Word,
dear Joseph . . .
Nature is home for me as well,
and I am so grateful
to live on a little piece of it.
Thank you for posting it here. ♥
The sentence that Drea and Lauren brought up stood out to me too.
This interrupts the cycle of chasing one’s tail.
Smart thinking Joseph.
“Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind.” – thank you for this wisdom, Joseph.
What a great mind shift: “Find out just what my capacities are instead of what are the circumstances or complications causing the ruckus in my mind.” Chasing those circumstances is a forest of branches for the monkey, isn’t it? You’ve inspired me to ask myself throughout the day: “What is my capacity right now? What’s important now?”
‘
I have become much better at focusing on being more present. I can’t think of one specific area of my life regarding simplification aspect … Looking forward to reading others responses.