Living a simpler life.

Today it seems that people are increasingly caught up in the complexities of life. Many people describe feeling overwhelmed, stressed, out of control, not able to catch up and unable to get everything done. This is a society of multi-tasking. We put a high value on work and less value on taking care of ourselves or spending time where it really matters.

Happiness can seem elusive. Cell phones, computers, email, work and mass consumerism can absorb our lives leaving, little time for anything else.

We all want to live a simpler life and to be happy. Sounds like an unreachable ideal but can this be achieved? One thing that we have to realize is that we all have a part to play in creating the crazy busy society that we live in. Is there a way that we can slow down the pace and create a life where we do not feel rushed and overwhelmed? After all, we should be enjoying the splendor around us!

Living a simpler life is questioning whether we need to be living our lives at such a frantic pace. We have to stand back and look at ourselves from the perspective of an observer. From this vantage point we can see ourselves in a new light and start to question what is necessary. Here are some ideas on how to live simpler:

• Slow down

We need to find time for ourselves each day. By living each day at a fast and busy pace we can lose sight of the things that are really important. We can be left with a feeling that life is passing us by.

Finding time to be alone with our thoughts without any distractions helps us to focus on what is important in our lives. Slowing down helps us to enjoy the little things in life that we would normally take for granted. Going for a walk, meditating or even reading a book can help us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

• Cut out the clutter

We have so much clutter. Clutter in our homes, clutter in our minds, clutter in our relationships and clutter in our multi-tasking. Cutting out clutter will simplify our lives and help us to see what is really important. Releasing our attachment to things is not only freeing, but it can also promote emotional healing.

De clutter your living space. This will help you discover what you really need in your life. It is quite amazing at how much excess stuff we can accumulate and think that we cannot live without. Room by room assess all of your stuff and make the following piles: What you want to keep, what you can toss out, what you can recycle, donate, give away or sell. You will find that this activity will give you a sense of freedom and be cathartic in its effect.

De clutter your mind. Learn to focus your attention on one thought at a time. Meditating can be effective at helping to focus the mind on the moment and leave the busy thoughts behind.

• Do one thing at a time

Stop multi-tasking and complete one activity before you start another. Driving and talking on the cell phone may seem like a good way of getting needed phone calls done. However, it takes away from the task at hand driving which needs our complete attention.

By focusing our energy on one task at a time, we can accomplish more. When we put our energy to one thing that activity gets all our attention and we will become more effective at getting it done without the added distraction of a second activity.

• Rejuvenate

Take part in an activity that leaves all the day’s busy events behind you. Maybe running helps you unwind, or it could be knitting, reading or meditation. When we focus on one activity to rejuvenate us that helps us to slow down and cut down on stress.

• Live in the moment

Don’t worry about the past or the future so much. Try to live in the present moment and enjoy each moment for what it is. Being centered in the present increases our alertness and gives us an appreciation for the grace of living.

Living simpler should be more than just a goal, but something to live by everyday.

Namaskar