Small Simple Life » Small Living

The spirit of Christmas Giving

A. Simplicity — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:46:13 +0000

Christmas is nearly upon us, one of the few occasions in the year that sees many of us around the world coming together to celebrate. And although there are many people who do not celebrate Christmas; for some of us it seems that the whole world is flooded with Christmas wishes and goodwill.

And this is what I love about Christmas, this seemingly universal coming together; being with loved ones to share and eat and be merry. Yet it is so easy for all this merriment and cheer to be drowned under the weight of spending and presents and stress and rushing to get it all done.

I have lost much of my Christmas spirit over the last few years, you know that little feeling you start to get right about now, when (for us in the southern hemisphere) the weather really stats to warm up and you feel like swimming and holiday plans are being made and the stone fruit and mangoes start to appear. You get that little twinge like “oh it’s nearly Christmas” and it is a happy child like rush of joy.

This has kind of been disappearing for a while and I just presumed that maybe it was only something you felt as a child but this year I am determined to find it again.

As you get older the ‘demands’ of Christmas start to appear, the expectation to spend lots of money, to spend hours in shopping centres to find perfect presents for family and friends. How often have you asked someone what they want for Christmas and they just say “oh, I don’t know”; I mean do we really need to be giving materialistic presents as a way of sharing cheer and joy for Christmas?

Christmas for many of us is about giving and sharing but this doesn’t have to mean buying and spending. Much joy and merriment can be found in real gifts; gifts of our time and love and compassion.

My family, for the first time, has agreed not to give presents this year and I really feel like this will make a big positive difference to the way we enjoy Christmas day. The decision was based on different factors for all of us but the overriding one was probably money.

Now more than ever families are struggling financially; it just seems crazy to over spend money that many of us don’t have to buy presents that we really don’t need. And I know there are many families out there who have already made a similar decision.

It has made a big difference knowing that this Christmas we don’t have to buy into the consumer machine and that we will be finding different was to give gifts. And I am pretty sure everyone in my family is already thinking of ways to give and share with each other that does not necessarily involve a present.

I have been spending some of my free time pouring through recipe books looking for goodies to bake and share while home on the holidays. And we have been planning outings and holiday activities for my nephews like bush walks and art and craft activities.

I also realised that our Christmas has always been filled with sharing and giving that did not involve presents and that these are really the things that made the Christmas Holidays so special.

We have a tradition of making my Nanna’s mango chutney; usually an affair that takes a whole day and involves a prior excursion to pick or beg for wild or home-grown mangoes which sees most of us including the kids out climbing up trees and visiting neighbours and friends. We then spend a day together in my Mum’s kitchen preparing, cooking and finally bottling enough batches of delicious chutney to last throughout the year.

And until last night, when I started to think about it, I had never really thought about how special and important this little tradition is to my family, it is a way we share and pool resources and skills to make something we all love and enjoy. It brings us closer together and keeps a tradition that has been handed down. We also share the chutney with friends and family as gifts; real gifts of time and love.

I am so looking forward to going home this Christmas and rediscovering ways to bring alive my lost Christmas Spirit. Through giving gifts of time and love and compassion. I simply want to enjoy time with my family, share in making and creating and doing things and enjoy the moments together.

There are many, many ways we all can enjoy Christmas without buying into the consumer machine. And beyond the little things we can also see Christmas as an opportunity to give back in a big way by supporting charity organisations through a donation of time or money. There are so many people out there who are less fortunate then ourselves; Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on what we have and give a little back to those in need.

Christmas for me this year will more than ever be about giving; but not materialistic giving. True giving of time, love and compassion to family, friends and those in need. Goodwill, merriment and Joy are such wonderful things to be able to share and spread around the world and are true acts of the Spirit of Christmas.

Hope you all enjoy the next two weeks leading up to Christmas, may we all find joy and peace and a little Christmas Spirit this year : )

Say hi to life!! Go on!!

A. Simplicity — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:20:31 +0000

What have I been waiting for all these 30 plus years that it has taken this long to really embrace life? Why have I been hiding behind depression and exhaustion and blame and bad habits and laziness?

Is it we sometimes expect something else from life that we cannot truly appreciate the magnificence; even when it is all around us?

Every day is a chance to live, to breathe and feel alive. All it takes is a little positive energy a little positive motivation and a true desire to live!

It has been a long journey to slowly build a life where I can embrace each day as a chance to be happy and content.

It began with an acknowledgement that it is not the big grand desires and aspirations for a ‘better me’ that fill each day with positive joy, but the little things; the knowledge that I am me and that I create my own self.

I once spent a lot of time focused outwardly, worried, anxious and fearful of myself and the world. Now with space and patience and simplicity I am learning to say Hi to life and embrace all the wonderful things that are and that can be…

Just do it!!

I have recently started running. For a person who has done very little physical exercise EVER this was something I have always wanted to do but due to laziness and well a belief, that I couldn’t, I until recently never dreamed I would. It has been 4 months now and yesterday I ran further than I have ever before. It was like my lungs just opened up and I felt so fit and strong and free. I now feel I am able to physically achieve more than I felt possible and this is a very powerful feeling.

I am achieving something I always thought ‘about’ but never actually thought I would ‘do’. And the great thing is there is still so much further to go, I can continue to improve, continue to become stronger and fitter and healthier.

It has taught me or should I say I am still learning a very valuable lesson and one we all know about but to experience it is truly powerful. We can achieve our dreams. Although this is quite a simple example; for me it is a big change and I now feel more able to strive for other things in my life, with patience, determination and true desire.

If there is something, no matter how simple, you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet dared. I dare you! Go for it!! Just do it!!

Be Real!!

I certainly don’t imagine I am the only one who has trouble forming real relationships. The fear and the doubt and second guessing always seem to intrude on my ability to live in the moment and truly embrace my friends and family. We all put up barriers to some extent and I guess this is a measure against self harm or embarrassment or betrayal. I sometimes find it hard to truly let go and be myself, express myself and share my real self with others. And I have come to realise this is not fair. I am cheating my friends and family, I am me, I am real, why keep me hidden away.

To really live we need to form real relationships grounded in our true self. So we can share real experiences, engaged and alive. I’m still not sure if I can dive into relationships with abandon or if I truly ever will; but I do aim to try and pull down a few barriers and let my true self come through even if just a little more than ever before.

Adventure & Discovery!!

Life is one great big adventure and there is so much to discover about life, people, places, ourselves and the world we live in. Step outside, even just a little, the comfort zone, the routine of daily life and go on a little adventure to discover something new. This could be anything; like striking up a conversation with a stranger, taking an alternate route or mode of transport to work, trying a different type of food or hobby.

It can be so easy to get stuck in our ways to decide this is how things are, this is what I like, these are my friends, this is my job, this is how I relax, and this is what I like to do. But there are so many experiences big and small out there to discover. Go on a little adventure today and see what can be found : )

Love Yourself!!

Love in its purity is a very simple and very strong emotion. Striped of everything else love is simply love; an unwavering acceptance of someone or something for who or what they truly are. And shared love is to find peace and acceptance and deep rest in the ones we love.

To love one ’s self is to let go of all the doubts and expectations and ideas we harbour inside and to step back and embrace an unwavering acceptance for whom we are. Than we may experience that true rest and peace we find in the company of shared love, within ourselves.

Find your own way!!

All of us are different and amazingly so. Each person is filled with experiences and dreams and ideas and passions that are unique and exceptional. Embrace life and find your own way; by being true to yourself and the things that are real and important to you. Compromises are part of life and one of the blessings of a shared existence so be prepared to make a few but keep an eye out for the opportunities to really dive in.

I am learning to step out of my rut and place my feet firmly on a path that each day I can walk upon confidently and honestly. By making choices that reflect my true self and living a life that I believe in I am finding my way back into life and embracing all it has to offer.

I am so happy and thankful to live the life I do! Why did it take me so long to simply say Hi?!

Top 5 small, simple steps to overcome a consumer mentality!!

A. Simplicity — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:47:37 +0000

“You can never get enough of what you don’t need to make you happy.”
~ Eric Hoffer

It could be said we don’t often consider what we already have and what truly makes us happy. In the modern world there are many of us striving to get what we don’t need to make us happy; living a lifestyle based on having, obtaining and needing more and more stuff to ‘feel’ happy and successful.

Happiness based on materialistic wealth is a scary pursuit, we can as Eric Hoffer states; never get enough to reach a state of happiness, as the very bases of this mentality is to always have more.

A consumer mentality has been building, growing in layers, shaping our society for a long time and it has reached a dangerous height of greed and global consequence.

We live in an age where we have access to an abundance of stuff and an attitude that coverts this abundance as personal worth and wealth. Yet I truly believe overcoming this consumer mentality can open doors to a new life, filled with real experiences, relationships and self awareness.

True happiness can be found in true living; a life that acknowledges the good in the small and everyday; that finds happiness in the now and the present; that sees worth and abundance in what we already have and feels prosperous in the simple presence of life and nature, friends and family.

We can distance ourselves from the perceived happiness found in stuff and at the same time have a real positive impact not only on our lives but on the lives of others and of the Earth.

It is such a positive and powerful step to take, to decide to reduce consumption whenever and wherever we can and the following are just some small steps in the right direction:

1. Consume Less

The biggest step we all can take is simply to consume less. Often we will buy things we simply don’t need. Consider what is driving the purchase is it need or desire? A constant desire for more, new, fashionable stuff is not necessarily the road to a happy and fulfilled life. Consider what kind of happiness can be found in stuff and if it is related to true happiness and self worth.

2. Make-Do

Often we can make-do with things we already have, much of what we throw out or replace is based on perceived obsolescence. Look after, fix up and make-do; don’t replace something simply because there is a newer or more fashionable version out on the market. Learning to make do affords worth in the things we already have and allows us to be satisfied and content without wanting more or better or newer.

3. Share, Borrow, Rent or Reclaim

Instead of buying new there are many items we might only occasionally need, like tools, garden equipment, hobby and sporting goods. All of these are available for rent or could be borrowed from a neighbour or friend. This reduces clutter in our own homes, saves money and reduces waste. Also consider sharing with others that may be in need.

Or consider recycled, pre-loved or used items as an alternative. They may not be the latest and greatest but they are a fantastic option for thrifty and environmentally conscience shoppers. So many items can be purchased second hand from clothing to furniture and household goods. Pre-loved is a great way save money, resources and waste and is often fun and exciting, you just never know what you might find.

4. Buck trends

Much of our consumption is based on fashion and trends prompting us to discard “last season” and constantly up-date to the latest fashion or model. We can place so much worth on being up-to-date but when this means constantly consuming and spending money and throwing out perfectly useable stuff it can seem a little backwards.

5. Give up Shopping

It is a little frightening how many of us have embraced shopping as a pastime or even hobby. On the weekends the shopping centres and malls are filled with people eager to spend hard earned money on all kinds of stuff. The more time we spend surrounded by stuff to buy the more likely we are to buy it. But we can adopt new and positive pastimes; there are many alternatives to shopping including visiting art galleries or museums, the park or beach.

We live in a world that drives us to earn, to spend and only consider what we can gain and not the actual cost, the ethical, environmental or social cost. Yet we can save money and resources by weighing up our consumer habits and considering the options; and free ourselves from the constant pursuit of materialistic wealth by finding worth in what we already have.

There is so much happiness to be found in life, experiences, relationships and nature, not in what kind of this or what brand of that sits on the shelf or hangs in the closet. And yet a simpler life is not dictated by any real convention; it is something achievable for all of us on different levels.

Weighing up what truly makes us happy and dedicating our time and energy towards this end is the key. Often all we need to be happy is what we already have.

Top 5 small, simple thoughts on finding true quiet and rest in body, mind and soul…

A. Simplicity — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:04:31 +0000

Lake Hawea, New Zealand

My husband and I have been living our ‘new’ life for just over three months now; a simpler life away from my job, the city and all our friends and family. Moving to a small community in a remote part of New Zealand was pretty much as far away from everything as we could get.

And this little escape plan was for a number of different reasons; for me I was exhausted and unhappy living in the city and working long hours and for my husband, I think apart from the draw of the ski fields : ) he desired more freedom and time for the good things in life and we both have a strong pull to live a quieter life, free of demands and distractions that don’t fit in with our simple ideals of happy living.

So far there have been boundless benefits to both our lives; being able to spend so much more time together and quality time doing things outdoors and discovering new hobbies, has been fun and rewarding. For me the biggest plus has been the time and space; two things that found me constantly frustrated in my ‘old’ life. I now have so much time and mental space to rest and dream and create; it has moved my mind and soul into a calmer and clearer state of being.

Yet I have not reached a true state of mental rest. Having struggled with anxiety all my life it has only been within the last 6 or 7 years that I have overcome the control and fear that dominated my life through anxiety attacks and depression. Yet that tense, uptight, insistent part of my mind is still ever present and I have, for all the rest and time and space enjoyed lately, not been able to shake it.

The thoughts and fears that whirl around my head, bouncing off the sides, a constant hammer that keeps me from truly finding the rest I seek in my soul.

There have been times when I was able to let go of this whirlwind that dwells inside me and it was then that these thoughts would flow through me, acknowledge, but I was able to let then pass out of my mind, freely, like drifting clouds across the sky.

I long to find this ability again and I know it is something that cannot be forced it must be coaxed and whispered; it must be believed and trusted. I must learn to let go, to detach myself from modes of thought and find the true core of myself. Only when I am truly grounded will I be able to let go without fear and have the strength to find true quiet and rest for my body, mind and soul.

Because I know I am far from the only one who struggles with anxiety; what follows is a few thoughts I had on finding this true quiet and rest:

1. Redefine relaxation

Sometimes we find perceive relaxation and rest in things that actually are doing more harm than good. I have some strange habits when it comes to relaxing. I quite often will reach for a beer or head to the couch to watch a little TV when I want to relax. But both of these things are stimulants rather than forms of relaxation. Stimulants such as alcohol or coffee are often associated with enhancing or relaxing our mood; but they can have negative effects on our mind and bodies that are detrimental to reaching an inner state of calm.

TV is another stimulant that can create a false sense of relaxation; our mind never really turns off when we watch the TV, it goes into a state of numbness but is constantly bombarded with stimuli in the form of sound, colour and images. Stimulants are a great way to avoid the issues and to turn off when really we need to tune in.

2. Communicate

Talking to people or sharing our thoughts on paper is a fantastic way to cast off the clatter of constant thoughts and fears that run around inside our head. By talking about our fears and inner thoughts we can shed new light on the issues and come at them from a different angle. Quite often what looked daunting inside our heads will seem manageable once brought out into the open.

Writing down thoughts and feelings is a way to really examine them, instead of just buzzing around our head we are forced to articulate the thoughts and this helps to dispel or confront them. Once confronted we can cast off these inner fears and feelings and find new focus.

3. Create

I have always found art a great release and a fantastic way to focus my mind. When we tune into our creative forces we free our mind and open new doorways to our conciseness.

Creating can be anything from cooking, gardening, writing, singing, playing music, poetry, drawing, painting, crafting, and photography and so much more. Through creative energy we are able to let go and clear our minds of the inner clamouring. Art is also a fantastic way to express our inner thoughts and fears and quite often with surprising results.

4. Believe

A true belief in ourselves in the best way to ground and quiet our fears and anxieties. It gives us a strong and focused front from which to meet our fears head on. When we truly believe in who we are we are able to face the inner voices of doubt and fear with conviction and certainty.

It is quite often this doubt and a difficulty to truly believe and have confidence in my inner self that generates so much of the clamour that bangs around inside my head. By focusing on my strong values, my faith in life and love, I can hold onto my true self and believe in who I am.

5. Let Go

Most importantly to find inner quite and rest we have to learn to let go. I spoke before of my thoughts drifting out of my head like clouds and this is just the way I like to imagine my thoughts as I let them go. It is important to acknowledge the way we feel, see the thoughts, acknowledge them and then let them go.

Holding onto fears, anxieties and negative feelings traps us into a state of unrest. The thoughts bounce around inside forcing themselves on our consciousness and often growing lager and scarier the longer they hide in there. Learning to let go is not always easy but I know unless I do I will not find the true inner rest I so desire.

I have no grand allusions of becoming a glowing light of inner peace and serenity; I simply desire some true quite and rest, to be able to live the life I crave for myself and the ones I love. To be focused and true in my actions and to live life to the fullest.

All of us will at times have fears and feelings to confront; and we no doubt have different ways to manage these so they do not become the driving force in our life. How do you find inner rest and quiet for your body, mind and soul? I would love to hear your thoughts…

It’s not all bad; it’s all good : avoid the crisis and embrace the positive!!!

A. Simplicity — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:49:25 +0000

In writing about a simpler life I often find myself posting on the negative consequences of our modern lifestyle, negative this, negative that, doom, gloom and so sadly on. And it’s not just me, there is much talk, out there in the wide world, of the all bad, the crisis.

How often do we hear of the environmental crisis, the energy crisis, the economic crisis, the climate crisis. Yet despite the discussion this generates I feel it is all a little backwards and almost detrimental to creating a positive ground swell for change.

To inspire positive drive and ignite a determination for achievable change we need to escape from the notion of fear; the ‘crisis’ attached to the social and environmental challenges we currently face.

Genuine change is not reached merely by trying to avoid crisis, to fix a problem, to elevate a burden. Real change comes from a desire to hold onto all that is good in life, to preserve the beautiful and amazing, a positive drive based on true desire, not fear or anxiety.

Yet, it is this very notion of crisis we tend to carry around within ourselves. That we must do this and shouldn’t do that in fear crisis will come flooding in. We strive to make a difference and yet we put so many constrains between ourselves and change.

A genuine desire and drive for leading a simpler life, a more thoughtful and happy life can be reached from a sincere belief in the beauty and good that exists in the world. Not a fear of the all bad; but a belief in the all good!!

It is the positive elements in life that establish true desire and underpin real values. With optimism, conviction and certainty in our hearts we avoid giving in to the notions of fear and crisis. Positive change is achievable for all of us and is not dictated by constraints.

By holding onto the positive forces in life we are granted the power to fill our lives with real hope and constructive, optimistic energy. With a true desire to protect and reduce our impact on the earth and the people of the world, leading a simpler, healthier, happier and more thoughtful existence becomes second nature!!

Positive Inspiration found…

Picnics in the shade
Walks through woods and gardens
Family & friends
All the unique, dynamic and amazing people of the world
Trees and falling leaves
Secrets for sharing
Sunlight on dewy grass
The sky and clouds
The warmth of the sun
The birds and the trees
The rivers, streams, creeks and ponds
Raindrops and puddles
Mountains, fields and forests
Giving, sharing, helping and forgiving
Smiling
Laughing
Breathing deeply
Resting easy
Loving completly

Through positive movement to protect and preserve all that is good in life we can step away from the bad and negative consequences. Instead of grand designs to overcome crisis we can, through positive momentum, work towards simple change and adopt a simpler, happier and more positive life for all people and the planet.

Top 5 small simple ideas on how to make new habits a lasting change!

A. Simplicity — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:13:08 +0000

I have been thinking recently on the subconscious side of our nature; the little unacknowledged persuasive elements that operate beneath the surface of our actively conscious minds. How, quite often, the motivation we first throw into conscious change or positive steps can be defeated so easily by this subconscious influence.

When trying to sustain positive change in my life I realised where I tend to fall down is through habit. The subconscious things that fill our daily life, our actions but also our reactions. I am in the habit of reacting to certain situations in a certain way and I carry around many habitual actions, some positive, some not so and this is part of our human nature, we are habitual creatures.

Even though we go through life with good intention; it is so easy, at times, to slide into habits that do not reflect our positive intent. Good intention is one thing but to actually make the change and then stick to it can be challenging.

It is when we let subconscious negative habits drive our action and reactions that it can be difficult to sustain the momentum for change. In order to make positive change in our life it is necessary to redevelop some of our habits so that we can reclaim some of that good intent.

So in light of my new found good intention to hold onto my good intention I thought I would examine how I could work towards making new habits a lasting change : )

1. A clear set of Values
A clear set of values enables each of us to acknowledge what it is we want in our life, what is important to us, what allows us to be happy, content and fulfilled. We might not consider often enough what we truly value in life and it is for this reason it can be so easy to lose sight of the good intent we all have. By redeveloping habits that reflect our values we can work consciously and actively towards what it is we want in life with conviction and certainty.

2. Balance
Everyday life is demanding and our good intention will sometimes be compromised for necessity. To hold onto good intention balance is needed more than an unachievable desire for perfection. To sustain the motivation for change, create a balance between values and the demands of everyday life. Acknowledge the good intention and strive for achievable change. We can easily be overwhelmed or disenchanted by wanting to achieve it all at once.

.3 Go the extra mile
Leading demanding, engaging and jam-packed lives we often form habits that allow us to get through life quickly, easily and with the least hassle. We look to convenience, ease and at-hand solutions, often forgetting, in the short term at least, our good intention. By overcoming haste, lethargy and immediacy when can form habits that are more effective, sustaining and positive. Go the extra mile, put in a little more effort and be ready to reap the rewards of a job well done.

4. Stay Positive
Positive thoughts have a way of taking a back seat when we are tired, drained or unfocused. If we keep in mind the positive elements of our new habits and remind ourselves of their benefits and good intention it helps to keep us focused and energised on the task at hand. Staying positive and keeping a clear mind as to what we hope to achieve helps to sustain the momentum for change in our lives.

5. Embrace the Change
Change can be scary. We tend to find comfort in the habits and routine of our lives, but it can also be these very habits and safe routines that are having a negative impact. If we truly want to change it must be for a reason, whether it is for health, happiness, fulfilment, hold onto the reason and embrace the positive change. Change is a powerful force and once we start to see the benefits of even small changes in our life it can empower us and provide the motivation to sustain positive drive in all aspects of our life.

The most important thing when trying to hold onto that good intention is to be conscious always of what it is that is important to our true self, to our happiness, our values.

I have come to realise that I can form more positive habits in place of old habits simply by being more conscious of my inner values and true self. By acknowledging what is important to me, my goals, dreams, aspirations and intention I can more actively work towards finding a balance between my everyday life and my true inner values of living a simpler, healthier, happier, and more thoughtful existence.

And hopefully through making new habits a lasting change I’ll hold onto my good intentions for good : )

“I hear what you’re saying but…” : overcoming that little voice of doubt and haste

A. Simplicity — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:59:56 +0000

When looking to simplify our lives we are often faced with doubt; it is something we can come across everyday; either in our own mind or from the opinion of others. There is the ‘but,’ the ‘but’ that at times rears its head in our attempts to balance our own lives with a desire to live a more socially aware and sustainable lifestyle.

Most of us acknowledge on some level that the way we live in the modern world is unbalanced, that it can have negative consequences for the planet and for people.

And we want to do good, when faced with the opportunity to make a better choice, one that has a positive impact, we will try and ‘do the right thing’ or ‘make the right choice’.

Unfortunately there are many aspects of our daily life that tend to get in the way of our desire to make better choices. The very crux of the matter is our modern life is filled with stuff designed for expediency and an image and a lifestyle we all have adopted on varying levels of wholeheartedness.

And it is quiet often these very items of cheaply priced convenience and desire that have very real negative environmental and social consequences.

Yet, to stop and consider the social and environmental consequences of every choice can be a daunting expectation. And I do at times hear that little voice of doubt and haste going, but, but, but…

*But* it is just the way it is

Although easier to accept sometimes; we need to reconsider the idea that the world is operating outside our control. If we acknowledge the poverty, starvation, exploitation, degradation and pollution, the reality of our modern lifestyle; it is harder to accept that simply, well, its’ just the way it is
Be hopeful and acknowledge that each of us is a member of the human race and everything we do has a consequence that changes and shifts the future of the world
By simply accepting that its’ just the way it is; we are accepting there is no hope for a brighter future for the planet and for all people

*But* its’ too hard

Try not to be overwhelmed by choice, product labels, promises and advertising. Once we have a better understanding of the issues it is easier to make choices that have a positive impact.
Don’t be afraid of change, it can be as easy as trying something new or making the decision to give something up even if just for a short time. What we think might be hard, will sometimes be so very easy, once we overcome the fear of change.
Adopting new sustainable and ethical alternatives can be easy and once we make small changes if we feel the benefits they quite often become lasting habits

*But* I like all my stuff!!

And we all work hard to have things in our lives. We work long hours in often thankless jobs to earn more money so we can have all the stuff we want. And is there anything wrong with wanting stuff?
Having stuff can be great, but it shouldn’t define who we are or be the basis of our happiness. We need to balance our need for stuff with the consequences of a consumer lifestyle. Re-examine our wants, needs and desires and only choose to consume what we truly need.

*But* is it really that bad?

For us lucky ones it can be hard to accept the implications of our lifestyle. When we are not faced daily with the negative effects of consumerism it is pretty easy to dismiss all the talk of how our choices affect others less advantaged then ourselves.
But there are real issues connected to our modern lifestyle; ethical, environmental and social issues that have very real negative implications for all of us.
With education and compassion we begin to realise that although these problems exist away from our site they are very real.

*But* its’ too expensive!

Quite often cheap or disposable items are inexpensive because they have been manufactured in a way that compromises ethical or environmental standards for greed.
Learn more about synthetic ingredients, conventional farming and non-union or non-fair trade manufacturing process and the real costs of these cheap items begin to emerge
Although purchasing environmentally conscience, organic, fair-trade products may cost more at the check-out we need to decide what price we are willing to put on sustainable and ethical practices that benefit all people

*But* nothing I can do will make that big a difference

It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the social and environmental problems existing in the world today. They are such big and scary issue that we can feel that just one person cannot make a difference. But how can we believe this.
Maybe we don’t want to hear about the negative consequences of our consumer lifestyle but it is only us who can make the change. As long as we the consumer, continue to support damaging, greedy and unsustainable practices; manufactures will continue to exploit people and the planet.
Every choice we make can be a choice for the better and even small things make a difference, why not do the small, simple things each of us are able to do.

*But* I’m not a Greeny, Crunchy, Hippie, Do-Gooder, I’m just a normal person trying to live my life!

We need to step away from the idea that a sustainable and ethical way of life is only for those truly dedicated to living an alternate lifestyle.
By taking small, simple steps and making small, simple changes and choices each of us can adopt positive change into our lives in a way that meets our needs and reflects our own lifestyle.
A happier, healthier more ethical and sustainable life is achievable for all of us and can be obtained at our own level.

There are positive things all of us can do to have a far reaching and sustaining impact on our world. I hope that although we all have doubts and fears and in the face of our busy lifestyles we can embrace a few small changes that will reflect positively throughout our lives and the lives of others.

I know there will always be buts to overcome and in the end it is not about being perfect; it is about making the changes that speak to each of us. We need to not loose site of the things we can achieve and embrace positive change and our ability to make choices for the better.

Top 5 small, simple opportunities for a little more energy and zest for life!

A. Simplicity — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:29:29 +0000

Further to the post last week on the Top 5 small, simple opportunities for a happy, fulfilling life!; I wanted to share a few more ideas I had on the small, simple things we can all do to fill our life with a little more positive and joyful energy.

I use to suffer a great deal from lack of energy and positive drive. My busy working lifestyle seemed to leave me with very little energy and I quite often went to bed exhausted both mentally and physically. My mind and body were in a constant state of deflation; I never could seem to find the time to recharge.

And it is true; leading a busy lifestyle can quite often sap our bodies and minds of precious energy and leave us feeling discouraged, tired and irritable. Often it is a catch 22 sort of situation, where the everyday necessities pile up, take over and demand valuable time and energy from us, stealing our oomph so by the end of the day all we want to do is crash.

But everyday life is filled with opportunities to energise and recharge our mind and body to face the day with a little more good cheer and get-up-and-go!

It is sometimes not easy; but with a few changes and by adopting some new habits I was able to find a little more energy, both in my mind and body, to face the day with positive cheer and overcome the ever present exhaustion. And you know what; it was kind of like a flow on effect; the more energy I found the more I could do to sustain and regain more positive drive for my life.

If you find it may be helpful in your life I encourage you to try the following, adapt them where you can in your own lifestyle and see if they might add a little extra pizzazz and verve for life!!

1. Eat well and Exercise

Oh, I know, how many times have we heard this before? But you know what it is so very fundamental to living a happy, healthy, positive and joyful life. Having a healthy diet and introducing a little exercise to a daily routine has great advantages to our mind and body. We feel better because our bodies are healthier; we are stronger and have more energy.

A healthy lifestyle has so many great advantages:

Eating a healthy diet increase our immunity improves our digestion, circulation and increases energy and our ability to concentrate. Choose the types of foods that improve your health and avoid the types of foods that raise your risk for such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Expand your range of healthy choices to include a wide variety of delicious foods. Learn to use guidelines and tips for creating and maintaining a satisfying, healthy diet.

Exercise boosts energy, strength, stamina and mobility. It can also add in reducing anxiety and improves sleep patterns and our overall sense of well being. Even a little exercise can give your mind and body the boost in needs to face the day without burning out halfway. Try and adopt a form of exercise that fits in with your lifestyle, even a walk in the morning or after dinner can boost your energy, start small and you might find once the benefits start to take effect you’ll discover more ways to introduce exercise into your routine.

2. Get organised and de-clutter

Probably heard this one a few times before too : ) but again, it is so true. When we are organised we are better equipped to find the time and energy needed to live each day to the full. Having a little structure to a daily routine can elevate the stress and indecision that often robs us of precious time and energy and allows space in our lives for the things we like to do.

Being able to de-clutter and future-clutter our lives also rids us of the unnecessary aspects that at times tend to misdirect us and pilfer our energy reserves. If you are feeling a little disorganised take a look at your daily routine and find ways to eliminate the unnecessary, plan ahead and spread the workload out a little where you’re able; create time for the things you like to do. Get to know what it is we want in life and focus on this, avoiding the temptation to over clutter with frills and bells and whistles. Try to put energy into things that are important to you and avoid wasting it on things that do not have a positive reflection on your life.

3. Adopt Patience

Hmmm I love this word and what it can mean in our lives. Patience is fundamental to creating space, time and freedom in our minds and in turn in our lives and the lives of others.

Adopting a little patience and taking things a little slower provides avenues to discover more energy and positive drive. When we are harassed and hurried, demanding things of ourselves and others, that it must be done now, finished now, had now, we end up exhausted and discouraged and all for what?

If we can slow our minds and lives and pace through life with patience we don’t put so much pressure on our bodies and minds through constant demand. Try waiting, stopping, resting a little more you may find it provides a place for tolerance, endurance, serenity and fortitude that creates a positive drive and more energy to fill your life.

4. Find time for one small and simple positive deed each day

Oh this is sooo easy… and fun and worthwhile and yes it works. A positive action can be as little as giving your partner or your kids an extra hug or ‘I love you’, making your work colleague a cup of tea, calling your mum, smiling, stepping outside and enjoying the sun, the trees, the World around you.

And it works because positive action fills us with positive energy, if we give ourselves a little positive encouragement each day; a reminder of the wonderful, good and amazing things that fill our life, then we are filled with drive and energy for each and every day.

5. Be the change

Sometimes the hardest thing when we are exhausted and deflated and tired and feed-up can be to turn around and pull ourselves out of it. As I said before a lack of energy seems to just breed more exhaustion but the opposite is also true. Once we find ways to encourage a little more positive drive in our daily life the energy starts to flood back in. Sometimes taking that first step is the hardest but if we want to make the change we need to be the change.

Let the change be small steps; adopted in a way that they become a part of your life not just another thing in it. Take it slow and find time for rest and peace and quiet, don’t rob yourself of time and make the changes that speak to you and your lifestyle.

Finding energy and motivation is not always easy but the benefits of a few changes are great and sustaining. Once I started to recover my wasted energy reserves I realised the joys of a mind and body that is recharged and ready to face life to the full. A body that is able and willing and a mind that is clear and more focused; it is such a positive and amazing feeling.

How do you find more energy and zest for life? If you would like to share your ideas I would love to hear from you. There are so many wonderful ways we can all fill our lives with a positive drive, energy and passion for life!!! Let’s get to it : D

Top 5 small, simple opportunities for a happy, fulfilling life!

A. Simplicity — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:56:34 +0000

Life today can really get us down. We rush and hurry through each day doing what is necessary and not having any time to stop and enjoy the things we like to do. When we rush and hurry through life by the end of it all, we ourselves, feel rushed and hurried; we feel harassed and discontent.

I know the day does not often seem long enough, that by the time we have done all the necessary things, work, cleaning, cooking etc there seems no time left to stop and smell the roses.

I don’t know how often I use to find myself rushing through the chores, quickly stuffing things in the dishwasher or dryer, throwing together an evening meal or skipping breakfast to make it to work on time. And by the end of the day these actions never seem to provide more time to rest or enjoy life, they just seem to add to the feelings of discontent and exhaustion.

Our lives are filled to the brim with jobs, families, goals and expectations and we often overlook the very simple everyday opportunities granted us to find joy and happiness.

Each and every day is a day in our life, not a day to be spent merely toiling and working towards something in the future, but a day to be lived, enjoyed and appreciated for the now.

The key is to find happiness in the everyday, to acknowledge and enjoy the little things and find joy in the small, simple pieces of our busy, hurried lives.

In the gaps between the big things there are all the little chores, rituals and aspects of each day, that if we take note, can provide us with an opportunity to find a little more fulfilment, peace and happiness.

Because I still struggle sometimes and because I see people around me everyday still looking for a little more peace, contentment and joy from life I wanted to share 5 top opportunities each of us have for living a happier and more fulfilling life!

1. Slow down

We all can gain so much from the simple notion of taking life a little slower. Slow down our busy lives and try not to do, be, see and have so many things. Slow down our minds that are always rushing ahead to the next thing we have to do and not allowing for patience and satisfaction from the moment.

Take stock of all the things that make up your life and weed out the unnecessary to allow more time for the essential and the special. Start by enjoying or at the very least allowing a sense of satisfaction from the essential daily aspects of our lives. The cleaning, the cooking, the job, the travelling, the chores and errands and household tasks, these fill our lives every day and don’t have to be a dreaded part of life.

Take a little more time and do things thoroughly, if you can’t do it all in one day don’t beat yourself up over it, live with the mess, the unfinished chore and do some tomorrow. Whether it is doing the dishes, scrubbing the shower or folding the clothes, try not to see these things as obstacles to a happy life but a part of one.

Don’t rush; allow yourself a sense of achievement and satisfaction from a job well done. It can fill each day with a little more pleasure if you can escape the notion of having to rush through chores and tasks to reach what is on the other side, because quite often it is just more of the same : )

2. Enjoy what you already have

Trying to fill our lives with more stuff, more things, more money, bigger things, better things, to be more beautiful, more fashionable, better looking, thinner, richer, more successful can be exhausting and disenchanting way to live. Where do all these desires come from? How many are founded on what we really need in our lives to be happy and content?

Look at what we already have in our abundant, fortunate lives. Find aspects of your life now that make you happy and content and spend a little less time chasing after things that in the end may not be worth it.

Look to your family, friends, lifestyle, your home, your life and the world around you. Enjoy what is right in front of you and avoid spending each day struggling after unrealistic and empty ideas. Make true goals based on the things you honestly want in your life and aim towards these instead.

3. Make something/Do something/Be a part of Something

Choosing to create and give rather than take and have is a wonderful step towards a more fulfilling and contented life. It can be as simply as baking some cookies for your family or friends, organising a party or event to spend time with loved ones or joining a group or community activity that involves something you are interested in or passionate about.

Really this idea is limited only by your imagination. If we can focus a little more or being a positive active player in our lives and the lives of others, even small, simple actions can have a vast and changing effect on our everyday life.

4. Share time with others

Each day we are granted opportunities to engage with others in so many ways. From driving our children to school, having breakfast with our family, sharing lunch with work colleges, visiting friends or curling up on the couch with our partner, to sharing a seat on the train, standing in a line at the grocery store or simple passing people on the street.

See each one of these times as a way we share our lives with others and enjoy the moment. Make sure to acknowledge the sense of comfort and joy we can gain from the company of others and aim to share this with as many people as you can. It can be as simple as a smile, a hello a hug or kind gesture, know that our lives are shared in one way or another with all those around us and acknowledge the joy and peace that can be found in these simple acts.

5. Create time for yourself

Although this may at first glance seem difficult or albeit impossible this is in fact one of the easiest and most effect measures you can take to creating more joy and contentment in your life. Time for yourself, although ideally would involve a good book, a sunny spot and endless hours to while away, can take many forms.

If you lead an exceptionally busy lifestyle try allowing a little me time when and wherever you can. Try dedicating the first few minutes in the morning before you get out of bed to considering yourself, think about what you’d like to achieve today, even if it is something small. Or use this time to reflect on all the good things in your life already and allow yourself some positive thoughts on who you are and how you have a positive influence on those around you. Alternatively try to gain some me time whenever you are alone, in the shower, in the car/bus/train on your way to work, waiting in line, or in the few minutes before you drop off to sleep at night.

Of course this should not be a substitute for quality me time (aforementioned good book and sunshine) but if we allow ourselves, even just a moment, each day to reflect positively on our life and ourselves we create a collective sense of peace, contentment and joy.

I hope these ideas are a little piece of inspiration for some of you. Of course there are many more ways our lives are filled with wondrous opportunities for peace, contentment, joy and happiness. I would love to hear your thoughts and invite you to share some of your small, simple habits, rituals and ideas for everyday happiness.

And, well, stay tuned if you like, I have a few more up my sleeve : )

Discovering the Heart of our Environmental Conscience : Blog Action Day

A. Simplicity — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:20:28 +0000

The world is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious; politically and socially. We hear about it in the media, our communities, schools, work place and homes. The threat of Climate Change and Global Warming is a call to arms, for all of us to take notice of how our modern life and consumer lifestyle is having a very real and negative impact on the earth.

But, it is concerning that these terms are branded about almost as a fear incentive. Society is being scared into taking action; our shift towards environmental consciousness is based on fear instead of a true desire to live lightly, quietly and in harmony with the earth.

Much of the reason why the earth is in such a dire state could be based on the way we as a society have over the years detached ourselves from the living world and viewed nature as simply something we could control for our own needs. Unfortunately I feel ‘Climate Change’ is not only a consequence of this view but also a product.

We should not base our desire to ’save the earth’ on fear, fear of rising sea levels, drought, food shortage, extreme weather and so on.

We need positive reinforcement and a will to live sustainably for the benefit and survival of all people and the natural living world.

Global Warming may be very real; and in addition to or regardless of this troubling phenomenon the earth and many of its inhabitants are in real jeopardy.

Our consumer lifestyle and all its baggage is simply not sustainable. The way we live in the modern world is causing wide spread environmental degradation through pollution of our waterways, air and soil, deforestation and habitat destruction and our reliance on non-renewable energy resources. The fact that these effects are now widely known by society and that action is being taken to improve the way we live is a fantastic, timely and important global movement.

Anything that reminds us of the environmental impacts of our lifestyle is a welcome factor in the shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

But can we not look towards the earth, towards nature our health and wellbeing and base our environmental actions not on fear but on a desire to protect the earth, to live sustainably and in harmony. As a society we need to reconnect with the living world, take time to appreciate the remarkable, wonderful and amazing place we tend to take for granted.

I can see the rise of awareness taking place already and while Climate Change, Global Warming, Eco-friendly, Green Living exist in the media and in our minds it helps to remind us each day of the things we can do to help reduce our impact on the earth.

This Blog Action Day and everyday, we should encourage all those we know to spend a little more time with the earth, get to know what she has to offer not as raw materials, produce and energy but just as she is. In those quiet places where we can sit and take in all the love, beauty and oneness she has to offer.

As a new positive action against Climate Change; visit a park, nature reserve, beach or garden instead of a shopping centre or mall this weekend. Choose to spend time with nature instead of spending money.

Reconnect with the living world and discover so many reasons why a sustainable, environmentally conscious lifestyle is important and necessary for all of us.