A few weeks ago, in a backyard yoga class, the instructor spoke the words I feel that I always need to hear. "Do The Simple Things Really Well"
Mind blown.
Yes, these words themselves are simple, but to someone who can’t seem to help over-complicating, over-committing and over-analyzing….it was an intention of monumental proportions. Although it was/is/will always be a big ask - at the same time, this idea sparked excitement. What if, for the first time in my life, I could win at doing the simple things really well?
Yes, I know that thought defeated the point - but it has always seemed like it has been the simple things that stress me out, frustrate me and never receive my full attention.
Why you may ask?
Because I spread myself too thin.
For example, in college, I was taking 7 classes a semester, in a committed relationship and working 3 jobs. I babysat, I worked at a law office and at CVS.
A friend, Dan, at CVS, drew a comic for me when I finally had to quit that job, because...you guessed it….I was overwhelmed.
The comic was about Tripli-Kate - a girl who could split herself into three people - and her superpower was how incredibly productive she could be.
Enough Said
Now, in my 30’s, I have finally learned (somewhat) to listen to myself and to remove the guilt that has always been associated with boundaries and saying no; I do believe that this is in large part, because of my yoga practice. I can make a list of things that I do well - but they are all BIG things. None of them simple and most of them are all for other people or causes...very few were to cultivate a sense of inner calm and peace for myself.
So what are the simple things you may ask? This took a lot of reflection for me! It seems that I have discovered that the “simple” things I have been missing out on, aren’t truly that “simple” when they haven’t been part of your life. Unsurprisingly, the awareness of this list, although imperfect in it's daily execution, has become a simple ritual in and of itself. A way to re-calibrate - a mantra of sorts when life starts to feel overwhelming.
What are some of your “simple” things?
What has been a lesson or intention that you have received which has changed your life?