Simplifying Mindfulness

There are countless ways to simplify your inner and outer lives, and most of them bring at least a modicum of relief and relaxation. My friend Sophie, who recently retired, is now happily simplifying her home by throwing out at least twenty-seven things a day and organizing to her heart’s content. Her heart is actually more content. “All the clutter was affecting me physically and emotionally,” she said enthusiastically, “I’m already feeling so much lighter and freer and proud of myself.” With the luxury of time, Sophie is bringing more balance and harmony into her home and heart by getting rid of material things that are no longer necessary or helpful.

In the process of simplifying her physical space, Sophie is clearing and cleansing interior space as well. You may benefit from doing the same. If you have a habit of castigating yourself with derogatory self-talk like “You dummy, you!” it needs to be thrown out. Or perhaps you are lugging around an old grudge or injury that needs to be forgiven in order for love to flow freely from and to you. How much simpler our lives are when we toss such things in the trash and symbolically burn them into transformation.

Simple is calming. Simple is satisfying.

Simplifying creates inner and outer space: space invites serenity.

Excerpted from The Woman's Book of Mindfulness by Sue Patton Thoele. Available on Amazon.