Last week I made the opportunity to do some minimizing. Steadily, we are reducing and recycling before the little, big move next year. (I’m a both-and kind of gal). It’s little because there won’t be much to move. It’s big because it is a huge leap of authenticity, trust, and personal power. I love sharing our story – if it helps you in anyway, then I serve my purpose in writing this blog.
I had three boxes of cards, love letters, and invitations that I was holding on to for comfort and the fear of letting go. The interesting paradox of these boxes of stuff is that in the 20 years of accumulation, I had never once opened and enjoyed them; I would just add to the pile of abyss. So, I gathered up my courage and opened the boxes. I belly-laughed and I cried. I fully enjoyed the moment and then let them go.
Through this experience, I remembered a couple of important lessons of mindfulness. One, the lost art of letter writing. Two, my true friends through life. I made the decision right then and there, that I will add a moment of mindfulness with a true friend each week. I wrote a love letter to my oldest daughter, and wrote a letter and mailed a book to a dear friend.
Today’s virtual world is actually robbing us of true connectedness. Have you noticed that the information posted is almost entirely emergencies, dis-empowering business, and stories of waste and excess? Where are the authentic, loving relationships? They are hiding in the boxes, buried in the piles, waiting until we make time for a moment of mindfulness.
It’s Such a Busy World
Our days are so crowded
and our hours are so few,
And there’s so little time
And so much to do,
That the days fly by
And are over and done
Before we have even half begun
To do the things
That we meant to do
But never have time to carry through –
And how nice it would be if we stopped to say
The things we feel
In our hearts each day!
By Helen Steiner Rice
In my new simplified life, I am creating margins. It is the space in which to live and love with my whole-heart. Moments of mindfulness allow us to both love what is and a live a life by design. Indulge in a moment of mindfulness, a single-task presence, today. Discover for yourself where the fruit of life is…in the moment.
This Morning's Sunrise, by Emily
- Watch the sunrise.
- Write a love letter.
- Sip more coffee.
- Smile more.
- Hug often.
- Think big.
- Forgive someone.
- Trust yourself.
- Empower others.
Cultivate what you want more of in your life, and create a life of plenty. It is yours for the asking.
Thank you to my friend, Kristin, who gave me this poem, circa 1991 – it made the keeper pile.
Cultivating Love & Peace,
Michelle
Tags: conscious living, gift of presence, moments of mindfulness, simplified living
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