Did you know that those who simplify their lives are happier and healthier? If you feel stress in your life (and most of us do), take a look around. There is a considerable responsibility in having material possessions. Could it be that all the materials things you have obtained could be the cause of your stress? If so, keep reading.
You are probably saying, “but I want a brand-new Jaguar.” If that is what your heart desires and you can’t stop thinking about it, then you deserve it. However, that’s not what we are talking about here. When you buy a new car every six months for the sake of buying a new car, that’s not how you simplify your life. Perhaps you have ten cars. You don’t need ten cars, so what part of you is this fulfilling? This concept applies to all material items that you possess.
Research has shown that those of us who have less tend to be happier, have more freedom, and less stress.
Having simplicity in your life means you want a life. Possessions don’t matter; Experience does.
So why do people feel the need to buy more things?
Someone who is continually filling up their lives with material possessions is fulfilling themselves. They lack in another area of their life, an emptiness. The act of buying something or obtaining items is filling something inside of them. Until you resolve the problem, the cycle never ends.
These individuals can also be giving away things all the time. If you are taking their things, it makes them feel better about themselves. They are convincing themselves they are doing good by giving to others. However, what makes them feel good is that they are free to buy more. The act of buying is what is soothing, not the giving.
If you feel this is you, ask yourself which area of yourself is this feeding.
The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t” – Joshua Baker
Your mindfulness challenge for this week is to simplify your life.
Take a closet, a drawer, or a room in your house.
Spend some time going through it and decide what you need and what is weighing you down.
Does this item serve a purpose?
What is your connection to it?
Watch your body closely as you start to eliminate things out of this area.
Do you feel lighter, or is getting rid of things you don’t need causing you more anxiety?
If getting rid of things is causing you anxiety, take a moment to sit, and explore why that is.
Commit yourself that you won’t buy another thing for this area of your house for a specified time.
Before you make your next purchase, ask yourself what area in your life is buying things fulfilling.
Make sure to write down your thoughts and observations about this challenge.
If you want to learn of other ways to simplify your life, I encourage you to read: Simplify Your Life: Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter by Elaine St. James.
Have a mindful blessed week.
If you are interested in photography, these are other articles you may have missed this past week.
Macro Photography, Tips for Getting Close to Your Subject
The Three Most Important Words in Photography
If you have not already signed up for our weekly mindfulness challenge but would like to, please do so here. I would love you to be a part of this mindful tribe!
Peace & Love,
Ela
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