Ways to Simplify
All you need is one step. A first step.
simplify
transitive verb
: to make simple or simpler: such as
a: to reduce to basic essentials
b: to diminish in scope or complexity: streamline
c: to make more intelligible: clarify
—Merriam-Webster Dictionary
So what does it mean to simplify as it relates to clearing our homes and lives?
It’s pretty simple, really. As the word implies, simplifying can mean reducing physical excess. It can mean quieting the noise and mental chatter. It can mean allowing emotions to arise without getting lost in their story or drama by being compassionately aware.
The rub, of course, is that in order to become masters of simplicity, we need to enter the thicket where complexity lives and reigns: the noisy head and the unhealed heart.
And how do we navigate these messy spaces quietly and gently without getting lost or sucked in by them? We already have the tool. It is something we’ve been practicing for ten weeks already. It’s called slowing down.
Yes, slowing down naturally leads to simplifying. And simplifying, in turn, helps promote slowing down. They work very nicely as a team. As you connect these two steps, you’ll discover one of the quickest ways to get unstuck and create more flow in your life. It cuts right through the noise. Fast.
Here are a few examples of what simplifying might look like:
When you don’t know what to say, simplify. (Say less. Or say nothing.)
When you can’t decide what to wear, simplify. (Choose a single color.)
When nothing is going as planned, simplify. (Pick one feeling you’d like to have in the day, and release all expectations for how things should go.)
And if you don’t know how to simplify, just ask yourself: What is one small way that I can simplify in this situation?
And wait for the answer.
All you need is one step. A first step.
Sometimes just asking the question is a way of simplifying. 1
Ahhh 🏡
Week 1 — Simplifying Challenge
What you’ve just read comes from “Simplify,” Chapter 11 of A Year for You — the book we are using to cultivate the second of 5 steps to spaciousness: simplifying.
It’s not too late to join us!
The extra goodies below — with weekly nudges from me and access to this community — is being made available to all paid subscribers.
Learn more about the“Spacious Way to a Lighter You” clearing series HERE.
Simplify
This week we are transitioning from slowing down to simplifying.
Two steps that are intimately related. You see, we cannot simplify our life without slowing down. And slowing down comes naturally when we simplify.
Watch the video clip below and you can see the momentum this creates: how a slow drip (step) might not look like much at first … until it does!