Happy new year! How has it been so far? Are you already starting to feel overwhelmed by the expectations we have imprisoned ourselves with including our various new year’s resolutions (we tend to like the round number of 10!). Unsurprisingly, we usually don’t achieve these resolutions as we forget the winter season asks us to slow down and hibernate, but instead we hit the gym, go on a diet, plan holidays and all the resolutions have gone out the window by February because we are so frazzled!
Many of us have reached breaking point -especially after the stress of the last few years and there is a real calling for us to lighten the load, declutter, simplify our lives and allow space to just be!
Firstly consider – what’s cluttering your life? Is it…
- Too much “stuff” in your house, workspace, garage. Why are you holding onto so much?
- Commitments – filling up every available weekend doing things?
- What we are putting in our bodies?
- Toxic friends and acquaintances?
- Media. What are you listening and watching and how much does that clutter your mind?
- Addictions – we initially think of drug and alcohol addictions, but we can be addicted to social media, shopping, food, TV, over thinking and the list continues!
- All of the above?
Consider whether it’s the time to declutter whatever doesn’t serve. Marie Kondo (The Japanese organisation, TV star and author) tells us: “keep only those things that speak your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest”. This is not only true for possessions but also habits and routines that are wasteful and excessive or are linked to the person you no longer are. Like trees shed their leaves – is it time to shed what you no longer need.
Benefits of simplifying our lives include more time to connect to our true nature, allowing space for creativity, better relationships, less stress and anxiety, more gratitude, presence and you may even find you save money in the process!
As a yoga teacher I can’t allow myself to not talk about yoga’s role in helping us to simplify our lives. Yoga means to “Yoke” (our mind, body and spirit) and gives us the head space to tune in our needs, expands our bodies to help us become more flexible and strengthens our muscles and bones to feel more grounded and secure to sit on our power and help us make the right choices for us!
To summarise, consider your load and ask yourself what’s working and what is not and remember…
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.” – Jack Kornfield
Based at Hill Farm, I run weekly yoga classes, offer 1:1 sessions, massage therapy and yoga and wellbeing retreats. Check out www.forestretreats.co.uk for more information.
All the best for 2022 and hope this blog inspires you to simplify and create more joy in your life.
Namaste
Hayley x
