by Karyl Littlechild, aka Kay Nash
The fray is dying down in our town, tourists and friends flying home or to new adventures. It has been a whirlwind of activities, just to name a few: events, music, bands, celebrations, festivals, food, cocktails, beach time, sailing, hiking, zip lines, dancing, tours, invites, and entertainment. Friends and residents often tell me how much they will enjoy the slower pace in our summer season, less traffic, less people, time for travel, family, friends, and local activities.
Although other folks may not think or feel that “Less is More!” …
So, how can we stay balanced and mindful without constant entertainment, distraction, clutter, wants, and habits? Have more sounds, thoughts, experiences, or things quenched our thirst for freedom, simplicity, and stillness? How do we find simplicity and freedom in living authentically in all dimensions of our lives?
Simplicity illuminates the paths to release the layers of complexity and confusion that blind us. Freedom looks to a deep understanding of the source of happiness, the end of despair and conflict, and as they fall away, we discover the vast freedom within ourselves.
Where does the source of happiness lie? In the accumulation of objects, accolades, entertainment, or distractions that we cling to often without our awareness, or do the roots of genuine happiness reside in our own hearts? Is there a Path to happiness?
Many believe there is a Path to Happiness; they seek to find it in temples, caves, books, seclusion, drugs, excitement, strategies, and pursuits; only to discover that perhaps listening deeply to the pace and quality of their hearts and minds is the wisdom needed to cease believing our source of happiness is external.
By recovering, instead, our capacity to release the complexity and busyness in our lives, we turn to our capacity to nurture inner well-being and wholeness. Are we the captains of our lives? Our destiny, our futures?
I don’t ask you to abandon your lives, but to become mindful of the many methods, strategies, and things that preoccupy us. Do they help or serve you well? Do they lift, enlighten, or make you more elated or free? Do you notice? In our affluent lifestyles, we have the possibility of seeking more possessions, things, stuff, gathering, and amassing both inwardly and outwardly often leading us to paths of anxiety and stress. Where do we begin?
Perhaps start with your Breath, do you hold it, or pant? Fears, worries, and stress often contribute to the body quickly reacting when holding the breath. Our perfect bodies think something to fear is happening, whether outside ourselves – threat or within – false beliefs. Chemicals quickly surge through the body, and you may experience the feeling of panic, heart racing, shakes, sweats, detachment, rumination, insomnia, and thoughts, becoming a waterfall of continuous thinking!
When you gently notice your breath, and ground both feet, (if you have legs crossed, or off the ground, the body believes it has to run, something dangerous is happening or will happen) … so ground both feet on the floor or on Mother Earth.. breath deeply through the nose, feel the cool air, fill the lungs… gently release through the mouth, Notice! Slow deep breaths. Upon exhaling, tell yourself, “This is just a thought, not reality,” or “This too shall pass” … gently continue until your body relaxes ahhhh.
Now, we can softly begin to discover the clutter of our lives and minds.
Yes, we can unclutter our external lives; however, what is at the heart of our confusion, fears, or restlessness? We should apply gentle reflection upon our inner life, with wholehearted desire and attention, to find what we need to release and discover the source of genuine freedom and happiness.
Is there a path to happiness? Yes, it is wonderful, and unique to you!
Light and Love, K
