The idea of a minimalist day has certain appeal. What if your day, your life today was really, really simple? What would it look like? Better still, what would it feel like?
A minimalist day is about savoring
I meditate but I don’t meditate for very long because my mind starts thinking up ideas that make me want to rush to the computer and write. To change that, my minimalist day would be about savoring every choice I make. Whatever time I choose to meditate, I will sink into it and absorb the experience. I will take more time with my Falun Gong moving meditation. I will immerse myself in my writing, my coaching, my meals, my exchanges with others. I will consciously savor each moment.
A minimalist day is about awareness
I will take time to notice, to feel and to absorb the beauty around me. Whether I stop and embrace the feeling of the warm spring sun coming through the window or answer the loving purr of my cat with a hug, I will let the day unfold with awareness of each gift.
I will forget the “to do” list and the schedule I made up. I will tune in to and honor my awareness and impulses in the moment. If my impulse is to write I write, if my impulse is to do my yoga, I stop and do my yoga. When a phone call comes, I will take time to savor the interchange and deepen my connection with the person who called. I will be aware of the precious moments of my day.
Minimalist means getting important things done
Is anything more important than being in the moment? A walk around the block may feel more important than reading yet another post. Reading a post and writing an article about an idea it sparks may be more important than running the sweeper. You just never know. Look, listen and feel the choices that present themselves and honor the moment by immersing yourself in its beauty.
Minimalist means keeping it simple
A welcome serenity comes from simplifying your surroundings. The feeling of freedom, space, and lightness I received when I finally gave away some no-longer needed possessions was enormous. Look thoughtfully at what you have surrounded yourself with and see what you need and what you don’t need. Ask yourself three questions: Do you really love it? Do you need it now? Can you imagine yourself or anyone in your family ever loving or needing it in the foreseeable future? If you can’t answer yes to any one of these questions, sell it, donate it, or recycle it. When I gave stuff away, I had more room to enjoy the items I kept.
Minimalist means being in the present
In my interchange with people today can I be really, really present? Can I look and listen carefully at their expressions and their words and understand the meaning beneath the surface? Can I look out the window at the rolling clouds and feel their majesty? Does the sunset merit my time to watch it unfold? How present can I truly be today?
What are you missing by being busy? Busy is a choice. As is stillness. Will you choose stillness today?
