It’s summer. The sun has mostly been out, everything is growing, the birds sing joyfully, and my dogs roll around in the grass.
I love summer, but haven’t quite felt like I’m enjoying it. I’m busy and jumping from one event to another, one project to another, one unnecessary activity to another.
I need to slow down and get back on track. How do I do that?
The first thought that came to mind is step back to basics. To me that means cutting back on what stresses me and fill it with what nourishes me and makes me happy.
Here are some ways to step back to basics:
1. Cut back on what I don’t enjoy doing. Of course there are times when I have obligations to fill. I’m not someone who enjoys housework, but I make it better by listening to music or an audiobook or setting a timer to see how much I can get done.
2. Go for a walk. Nothing slows me down and brings perspective quicker than taking my dogs for a walk.
3. Listen to music. Discover new types or artists.
4. Make time for a hobby that you love. If you don’t have one, then figure one out. Maybe it’s carving wood, painting, hiking, reading, pottery, photography, learning an instrument or language. What brings you joy?
5. Shut down the technology. My son yelled at me this morning as I’m using my phone to blog. He wanted me to talk to him and not get caught up in social media. I put my phone down until he left for work! It’s so easy to get dragged into someone else’s drama and not even know what the drama is! We feed off everyone’s negative responses. Stick to the facts and call that person if you are concerned.
6. Be Still. Sit outside and enjoy the sounds, scents, and sights around you. Be in that moment. Or if you have a garden connect to nature and the earth.
7. Unclutter your life by getting rid of what you don’t use and either give it to someone or recycle it.
8. Eat close to home and food that is simple and fresh. Farmer’s Markets are abundant. Eat fresh and organic when you can. Eat what nourishes you.
Here is a list of markets in the Capital District.
Cut out the fluff and activities that don’t serve you. Do what moves you and makes your heart and body feel lighter. This takes listening to yourself and not loading your life up so much that your spirit is tamped down.
There is nothing wrong with slowing down and getting back to basics. It also means getting back to the foundation of who you are.
How will you step back to basics?
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