Spoiler alert: This simplicity journey you are on is not about your countertops. That’s spring cleaning. Certainly decluttering is part of it but there is so much more.
When we hear about the benefits of simplicity, we immediately think of organized sock drawers and tidy bookshelves, but it’s much more than that if you want it to be. The best part about simplifying my outside is that I’ve made space and time to listen to my inside.
There are four sections in my book, Soulful Simplicity, making me, making space, making time and making love. In each section there is a chapter called “Put Your Hands on Your Heart.” I included it to share my very simple heart practice. I share it to give you a very practical way to connect with your heart. We are over inspired with all of the information delivered in our inboxes, through our social feeds and in our day-to-day lives. Inspirational quotes, great articles, new ideas, transformative stories … they all inspire, but do they move us to take action? Or, are we too overwhelmed, even with the good stuff?
Take a deep breath. Start with you.
Sometimes it seems like there so many choices, so many things we want to do, but it’s too hard to know where to start, so we choose nothing. I used to think there wasn’t a best place to start when it came to making changes in your life. I changed my mind. The best place to start is with you. That’s where everything starts.
If you are on auto-pilot constantly reacting to life’s demands and everything thrown your way, you may have forgotten that. I know I did. I forgot who I was, what I believed, and how to trust myself. I forgot what was best for me.
I forgot my heart. Maybe you forgot yours too.
Remember how to trust yourself.
Create a little space to reconnect with the most important person in your life. Start with five or ten minutes a day. While you can do this anywhere; in bed, on a yoga mat, in a chair or on a plane for example, I recommend starting by creating a little sanctuary where you can sit quietly for a few minutes a day.
Next, get comfortable, take a few deep breaths in and out and simply put your hands on your heart. Remind your heart, by putting one hand on top of the other, “I’ve got you.” Then, just stay there and connect. Feel your heart beating, check in with yourself. Ask your heart anything. You might get an answer, you might not. Keep asking, keep listening. Try again tomorrow.
Helpful tips for your heart practice.
If you are thinking this practice is weird or woo or worthless, ask these two questions …
- Wouldn’t it be crazy if putting my hands on my heart helped me to know and trust myself?
- What do I have to lose by being open and curious? If nothing else, it’s quiet time just for you. There is value in that.
Keep it simple. Don’t worry about making it pretty or perfect, just show up.
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P.S. If you want to take a deeper dive into trusting yourself, read one of my books.
