Weekly ideas to stimulate reflection, inspire new possibilities and encourage new ways of doing and being.
1. Test the water
This week’s word is: Easy
The word "easy" describes something that is not difficult to do, achieve, or understand. It implies that a task, situation, or action requires little effort and is straightforward.
The word "easy" originates from the Old French word "aisie" meaning comfortable, at ease, rich, well-off.
What is your definition of easy and how do you relate to it? Discuss the question here.
2. Experience the initial wave
To broaden your perspective, take a few minutes to read the following thoughts and notice what comes up for you.
I.
"Everything is hard before it is easy". Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
II.
“It’s so hard to make things simple and so easy to make them complicated.” Richard Matheson
III.
The words "easy" and "simple" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in meaning. Easy means without effort. Simple means without complication. Some things may be easy, but very complicated and some things may be simple, but extremely hard to accomplish:
Losing weight is simple: just eat less calories. But it’s not easy: it requires discipline to consistently make healthy food choices and it involves dedication to regular exercise.
Driving a car is simple: just turn the key, press the pedals, and steer. But it’s not easy: it involves learning rules, dealing with traffic, and staying alert.
Being mindful and present is simple: just focus on the current moment and let go of distractions. But it’s not easy: it requires practice, patience with yourself, and overcoming habitual thoughts.
While this article explores the concept of "easy", you may also be interested in another piece I wrote in 2023, which delves into the concept of "simple” and offers some great practices. Click here: 11:11 Waves Blog 38: Simple (radiantwave.net) to learn more.
3. Dive deep
Simple living diverges from the notion of an easy life. Simple living advocates for minimalism, mindfulness, and the rejection of unnecessary complexity, promoting a focus on genuine fulfillment and essential aspects of life. In contrast, an easy life is associated with comfort attained with minimal effort, often fostering complacency and a false sense of security. Embracing simplicity has the potential to ultimately make your life easier - by aiming for simplicity, one not only enhances their personal growth but also set themselves up for greater long-term satisfaction and success. To gain a deeper understanding and spark new discoveries, this week I invite you to reflect on the following questions:
Think about a time when you’ve opted for ease over simplicity, what were the immediate benefits, and what were the long-term consequences?
When have you felt most satisfied and fulfilled—during periods of embracing simplicity or seeking ease? What contributed to these feelings?
In what ways does each approach (simple living vs. easy life) allow you to contribute positively to your life?
4. Ride your radiant wave
This week I invite you to take it easy. Taking it easy can support and enhance the principles of simple living by fostering mindfulness, reducing stress, promoting balance, building resilience, and contributing to overall well-being.
Here are some suggestions on how you can take it easy:
Practice Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga session or practice it on your own. Laughter yoga combines deep breathing exercises with playful laughter to boost mood and reduce stress.
Change your tone: We all have this little voice inside our heads. That voice can remind us of all the things we’re doing wrong or it could tell us just how amazing we are. The choice is yours so choose to talk to yourself in a positive and encouraging tone.
Create a Cozy Corner: Designate a cozy corner in your home with soft cushions, blankets, and fairy lights. Use this space to unwind with a good movie, listen to relaxing music, or simply daydream.
Plan a Spa Day at Home: Treat yourself to a DIY spa day complete with homemade face masks, bubble baths, scented candles, and soothing music (my favourite bathing tunes are listening to whale sounds).
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