Simplifying Life - Mark II

Rowan9

Hi Juliapenguin. I used to post a lot in this thread and preceding ones - I guess I've simplified my life quite a bit by now!
A couple of things struck me from your posts - one is that I know/ have known colleagues in the same teaching position as you were in. I think with cuts to education spending it is too 'easy' to lose posts and the 0 hours contract is so unfair. Something better will come up - teaching posts come up even though a lot are temporary. Have you thought about doing a bit of tutoring - 1:1 stuff, only taking on the number of students/ hours you are happy to?
The other thing is the mindfulness - it is sooo worth 'persevering' with because you will, through practice, reach the 'habit' of remembering the present moment. But I agree with you about the body scan. If you are a bit anxious at the moment, the last thing that would be helpful might be to focus on parts of yourself. I think if you get a CD, or look at some of the wonderful meditations on youtube (there's a good one called something like a pebble in my pocket, others include simply the sound of a bell) and practise for 10 mins or as a day, you will be able to find a way to get benefit from this. There are also some good books including Wherever You Go There You Are. It's by John someone who is known for introducing/ practising the body scan but I don't think that's covered in this book.
Thich Nhat Hanh writes about fear, anger etc and advises greeting the rising feeling as in 'ah hello again fear, I know you' and just breathing with it until it passes.
Yes, groups can come with a load of ....people ha ha...and all their experiences and expectations. I once signed up for a 6 week course and left after the first one (during which I was in tears). This was probably about 6 or 7 years ago now, likely more than that, so I know how you feel.
PM me please if you want to 'talk' about any of the meditations.
Good luck with all the simplifying. It is a wonderful thing!
W

[Deleted User]

Juliapenguin, you are being so positive and proactive, good luck withthe job hunting, the right job will be there for you soon hopefully.
I am sorry the mindfullness classes were so stressful, I cant afford them so I have gotten a book from the library.
I have a long history of depression and as I am de-cluttering and simplifying things I feel less stress, I am however guilty of putting pressure on myself to get to a simplier life more quickly and am trying to enjoy the journey.

Chickenopolis, youre bravery and determination is a great example of how we can all make the life we want, even through adversity, well done you- good luck for a wonderful future. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[Deleted User]

Hi there,
Just thinking how much easier it is to have a simplier life, feel less rushed and stressed on a Sunday morning.
I love the peace, hearing the birds and the stillness that surrounds me. I know it is impossible to keep this feeling constantly but more than once a week would be fab.

I have walked the dogs, few cars on the road at 7am so that was lovely, my morning cuppa was taken with the patio doors open to hear the birds so that was lovely.

Off now to prepare the veg for lunch, will put the radio on and continue to chill out- I havent got the minfullness book yet but I feel for me, that definately positive thought will help. Usually I moan and rush preparing the veg, I just need to change my mindset.

Hope everyone has a good day

ceridwen

...and you too Lillykins - have a peaceful day.

Its still taking me a while to get my head round not working all sorts of extra hours on top of a full-time job - ie I junked some second jobs I had a while back:). It has come as a surprise to me to realise just how much my "life had gone on hold" whilst I was doing what I could/had to to earn extra money:(

Anyways - bread to make and this afternoon walk in countryside to have:D

sjprmc01

Does anyone here lead a minimalistic lifestyle?


I see my sisters photos on fb and her house looks like a show home. No 'stuff' anywhere and she doesn't hang onto things that are of no use to her, has no qualms about getting rid even if it could be put to good use by someone else

I'd love my house to be neat and tidy and organised but tbh, I'm a bit of a hoarder (although trying to get better). I have chucked a huge volume of stuff lately as I realise the majority if this stuff is taking over my life, but bar a tidier bathroom trolley, toiletries stash and tidier cupboard tops in the kitchen (the high cupboards where cereals and anything else (lol) goes) it looks like I've done nothing!

I wonder how much easier it would be without 'stuff' but I always need LOTS of it!

Amaretti_2

I'm a bit of a minimalist, if it's not beautiful or useful it goes. Rooms look bigger with little clutter and cleaning is easier with clear surfaces. I have regular clear outs, I'm pretty ruthless and super organised, always have been.

chirpychick

I try to be minimalistic. I do have ornaments on shelves but not clutter we don't have much furniture and we have an ebay session or carboot every 3 months.
My friend remarked today, my house can't really get messy because there is no stuff to make it messy! I like it that way!

dawn_rose

i use to have a clutter free house then i had kids its toys toys toys i dont do ornaments or anything like that just over run with toys im not allowed to get rid of. I have three hoarder kids and a hoarder husband.

mmmsnow

I am minimalist. I believe in having only things that are functional. My mum used to complain constantly about my house "looking empty" but now she's followed suit. It's very calming to come home to a clutter free space, especially when working in chaotic office

TinyDancer_2

When we first moved to our current house, we decided to be minimalist it was going well for about 2 years. Now its year 5 and the house is full of many books, id love to get back to the minimalist as i love to be organised