Keep it Simple
With so much going on in the world these days and the constant bombardment from the maelstrom of life, it is easy to get caught up in our thoughts, feelings and emotions that churn and stir during tumultuous times. Keeping it simple has been a huge relief for us at Effort and Grace Yoga as we pull closer to the things that are meaningful and pay attention to proximate matters—the aspects of life that are closest to us.
For me (Matt), this has been fishing, gardening and yoga, which calms my mind and allows access to my heart—which we all know can be quite intense, fiery and passionate. For Stacey, she has found refuge in her pets, beading, quality food and a good glass of red wine. These actions call upon her creativity, sensitivity and sweetness in action.
Together we are slowing way down, connecting with nature and returning to the comforts of home again and again. Home is where the heart is truly at and with the current state of affairs, it is nice to take the practice of yoga into the comforts of your own house, cultivating sacred space for yourself to relax, restore and renew during these challenging times of uncertainty.
“Keep it simple,” has been our latest mantra to remember that the practice of yoga begins in your house—how you reflect upon the environment you spend most of your hours, days and life in the confines of something you must create ~ HOME. One thing that we have noticed is that people have a hard time entertaining, inspiring and sitting with themselves—at home.
The extravagant nature of life these days calls upon us to save the world, figure out the secrets of the universe and the existential meaning of the Self. What if it was so much more simple than the pressure of having to figure it all out, but rather learn to savor exactly what you already have, count the small blessings along the way and honor the achievements that you have accomplished up until this point. We must cherish the space in between, such as the pause in the breath, honey bees in white clover, reflection on the river, and listen for the moment for Grace to truly reveal itself. Grace is the blessing, abundance and revelation that reveals itself without force or trying so hard.
We ask you to consider changing the focus from always doing and becoming into just being. This means being who you are unapologetically and letting others be themselves as well—without the constant need to fix, correct or interject all the time.
Learn to listen, so that your voice may truly be heard and keep it simple so that life will reveal itself at a pace that does not feel so rushed, congested and confined. Keep it simple and you may find there is a secret in the simplicity that calls upon the pause so that you can gather yourself for a worthy cause or your next adventure.
From our hearts to yours,
Matt and Stacey