Embracing Simplicity
My African and more specifically South African heritage and background has been an anchor and guiding light in my personal and professional journey. South Africa often termed the “Rainbow Nation” whose colorful ethnic groups, food, ceremonies, dance, descriptive dress, art and folk stories create a melting pot of vibrant living which is deeply connected to the natural rhythms of nature and the earth. This fosters an anchoring to the natural flow of life. In addition living out the value of Ubuntu which means “I am because we are” further brings a deep groundedness and connectedness to the everyday lives of its people...and embraces a simple but authentic way of living.
Immigration to the USA brought a whole new world and lifestyle into my work which I embraced wholeheartedly. The efficiency and productivity of living in a first world country amazed and excited me. Although this has brought a new and different perspective to my everyday life my African roots have assisted me to be aware of the importance of reaching into that space within myself when I felt caught in a cross wind of technology, social media and information overload.
I became aware of a sense of disequilibrium within myself and my need for an immersion into Africanism which brings simplicity and balance back into my life.
We are creatures of the natural world. Like the earth, sea, plants, weather patterns, sea and land animals we have come into being and into our humanity by no thought, power or agency of our own. Our nurturing earthly container has been disrupted by an overload of technology, social media, and information. All of these are good and bring much efficiency and global communication in themselves but when they disrupt the natural flow of our human energy, thoughts and connectedness we become out of “sync” with ourselves, our families and our community.
It is so important to evaluate and assess how far we may have moved from our humanity and human nature. Often we can find ourselves in a turbulence or trance where we function on auto pilot and are not even conscious of how we are living. At times we are aware but we cannot or don’t know how to get off the treadmill in fear we may lose the manic momentum and not be able to get back on again. It is the constant pull of this new era’s values and norms and the constant barrage of information into our lives that we begin to believe and are brainwashed into thinking, living out and believing that it is a normal state of rhythm and being.
Often we can live like this for some time but usually cracks begin to appear within us...psychologically, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. We feel depressed and anxious and try to shake off this odd feeling by going back to the turbulent and distracting lifestyle to find some relief or alleviate our symptoms. We are disconnected from ourselves, our inner core being, our natural state.
Embracing simplicity is going back to and connecting with our basic rhythm, using what is natural to connect with ourselves as creatures of the Earth. It is reaching out and connecting with family, our community and nature. It is something our ancestors did naturally because they did not have a surplus of modern technology to distract or compete with their time, thoughts, beliefs, values and senses. Even our eating and sleep patterns have become affected.
Becoming aware of where you are in this turbulence is key. Seemingly simplistic because it is all natural, God given and free often triggers the sophisticated ideals which are ingrained in us to dismiss “simply living” and go after the next self help podcast, drink, drug or another quick fix tool or coaching course to help us feel bette. The answers and abilities often lie within us and just have to be connected and nurtured once again. It is not giving up technology for simplicity but creating a balance in your life.
There are numerous activities to help ground us, anchor us to our deeper self and shed some of the toxic technological waste that is our daily baggage. Some simple examples are the following….
Walking on the beach, smelling the ocean, running your fingers in the sand
Hiking in the mountains feeling the crunch of the sand beneath your feet
Holding your child close as you read them a story and noticing their breath on your cheek
Playing catch with your dog and seeing the absolute joy in his eyes
Watching your grandchildren toboggan with complete abandonment and allowing their joy to ripple through you…
The ways are unending….
The key is to be fully in this moment with all our thoughts, senses and feelings an abandonment that has to be sought and felt to its utmost. The freedom to leave behind all man made distractions…and be in the moment mindfully.
Let us not once again not feel the trap of getting an expert to teach or coach us on how to do this! It is at your fingertips and with some perseverance, dedication and if necessary gentle guidance you can get back to the sacredness of living simply once again.
My African roots and Christianity ground and guide me in using my core beliefs, skills and philosophy in attunement with each and every client. My guiding principle is that each person, who steps through my door is of great value and is totally unique and special.
A relationship of trust, unconditional and nonjudgmental acceptance assists in forging a path forward to healing. This fosters client self awareness, self compassion and self acceptance where my client can become who they are really meant to be. This gives them the impetus to use unused potential and opportunities and move forward using their gifts, talents and abilities in a self directed and meaningful way.
UBUNTU…. I would like to expand on this dynamic word.
I AM BECAUSE WE ARE!
A RECIPROCAL EVER CHANGING AND DYNAMIC INTERACTION BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE OR A COMMUNITY WHERE THERE IS AN OUTPOURING OF COMPASSION, EMPATHY AND POSITIVE SELF REGARD THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL.
