Simplicity
Jen and I facilitated a workshop on voluntary simplicity today. We chose to do it as a discussion group, and is always amazing to see the combined wisdom and experience of the participants, and the magic that comes from the human interactions.
As with any group interaction, setting up the container is essential. And some aspect of that process this time was to give life to the realizations that...
(a) It is a process (no end goals).
(b) It is about intentionality and living a meaningful life - which will look different from person to person and different at different times in any person's life (there is no one strategy).
(c) There is a wide range of tools available, and which tools are appropriate depends on the situation and person.
(d) Some of those tools have to do with inner simplicity. For instance, NVC helps us identify and clarify our needs, and consciously choose strategies to meet those needs (and flexibility in which strategies we choose).
(e) Most of our needs have to do with relationships and connections with ourselves, each other and the wider Earth community. They can be met simply, and w/o much consumption.
Breema is one of those tools for me, allowing me to connect deeply with myself, other people (when I give or receive Breema), and the wider whole. I have a direct and deepening experience of no separation, I can more easily let go of my attachments to ideas and habits that do not meet my needs, and choose strategies that better meet my needs. Many of the "holes" in my life that I sometimes try to (unsuccessfully) meet through various forms of consumption, are filled through Breema.