A full list of the Simple Living Challenge steps can be found here.
Stress is a term that is very often used nowadays but it gets increasingly difficult to define. Poor organization, traffic, lack of exercise, suppressed emotions can all stress you out. No matter how much you have simplified your life already, stress does build up.
Today, I am happy to host the master of eco-living, Debra Duneier, who I introduced to you back in November, with her book Eco-Chi - Designing the Human Experience. That book showed me so many ways to organize and design my home so as to attract harmony and happiness, and still be eco-friendly, that I keep on recommending it to my friedns. Since Debra is not only a talented writer, but also an accredited LEED® Green Associate, Certified Eco-Designer and a Feng
Shui Master Practitioner I thought there is no one else who can teach us better about how to de-stress than her.
Stress is a term that is very often used nowadays but it gets increasingly difficult to define. Poor organization, traffic, lack of exercise, suppressed emotions can all stress you out. No matter how much you have simplified your life already, stress does build up.
When we connect with nature we feel happier and regain our natural rhythm. All of our senses become alive and we are reminded of our innate ability to heal ourselves. I created the EcoChi® system-because I was searching for ways to heal in my own life. I am excited to share this new concept with you blending both the ancient and the modern disciplines of Classical Feng Shui, Green and Sustainable Living and Environmental Psychology.
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Water
Water soothes… so we love to be near water. After all, our own bodies are 70% water! People gather around fountains all over the world. The sound comforts us, the splashing delights us. We are reminded that we are a small part of something grand. Place a water fountain or fish bowl in your home. Be sure to keep the water clean at all times and enjoy!
Trees and plants
Indoor trees and plants are not only pleasurable to look at but also bring additional health benefits. Plants purify the air through the tiny pores in their leaves that act as air filters.
Organic produce
There is nothing like the taste of home grown vegetables and fruits. What do you do if you have no garden? You can grow herbs and even some vegetables potted in organic soil near your window. They smell and taste great while they nourish and heal you.
Nature
When your lives seem out of control, head outdoors! Plant your feet on the ground, raise your arms and take deep breaths. Consciously breathe in and out. You may even want to find a big old wise tree. Sit under it, put your hand on the trunk, smooth its leaves, feel its sturdiness and wisdom. This will help you to get back to your natural rhythm.
Massage
For maximum health we all need to touch and be touched. Choose massage oil in a relaxing fragrance like lavender, sandalwood or vanilla. Warm it over a candle and massage your feet, legs and hands for a feeling of luxury and calm.
See also:
Step 1: Embrace Your Imperfections
Step 2: Simple Living as Men's Trait
Step 3: The Rules of Simple Home Organization
Step 4: Simple Crafting for Happy People
Step 5: Simple Scheduling and Planning Routines
Step 6: Spend More Time With the People You Love
Step 7: Spend More Time Alone
Step 8: Connect to Your Inner Self
Step 10: Learn to Live With Less and Enjoy it
Step 11: Start a Debt-Free Life
Step 12: How to Overcome Consumerism
Step 13: Declutter Your Life
Step 14: Get Rid of Toxic Cosmetics and Reclaim Your Natural Self
Step 15: Wean Off Plastic
Step 16: Celebrate Your Story
The Final Step: Gratitude
I do so love the posts that speak my language! I have a fountain in my bedroom, plants in every room, all we eat is organic (and I'm in the middle of planning a huge summer garden), and I spend time outside every day. ;) Hmmmm, the only thing left is massage... and since my sister's a massage therapist perhaps I should hit her up for that free session I have coming! ;) I love this article, it's short, sweet and perfectly to the point ~ wonderful!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Melinda, I wonder what the feeling is to have a fountain at home, even in the bedroom! It does great job in cleaning the air indoors as well :)
DeleteIt's just a small one, I often use it when I meditate. :) Several years back my mother, sister and I were on a fountain kick, we made tons of them! In fact, my sister spent much time collecting beach rocks and created everyone a fountain for Christmas. They made wonderful and meaningful gifts. :)
DeleteOh, you made it yourself? This makes it even more exciting! It is time for extra disclosures and I am looking forward to a post about how to make your own water fountain! :)
DeleteLol ~ I'll have to add that to my ever-growing blog idea list! I love this real time conversation, kinda cool to picture you halfway across the world reading my comment and replying. Doesn't feel like you're so very far away after all. I've been on the computer all morning catching up on my favorite blogs, time to move on. My stomach is telling me it's hungry... ;) Have a stupendous day Sonya!! :)
DeleteYes, I love it too! The wonders of Internet, right? I am having the most amazing time, conversing with people like on all matters :) Thank you, Melinda!
DeleteI try to get to the reservoir nearby as much as possible - even if just for 5 mins - as it's so calming to be somewhere quiet. I recommend finding somewhere peaceful as near by as possible so that you don't have the stress of getting there!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, if you are to go through traffic and such, then there is not much point in it. But I am sure that the seeking will find!
DeleteI love being by water. My dream is to have a little cottage on a lake. So relaxing.
ReplyDeleteLaura
You are right, only after I started living by the sea I realized the power water has over us. I hope your dream will become a reality!
DeleteSuch great tips!! Fountains definitely create a great atmosphere, and my family eats organic and has tons of potted plants to clean the air. :) There's actually a little spider plant on my desk and a potted tree beside it as I type this!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, Debra! :D
When I was a student I used to have a pot of violets on my desk. They were not only beautiful but also smelled enchantingly. One day I thought a bottle f sanitizer was water and watered the poor flowers. You can imagine the consequences. From that day until recently I've had a pretty estranged relationship with flowers as far as me caring for them is concerned..
DeleteIt seems I am on the right track...I live by the ocean so (as you can tell from my blog) I visit often for either sunrise or sunset...I have plants in every room of the house (they all even have names). I try and get out in nature every day (it is a way to calibrate my inner knowing). Mother nature is such an awesome mentor! I do eat organic...and delight in supporting the "people" who provide me with the food from the farmers markets. AND I get a massage every other Friday after work (I call it my date night)...it is one of the best gifts I give myself...The only thing I can add is this idea of a fountain...hummmm...okay Melinda...when is the blog on how to create a fountain...I would love to make one from the rocks and shells I have collected from the beach! XXOO
ReplyDeleteLol ~ okay, I guess I'd better get writing... I'm sure you could create a gorgeous fountain with all of those beach rocks! :)
DeleteJulia, aren't you a lucky one! You even get a massage, and in that you beat all of our scores, even Melinda's! Ooops, I forgot the fountain tough. Melinda, you now really have a most important task!
DeleteYou may regret having mentioned the fountain Melinda! We all want the "recipe"!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed all the threads weaving in and out of the posts since we began our simplifying journey together? We have shared all kinds of ideas, but there are many similarities between them. I think I will re-read the posts this weekend and try and find 3 things that I would like to focus on for myself. Five is a good number, but we still have another week coming!
Lol ~ I'll be sure to share sometime Laurie, it was great fun! :) And yes, I've definitely noticed all of the different conversations taking place, it's so much more personal ~ I adore it! Plus, I now have several new blogs that I'm following and loving. :) I'm thinking Sonya's pretty pleased with all of the connections being made. :)
DeleteOh, you bet, Melinda, I am on the top of the world, cheering for all the connections being made! Plus, visiting your blogs and accidentally finding a comment left by any of you who before didn't know each other, makes me uber excited!
DeleteLaurie, the depth that our commenting threads have added to the challenge is so impressive. I am re-reading them now, going through posts and making notes, however crazy this may sound. Remember your comment when you took the Simple Living Pledge? You cannot imagine how right you were - the whole experience so far has really been life-changing!
Thank you for taking the challenge with me, ladies!
Great tips! Easy to incorporate into you home and your life.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Yes, Valerie, easy and simple is what we aim for :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
fabulous reminders .. I agree with each one!two more that I use often ..petting the dog and cat is so relaxing ~~ also a nice glass of merlot works wonders :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the cat and the dog, Elaine! I also read that cats feel where it hurts you and lie on the place to soothe your pain.
DeleteAnd a glass of Merlot will definitely add some magic and antioxidants to a de-stressed after-massage body!
Great ideas, thank you!
ReplyDelete