Tag Archives: interconnected

Love to Travel—Love to Come Home

“Wherever you go, there you are.”  ~Jon Kabat-Zinn

       IMG 05741 244x300 Love to Travel—Love to Come Home     By now it is probably obvious that I love to travel.  But what you might not realize is that I also love coming home.  It wasn’t always that way.  Years ago I was constantly scheming up ways to get out of town.  Naturally, the more exotic the location the better—but I really wasn’t that picky.  Above all, I longed to escape to the open road and the infinite possibility that it held.  When I finally had to come home it was more like a punishment, or at least the penalty that must be paid until the next adventure came along.  Then somewhere along the line my thinking started changing—until now I am as happy returning home as I am packing my bags to go.  So what’s different?  Ultimately, I’ve come to believe that coming home after any length of time provides a huge mirror into a person’s life.  What we think is important, what we feel we have to be and do, and even who we think we are, are all reflected in the thoughts and images of what we must return to after we’ve been away.   Continue reading

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Midlife Minimalism—How Your Focus Changes & The Rewards Increase

“We get too soon old and too late smart.” ~Pennsylvania Dutch proverb

T K 300x300 Midlife Minimalism—How Your Focus Changes & The Rewards Increase I read a large number of online blogs and a big portion of them are into minimalism and simple living.  That’s wonderful because I believe there is richness to simple living that goes far beyond having less stuff. I also think that since I’ve been embracing it more and more, my life has become happier, less stressful and far more meaningful.  But something I’ve noticed is that the vast majority of blogs about minimalism are written primarily by those in their twenties to thirties.   And while I’m psyched to know that young adults are embracing the lifestyle, I also believe that maturity offers a perspective that should not be overlooked.  In fact, it is often those who have lived through multiple choices and experiences that have the most to offer others.  That’s why I thought a few perspectives from midlife should be included in any discussion about minimalism or simple living. Continue reading

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The Science of Friendship—And Can Hoarding Be A Good Thing?

“The only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people.” ~ George Vaillant

Friends 300x194 The Science of Friendship—And Can Hoarding Be A Good Thing?Those of us into simple living or minimalism knows that identifying and eliminating any thing superficial and nonessential in life is critical.  In fact, the television show “Hoarders” illustrates weekly the extreme burden that too much stuff can bring to a person’s life. But I’ve just come to realize that there is something that actually should be hoarded—and that “thing” is a friend.  Actually, an abundance of research now shows that finding, keeping and appreciating friends is good for our physical and mental health, good for our occupations, good for our creativity, will add years to our life, and enrich our experience in every way possible.  If we are willing to accept that as true, then understanding the science of friendship is one of the most important actions each of us can take to create a life of happiness, meaning and purpose during our time here on earth. Continue reading

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Simple Living vs. Minimalism—What’s the Difference & Which Are You?

KLOE KG 24 300x200 Simple Living vs. Minimalism—What’s the Difference & Which Are You?With all the talk of minimalism and simple living on the Internet these days I am still constantly surprised to see how many interpretations there are.  I’m also seeing lots of confusion.  I think that’s because most people are attracted to certain people who are writing about the subjects without concern about what either of those labels really mean.  And while I’ve stated numerous times that I don’t believe myself to be an “expert,” I do feel the topic is not only valuable—but deserves explanation and exploration.  For if SMART Living 365 is a way to fill our lives with meaning, purpose and happiness, then knowing about ideas that help that manifest is important to the journey. Continue reading

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Cultivating Consciousness And Vegetables At The Esalen Institute

by Kathy Gottberg

IMG 0049 300x199 Cultivating Consciousness And Vegetables At The Esalen Institute

Learning about the farm and garden

Last week Thom and I spent six days at The Esalen Institute on the Big Sur coastline of California.  Esalen, as it is more commonly known, has existed for the last 50 years as a world-renowned sanctuary/retreat center perched on an eye-popping coastline in the central part of the state.  Started in 1962, some of the world’s leading philosophers, educators, activists, artists and thought leaders gathered at this site to explore the boundaries of human potential and consciousness.  Besides that, the facility structures itself as a model for sustainability, permaculture and organizational transformation.   Its vibrant and lush 5-acre garden and farm burst with flowers, plants and vegetables that feed and sustain both the visitors and staff.   Besides offering stunning landscapes for rest and rejuvenation, Esalen also features a fresh water creek, roaring ocean-side cliffs, and natural hot mineral spring baths.  Clearly, something for every seeker exists at Esalen.    Thom and I came to see for ourselves—and to take a workshop called, “Experiencing the Esalen Farm and Garden.” Continue reading

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SMART Living—Seeking Wholeness and Balance In Everyday Life

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

Mandala  300x200 SMART Living—Seeking Wholeness and Balance In Everyday Life

Photo by mbeo on flickr–see link below

Have you been wondering what living responsibly and within your means has to do with positive thinking and happiness?  Or what about articles focused on the search for meaning and purpose, and how those ideas relate to being grateful and appreciating what you have?  And what do any of those have to do with staying curious, open-minded and conscious? In case you haven’t noticed, I write about all these and more here on SMART Living on a fairly regular basis.  And while they might appear at first to be unconnected, I’m convinced that all of these topics and ideas flow together to create a balanced and whole life.  In fact, embracing all of those ideas just might be the perfect way to achieve happiness and a sense of well-being every single day. Continue reading

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Chutzpah and Humility—And Other Habits of the Heart

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

Parker Palmer book cover 199x300 Chutzpah and Humility—And Other Habits of the Heart

Parker J. Palmer's latest book.

One of my favorite authors is a man named Parker J. Palmer.  Parker is a Quaker that embodies such a genuine depth of spirit and connection that I am always interested in what he has to say.   With a background in education, spirituality, community and leadership his latest book is “Healing the Heart of Democracy.”  And while politics may seem a strange bedfellow to spirituality or even SMART Living, the manner in which Parker approaches the topic is relevant to every single subject I ever write about.   Ultimately, every one of his themes leads to a greater experience of the whole.

 

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SMART Living Takes Smart Buildings and Smart Cities To the Highest Level

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

SCRAP Gallery Photo 300x263 SMART Living Takes Smart Buildings and Smart Cities To the Highest LevelIn case you didn’t know, Thom and I have been real estate brokers for over 25 years.  Never a good “salesperson,” I soon began writing about real estate rather than selling it.  On the other hand, Thom specializes in investment and commercial properties with a big emphasis on properties that are “green” and sustainable.  A recent aspect to the energy-efficient real estate industry is “smart technology” for buildings and now even cities.  But even though there may be an advantage to such technology and focus—it leaves out a critical ingredient.  In order for anything to be truly SMART—people and their motivations must be included in the equation. Continue reading

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In Defense of “Happy Holidays” for One & All!

Holiday Photo by Michal Marcol 300x198 In Defense of “Happy Holidays” for One & All!       Happy Holidays everyone!  For those of us who are aware of the abundance of holiday celebrations that occur during December around the world, it’s easy and SMART to admit how appropriate that greeting is for us all.  It means no disrespect to anyone, and instead acknowledges that different people experience different ways to find meaning in their world.  In fact, even if you have a favorite way to celebrate, acknowledging with love, kindness and compassion the diversity among us, just might be the most spiritual and enlightened way celebrate and enjoy the season. Continue reading

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Do Know Your Well-Being Score? It’s Our Recommended Site for 12/5/11

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

SmileyBalls2 300x199 Do Know Your Well Being Score?  It’s Our Recommended Site for 12/5/11

Photo by Robo Android

An enormous part of the SMART Living lifestyle is the daily awareness of our overall well-being.  Do you know how you rate?  Conveniently you can now go to a website named “Twitter Well-Being Tracker” and take a short and simple online test that will give you a score.   Why is it called the “Twitter Well-Being Tracker”?  Probably because you have the option of posting your score on the Twitter website or not.  (Not sure why anyone would want to—but that is your choice.)  A big reason that we think this website deserves attention is that as the busy holiday season kicks in during the next few weeks, it will benefit everyone to stay mindful and aware about what truly makes us happy and content—and the Well-Being Tracker is great for just that! Continue reading

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