Tag Archives: interconnection

by | December 28, 2012

2012–Reflections on Life, Simple Living and Happiness

kg end of year 150x150 2012 Reflections on Life, Simple Living and HappinessAt the end of every year I have a habit of going back and reviewing things that worked well in my life in the last 365 days.  I think it’s useful to explore the actions, mindsets and understandings that have enhanced my well-being and happiness—and recognize those that didn’t, so they can be modified And because a big part of living SMART 365 is staying conscious, awake and aware—this practice might prove valuable for all of us.  I’ll start by sharing a few ideas that increased the quality of my life in 2012. Continue reading →

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by | November 9, 2012

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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by | October 5, 2012

The SMART Living Path to Midway Simplicity

Thom @ Esalen 300x225 The SMART Living Path to Midway Simplicity

Moderation and Simplicity are great Paths to SMART Living

This week I had the pleasure of appearing on the Midway Simplicity weekly YouTube show.  Each week the website’s author, Mohamed Tohami, interviews someone from the Internet about his or her version of minimalism or simplicity.  This week was my turn.  During the last few months I’ve written a number of articles about minimalism and the simple living approach from a SMART perspective, and those articles have attracted more attention than any others here on the website.   Appearing on the Midway Simplicity show provided me with a great opportunity to get clear about where SMART Living and Simplicity converge.  It also helped me think of a number of specific tips I can offer for those seeking a more SMART and simple lifestyle of their own. Continue reading →

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by | March 6, 2012

Five Big Benefits From Having & Keeping Friends

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

Friends 300x194 Five Big Benefits From Having & Keeping FriendsThis last weekend Thom and I drove to Pasadena to visit with our friends Dave and Michelle.  It took some gas money to get there, but once we arrived, we hunkered down with a couple of bottles of wine and a great dinner that Michelle prepared and talked for hours, and hours.  We eventually went to bed (lucky for us they have a guest room) and then got up and talked and laughed over breakfast before returning home to the desert.  Once the overnight bag was put away, it occurred to me that our brief trip was one of those priceless moments with friends that takes relatively little money but offers huge returns.   In fact, cultivating deep friendships may be one of the SMARTest things any of can do on a regular basis to live a great life. Continue reading →

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by | December 15, 2011

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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by | September 26, 2011

Monday 9/26/11—Website of the Week—TED.com

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

I’m taking a chance here that there are some of you who read SMART Living 365 who don’t already know about TED.com.  But if you don’t, then it is definitely time you did.  TED.com is mostly a website that posts videos of people who speak at TED conferences held annually around the world.  The very best of those talks—called Ted Talks—are condensed versions.  What is TED?  TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design.  But a better way to think of TED is explained on their website where it says they are, “Ideas worth spreading.  Or Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world.”  How SMART is that?      Continue reading →

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by | June 20, 2011

Meaning In Life—Explaining the M in SMART Living

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

In order to be happy and fulfilled, all people everywhere share one fundamental need regardless of their background, race, religion, education or any number of cultural differences—that one thing is “meaning.”  When we have meaning, we believe our life has a purpose and that our being here matters.  In other words, in order to live SMART every day, a sense of meaning is critical.

One of the champions for the value of meaning was a man named Viktor Frankl.  As a three-year survivor of the horror of Nazi concentration camps, he eventually became an eminent psychotherapist.  While many of Frankl’s fellow prisoners died in the camps, he believed that a key reason for his survival was the inner strength he derived from meaning.

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by | June 16, 2011

What Does The “S” Stand for in SMART?

Happy SMART Day Everyone!

It occurred to me that it would be wise to go through and explain what I am attempting to include with each letter in the word SMART.   As some of you know, Thom and I have been actively involved in the “green” and sustainable movement for the last couple of years.  We never, or at least I never, considered myself to be a “treehugger.”  I still don’t.  But what I have grown to discover is that living in a green or sustainable way means that you take care of what you have, you aren’t wasteful or inconsiderate with what you use, you honor the gifts that are given and don’t abuse them, and you realize what you give out you get in return.   Not only does that philosophy apply to how we treat planetary resources, it also applies to just about every thing we do–physically, emotionally and spiritually.

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