What We Really Need To Live Happily
by Lucy Windsor
I had a moment of awareness one day where I began listing what we really need to live happily. This short but sweet article is based on those reflections and may get you thinking about where you do and don't have current balance in your life...
Love - Healthy relationships with both yourself and others. Communication and expression. Sharing, validation and support. Closeness, intimacy, touch.
Shelter - A comfortable place to sleep, eat, sit, etc.
Food - Nourishing food that keeps our energy and health optimal.
Exercise - As well as food and shelter, we need to take care of our physical body so it lasts as long as we do!
Nature - Sitting in the sun (fire element). Breathing fresh air. Connecting with the earth, plants and animals. Drinking and immersing yourself in fresh water.
Free-flowing energy - Our environment needs to be uncluttered - free of unnecessary 'things'. Too much time spent in man-made environments and not enough in nature can throw out this balance. Bring some nature into the home environment.
Simple lifestyle - Clutter in lifestyle can be just as bad for us as a clutter of 'things'. Lifestyle clutter consists of tasks, bills, choices and so on - all things that can be modified and simplified. Time management can help with this, as can the word 'no'.
Connection to the larger picture - Connecting with the universe and our spiritual side. Feeling ultimate belonging, enjoyment, purpose, and wonder in all things.
What areas need some work? What would you like more of? What do you need to remove or change in your life in order to find that balance and harmony? I notice in reflecting on what I've written, that there is a balance of physical and spiritual/energy items on the list. I feel that love is the thread that combines both aspects of our 'selves'. It is central to everything. What do you think?