The epitome of sophistication is utter simplicity.” ― Maya Angelou
Serenity is a Destination
We live in a non-stop, twenty-four-seven world. We multi-task at home and in our careers to be more productive as if it’s as imperative as eating and drinking, on the cutting-edge of everything. Inundated with streaming information, distractions everywhere we turn, create anxiety and stress in our lives. Electronic devices and apps designed to make our lives easier sometimes seem to do quite the opposite, they put our brains on overload.
So how do we slow down our minds to connect with ourselves and our emotions…to quiet our heads of the non-stop noise and distractions to find focus, clarity, contentment, and happiness within?
When we slow down, we find our serenity. We create space for centering our emotions and finding inner peace which takes us to serenity. Because so many answers to issues worrying us are usually right in front of us, we must frame time to put our lives on pause to discover these answers. We can’t see them because our vision is clouded with complications, most times complications of our own creation.
Simplicity
My journey for simplicity brought me to realize that oftentimes I am the one who overcomplicates my mind and soul. I am the one who muddies the waters of my river of life. Unintentionally, of course, but we all struggle with it. Do we sabotage the simple, straightforward ways ahead because we face self-doubt or uncertainty? Or are we trying to divert attention from the real us? Camouflaging our own vulnerabilities and insecurities by trying to control every moment of our lives? When we do this life begins to be less of everything…fun, spontaneous, pleasantly surprising.
When we step away from what we believe are frustrating complications, answers that elude us appear. When we purposefully create quiet moments we usually make true progress. Like taking a walk outdoors, breathing fresh air, sitting outside to take in a calming view, finding a place in your home to have a soothing cup of tea. By taking a well-deserved break you have created the needed space for the solution to reveal itself, like the breaking sunrise over the mountain of a new day, new awareness. Confusion dissipates leaving only clarification and simplification.
The less we worry and complicate our lives, the better and richer our lives will be. The better we will feel. Simplicity in our lives is key—pure and real.
Trust that when your mind is completely clear of overly complicated thoughts and stressors, you have set the right stage and conditions to invite new ideas and insights. Living in the space of serenity allows our creativity, wisdom and sense of being to come forth, helping us to find solutions and bring more simplicity to our lives.
How do you achieve serenity?
1. Be insightful.
Avoid harsh self-judgment. Live without apologies or regrets. Stay centered and find happiness in what you bring to those around you. Focus on your strengths, abilities and positive qualities. Worrying about what others think is a waste of time. Take care of your needs and your heart’s desires. Your needs and wants come from yourself, don’t let others impose them on you or weigh you down. Your life is about you, you have the right to make my own choices. Live your own dreams.
2. Be authentic.
Let go of the need to be perfect and to compete. Believe in cooperation, balance, and harmony. Choose to ignore your ever-critiquing inner Chihuahuas of self-doubt. We all are perfectly beautiful and beautifully imperfect. Embrace your mistakes as they provide real opportunities for growth, our mistakes make us wiser. Perfection is a non-existent illusion. Excuse your bad days. You don’t always have to be at the top of your game. It’s normal to have low points and to feel sadness. Understand and embrace your emotions without judging yourself for having them.
3. Be responsible.
Focus on your journey. Take personal responsibility for your actions, emotions, and feelings. Treat yourself with respect and dignity. No one can upset you or hurt you without your consent. It is your choice of how much you invest of your love, time, or money. Your choices influence your future. You are always in charge.
4. Be present.
Step away from past hurts, old memories and shortcomings. Live in the present. Stop projecting happiness into an imaginary future, hoping with that success you be happy. Be grateful and find joy in the small pleasures and surprises of life. Cherish every moment, treat each with importance.
5. Be willing to let go.
Accept that there are things that you cannot control, no matter how hard you might try. Let go of worrying about the future. Trusting in serenity takes courage, but you will find life less complicated, more prosperous and enjoyable.
When our minds are clear of psychological clutter, we’re better connected with who we are. Everything is clearer and seems to become easier. Focus on simplicity and letting go of unnecessary overthinking. Your clarity will sharpen, which will boost your spirit and lighten you. Once you’ve made mental and spiritual room in your mind for inner peace, wisdom, joy, and creativity, your overall well-being will surface, stronger than ever before.
Oh, this is such a beautiful post Omozua.
It’s also synchronicity at play; I just talked about serenity today with my friends, and what it actually means, and then I saw this. Love the 5 steps. I want to print it out to keep them in mind every day!