Monday, July 22, 2013
curled up on linen, wearing mismatched socks and pants that were once full length
Living a less-distracted life: tune out, switch off.
I spend a lot of time on my laptop; it's a necessary part of my work life and it's also where I indulge in a little creativity - writing, editing photos, seeking inspiration. But lately, as I've had deadline after deadline to exhaust me, I've made a conscious decision to stay away from the computer and its long list of distractions.
Steering clear of the laptop gets me out of my head - quite literally. I stop thinking and start doing. I'm more aware of my body because I'm moving it, taking strides, stretching skyward. I use my hands differently too; instead of the monotonous tap, tap, tap, I hold a littler hand in mine, I touch salt water and sand, I massage the earth whilst gardening and ground myself in the best possible way.
By switching off I find clarity; creative inspiration and much-needed perspective.
Read the series : practicing simplicity
14 COMMENTS
Labels: practising simplicity , simple home , simple life
I whole heartedly agree. I loose my creativity staring a screen, as soon as switch off - ideas flood through. It is a wonderful thing! Lou x
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm so much more productive if I step away and then come back afresh. I regard it as an essential part of my work day now - getting outside and going for a walk to recharge x
DeleteExactly!
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's so important to switch off sometimes. I often have to remind myself to step away from the screen and just do something else for a while.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion it´s really important regularly to switch off! So my lovely husband and myself have a ritual that we daily make a long walk or bike tour in our beautiful Bavarian landscape, equal how the weather is - and after this walks or bike tours I feel always much better before we started :)
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de/
Sometimes you just need to allow the silence in and stop. The television stayed off today. We stretched and played, sat and read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading with miss 3 for a few hours and didn't worry that the washing didn't get done
ReplyDeleteI feel very much drawn to the idea of simplicity. I wish I could change some things in my life and lead them closer to the ideals I have in my head. But alas it's not possible just yet. So I am studying and learning patience aswell.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that quite often I get this feeling of ADHD kicking in when I spend a long time on my laptop. I just get restless and I start losing my focus on what I'm doing. And the most conserning bit to me is that in near future ( I fear) I will be doing quite a bit more screen staring because of my studies, huh. Well prehaps it's not too bad, just as you said you need to know when to pause.
Brilliantly put. I try to switch off at least one day a week (with as little social media contact as I can get away with) and it's brilliant. So many new project, ideas and a general feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment. Not sure you get that when reading about what others are up to all the time.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
A YES and a high five over here!
ReplyDeleteSo eloquently stated, Jodi.
ReplyDeleteJodi
ReplyDeleteThis is a little off-track - wondering if you might consider highlighting some of the work you have published as I thoroughly enjoy your writing.
Regards
Angela
I write for eight bridal magazines (editorial and advertorial) so not exactly intriguing reading! Sometimes I write for Little One Baby and I do have a story in the next issue of Papier Mache magazine. Unfortunately the magazine industry is struggling, hence why I welcomed sponsors here - the thought of decreasing work scares me! x
DeleteWe live in a two bedroom apartment right now, paying about 975 a month in rent (which I will agree is quite cheap for what we get) but we are so ready to downsize. My husband gets a bonus in January and then our plan is to buy an RV for 5000$ or under, customize it with wood floors, etc. and then plop it on some land for 300$ a month. Have my husband drop down to part time/work from home and then save to build our own A-frame. That's our plan... even if everything doesn't happen exactly that way though, I'll still thank the Lord, but I would like to live in such simplicity, we strive for it everyday now, but I long for a smaller space and less things. You seem to have a good work/life balance going, and you're an inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful x
ReplyDeleteWould you like to check out my school supply haul? here you go: http://girlylifeexpectations.blogspot.com/2013/07/school-supplies-haul-back-to-school-2013.html