Embracing the Simplicity of Ikigai

5 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life

Great joy can come from living life more simply.

Life tends to get complicated with time, so I look for ways to simplify even small portions of my life.

There are plenty of lists with 100 ways to simplify your life.

Obviously, that's not very simple.

Instead, I'll share five easy ways to simplify your life.

Being only five things, these aren't the 'best' ways or the 'right' ways but some that are the most straightforward to implement.

1.    Be intentional with your day.

2.    Mono-task*

3.    Create a clearing ritual.

4.    Enjoy simple foods.

5.    Slow down & enjoy quiet moments.

🌱 Let's look at each one…

Be Intentional with Your Day

I practice operating with intention, not all the time, though increasingly.

When I live with more intention, my life is more purposeful, consciously lived, and aligned with my Ikigai.

This process starts with identifying what you want in your day as if you were curating a small but thoughtful collection.

What handful of things would make your day incredible?

My list? Running, prayer/meditation, reading, writing, time with loved ones, and coffee.

What would your list contain?

Being intentional is about focusing on those things and letting go of everything not on the list.

Let go of social media, news sites, and other distractions if they don't fit your curated day's intention.

More muse (creativity) and less news.

Let go of doing too much. Leave time and space for those things you do want to do unhurried and with peace.

Mono-task*

When our minds are racing 100 miles per hour, our bodies tighten, stress increases and we lose focus.

Focusing on only one thing allows us to slow down and breathe.

Coincidently when we slow down our approach, we often speed up the results without the stress of multitasking.

Be fully present for every activity, from brushing your teeth to reading a book.

Create a Clearing Ritual

Create a ritual where you clear things out. It can be weekly or a couple of times a month. Whatever you do, set up a routine for doing it.

Sunday is a good day for it or any day you can do it consistently.

Make it small and easy to do.

I have a one in one out rule for many things.

As one example, my running shoes used to accumulate, now when a new pair arrives an old pair goes to recycle.

Simple and easy, it doesn’t feel burdensome at all. Yet over time, it has made a huge difference in the amount of stuff in my home.

This clearing ritual feels fantastic because you see progress, reduce clutter and do it all without stress and strain.

Enjoy Simple Foods

I love my coffee. For over two years now, my wife and I have been enjoying simple black espresso.

Part of our morning ritual is making the espresso and enjoying it slowly, savoring every sip.

In the evening I enjoy various teas (without caffeine). Again, the slow and simple process of brewing tea allows me to relax and enjoy mindful moments.

In the winter, I indulge in rich hot chocolate. Simple to make, delicious, and a treat on cold winter days.

Find some food or drink that is simple, and delicious. Something that nourishes the body and doesn't cost a crazy amount or take a lot of effort.

Slow Down & Enjoy Quiet Moments

One of the splendid things about slowing down is you don't need any material things to do it.

Simply do less and savor each activity. Take some breaths, give yourself emotional space, and relax with a nothing to-do list.

🌀That’s it, five easy things to help simplify your life and support your Ikigai.

*Mono-task is a term coined by David Marlow © 2013 (™pending)