In this webinar, I share some common things that get in the way of simplifying our lives … and share a process for letting go of those things that are getting in the way.
I’ve broken this webinar recording into two parts:
- Part I – My Talk: Letting Go of What Gets in the Way of Simplifying (See notes)
- Part II – Questions & Answers: I answered some really great questions from some amazing people, please watch!
Part I: Leo’s Talk (with notes)
The idea of a simple life is lovely. Choose a few simple possessions that matter to you. Choose a few things to do during the day. Create space by letting things go.
It’s a simple recipe, and yet in practice it can be difficult.
Let’s look at some things that get in the way, and talk about the letting go process …
- Not enough time to declutter. The thing getting in the way is having too much on our schedule. What has you filling up the schedule so that you don’t have time to declutter? Is there one simple thing you can let go of to free up 20 minutes a day?
- Don’t want to let some possessions go. I have things that are aspirational or hold emotional value that I can’t let go of. The thing getting in the way is some worry about the future, which is a worry about yourself. What would it be like to let go of worry about that?
- Saying yes to too many things. What has you saying yes to everything? The thing getting in the way is fear that you won’t be OK if you don’t say yes. What would it be like to let go of trying to control the future, and trusting instead?
- Feel obligated to do a lot of things. This is similar to the last one, but you don’t want to let go of commitments because you feel obligated. What’s getting in the way is a lack of trust in others that they’ll be able to handle it without you. Fear that you won’t. be OK if you disappoint them. What would it be like to let go of all of that?
- Distractions keep me constantly switching. What has you reaching for distractions? What’s getting in the way is fear of missing something, fear that you won’t be OK, fear of the discomfort of the thing you want to focus on. What would it be like to let go of needing to be on top of everything, or to let go of the need to be in comfort?
- Other people. A lot of times, we feel like we can’t simplify because of other people in our lives. This is true! So sometimes we have to let go of wanting things to happen right away, or having everything under control. This can be one of the hardest things to let go of!
The Letting Go Process:
- Recognize that you’re holding onto something. If you’re struggling to simplify, it’s because you’re holding onto something — what is it? If you aren’t sure, ask here in the webinar or on Slack (btw, always tag me with my name on Slack if you want me to see it or answer)
- Be with the fear. There’s a fear that is causing you to not let go, to hold on. Be present with that, and give it some compassion.
- Be present with the moment. The fear is a fear about the future, which is also a fear about yourself right now. But opening to the present moment, it is completely ok. More than that, it is amazing. Getting present with the moment is a great practice in letting go of what we’re worried about.
- Trust. It can take a lot of practice, but developing trust is letting go of needing to get it exactly right, and just being willing to have it be messy. And trusting that that will be OK. Just like you’re OK right now.
- Try without it. What would it be like to go without the thing you’re holding onto? What would be possible? Try it and see! Bring curiosity to trying it, rather than a fixed view.
Watch above, or here on Vimeo.
Part II: Questions and Answers
In the second part of the webinar, I answered a number of great questions from members, please watch!
We talked about:
- How I chose to go from a simple life to one of abundance & service
- Difficulty planning our day & going to bed on time
- Downsizing to become digital nomads in 6 days!
- Dealing with mountains of clutter (especially as an artist)
- Being forced to let go of things — and losing our identity