The Quest for Contentment

Nature, Patterns, Simplicity and Structure

I don’t know about you? Maybe it’s an aging thing but recently l’ve been striving to simplify my life even more.

The idea of 'less is more' isn't new, yet it's often overlooked as life gets busy and complex. But what if I told you that stripping back to simplicity has transformed my life? That's right, before the world around us shook with the arrival of Covid, I made my own seismic shift from the bustling life of teaching and coaching in London to a tranquil existence on the water in Cambridge.

A stark contrast, but it’s these choices, these conscious shifts that serve as vital gear changes on our quest for contentment and reconnecting with our own creativity.

Imagine waking each day to the sound of birds chirping as the natural world awakes then sitting for breakfast on and overlooking the water.

My move made me realise just how impactful our surroundings are on our overall wellbeing. In the calm arms of nature, life's relentless pace seems to slow, and its problems, while not disappearing, feel somewhat lighter to carry. It’s a daily reminder of life’s fleeting beauty and a nudging toward the kind of contentment we all chase. Through my personal journey, I've come to understand that seeking simplicity isn't a one-time decision but a continuous dance of reassessing what truly matters.

Therefore, l cannot recommend enough (if you are able to of course) to really consider an environment where you can flourish emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Stepping closer to nature is like finding an oasis of calm in a desert of chaos. I've seen firsthand how it works; it's not just a backdrop to our lives, but an active player in our well-being.  It's in that quietude that you find a fresh perspective. Everything seems to take its rightful place, piecing together like a puzzle that suddenly fits. That bird song isn't just a sound; it's a reminder of the world's rhythm that we're a part of. The rustle of the leaves, the gentle flow of a stream, they carry away our stresses and speak to something deep within us. Providing incredible healing benefits and some how changes your energy and perspective no matter where you find yourself in life. A simple reminder of how precious life is along with the beauty and simplicity is enough to raise anyone’s spirits and help us feel a sense of contentment.

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And it’s more than just a feeling; research confirms that time spent in nature can lower our blood pressure, boost our mental health, and improve our overall quality of life. It grants us this unique lens to see our existence—a lens polished with simplicity and clarity. Suddenly, we're prioritising what truly matters, those things that bring us a profound sense of joy and contentment. So, when you're feeling overwhelmed, remember the power that lies just outside your door. Step out, take a deep breath, and let nature's healing embrace guide you back to yourself.

However, to make the feelings of contentment more than fleeting moments there are other things that can help sustain carrying that feeling throughout our day even when we are being tested. A concept l have been revisiting lately with my teacher Elena Brower whose Simplify course provides a helpful reminder and also a realistic check in with what you are actually doing as opposed to what you think you are doing.

During the first part of the course with Elena we are asked to observe ourselves, our commitments through keeping an structured diary. Interestingly enough l have always thought l have been pretty good with structuring time in my iCal. However, Elena takes it to the next level by wanting even more clarity. In other words being very specific and simplistic about what you want to achieve in your day.

The five precious nuggets I’ve gleamed so far in how structuring your day with intent can lead to a more focused and, ultimately, a more fulfilling life follows below accompanied with an audio note for my paid subscribers.