Notice with Practice
Prayer is a daily ritual for many religions. In Muslim tradition, they pause to pray five times a day. Christians and Jews traditionally say a short prayer before meals. While the words and reasons may differ, these rituals share something in common: they ask us to stop and notice—what we need, what we have, and […]
Rest with Practice
Many major religions set aside time each week for rest: In Judaism, the Sabbath is from Friday evening to Saturday evening. For Christians, Sunday is the traditional day. In Islam, Friday is a day of congregational prayer and pause. While the specifics vary, the message is consistent: take a break from your regularly scheduled life. […]
Use the Right Tool Like a Chef
Sometimes when I cook, I flip the food in the pan with my fingers. Not because it’s the best way—but because I don’t want to dirty a spatula or a pair of tongs. To keep going, I end up reaching for whatever’s nearby—a fork, a spoon, the wrong lid—just so I don’t have to clean […]
The Mindful Eating Challenge
One of the toughest challenges for me is staying conscious of food. Sometimes, I catch myself eating without even realizing I made that choice. It’s like something in me bypassed my awareness, and I reached for comfort instead of intention. These moments are difficult. I feel like I’ve let myself down—like I lost sight of […]
Let Go Like a Minimalist
Minimalism isn’t just about letting go of things—it’s about letting go of the emotions and stories we’ve attached to them. And that’s the hard part. It’s not the pile of old clothes or unused gadgets that’s tough to release; it’s what they represent. A gift from someone you care about, a purchase that symbolized a […]
Own It Like a Minimalist
Minimalism isn’t about rules or restrictions; it’s about making life lighter and more intentional. One idea I’ve borrowed from minimalist philosophy is the concept of “reframing ownership.” Instead of thinking, “This is mine,” it’s about asking, “How do I take care of this so it works for me?” When I look at ownership this way, […]
Simplify Decisions Like a Minimalist
Sometimes, figuring out what to buy—or when to let something go—feels overwhelming. I’ve found myself hesitating over decisions like whether to replace old headphones or get a new kitchen gadget. On one hand, I don’t want to clutter my home with things I don’t need. On the other, I live in a world where I […]
Organize Like a Minimalist
When I think about getting organized, my first instinct is often to add something new—buy storage bins, gadgets, or tools to “fix” the problem. But the minimalist philosophy reminds me that the solution isn’t about adding more; it’s about working with what I already have. That’s where the phrase “a place for everything and everything […]
Actively Generate Motivation
This morning, I woke up needing a bit of a boost. I spent about half an hour listening to motivational speakers—lecturers, storytellers, even the occasional yeller—and watched some videos. It’s one of the ways I get myself going. I’ve realized that motivation doesn’t always show up just because I want it to. It’s something I […]
Stay Productive Through Intense Emotions
Today, I might not feel motivated to do my job. I might feel bored by the mundane tasks ahead or uninspired by the effort it takes to move through the day. I might not feel like working. But over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my emotions. Through consistent practice and training, I’ve worked […]
