The Art of a Life Well Lived

Reminder: life does not slow down all by itself. Life is not going to stop being relentless, challenging and wild. If we wait for external peace before we learn how to relax, luxuriate and enjoy ourselves, it is likely that time will never arrive.

In a world that places achievement and milestones on pedestals above all else; we believe that only once we have the house, the relationship status, the followers, the car, the job, the money in the bank, that next thing we (think we) really want: only then will we feel as though we can relax, enjoy, bask in the warm rays of our abundant life. Sadly, this is a horrible, miserable trap in which many of us are caught: until we choose to create a new way of living, for ourselves. 

꩜  Recommended Reading / Listening 

Every Day A Good Day, Norkio Morishita 

Anam Cara, John O'Donohue 

The Pillow Book, Sei Shoganon 

A Poetic Life Playlist 

Writing Poetry in Ancient Japan Playlist

꩜  Recommended Rituals

The Daily Practice for Creativity

Reading a novel in bed by an open window

Spending time on an enriching hobby: ceramics, tea meditation, writing, painting

Taking a solo writing staycation in a nearby city or town

Visiting a museum or art gallery on the weekend, a cafe date with strong coffee and sponge cake on a friday afternoon

Diving into ancient history, mythology or practices like flower arranging, gardening, traditional dance or perfumery

Reading a magazine cover to cover, taking a nap on a cold afternoon

Writing a letter to a family member or friend (and actually sending it!)

Making a necklace from stones or a shell

Taking steps toward your childhood dreams