What is Essential? Ask Yourself These Three Questions.

As part of the recent more or less global lockdown situation, we could conclude that only food is an essential item. Other than water, that is. But we might also have realised that it is essential to ask oneself what life is all about, and to question how we tend to go about it. At least for me, this is something that I have continued to contemplate.

Moment by Moment

We could say that life is a sequence of events, where each event depends on the decisions taken previously. Some decisions are not the best ones, but we make each one based on the understanding that we have in that moment.

Decisions are based on an often limited understanding of our true power, of who we are. As a consequence the outcome will be giving limited returns, or results too.

Life is Inner Life

As I have to come to see it, it is not the outward expression – the things, possessions – that are most important. Rather, life is about gaining awareness to experience life itself.

Life, rather than being something happening to us, is something that we both create and experience.

I like to make a distinction between focusing solely on the person, me, Claudia, and life as a whole. If I try to look at life from a somewhat larger perspective, the sufferings of the person (me!) doesn’t feel so heavy any more.

The Importance of Surrender

To surrender is not about giving in or giving up but about becoming one with the essence of life itself. Actually, it’s a little bit like surrendering the idea that I am in charge of my life, and to instead simply experience it. This way a guidance that comes from within can be activated and followed, with fewer struggles.

As part and parcel of letting go of all that is not essential, allow the life force to flow through you.

Letting go of all that is not essential rings a bell in these corona-times. It is something that most of the people in the world are currently in the process of doing – whether we like it or not. Could it lead to a large-scale transformation of many people?

Let go of all that is not essential

The quarantine, or lockdown, has brought to our attention what is essential – and what is not. It can make us feel that we have wasted our lives. Or at least that we have been busy (often very busy!) chasing what does not actually bring us happiness. This realisation can be useful indeed, so hang on to it!

Next, reflect on what is essential to you.

Starting in the physical sphere, spending a lot of time at home, you may have the feeling that many possessions are weighing you down. At least, if you have ‘too many possessions’.

Marie Kondo, with her Netflix show ‘Tidying Up With Marie Kondo’, springs to mind. In this hugely popular series, she helps people restore order to their lives by helping them rid themselves of physical clutter. Her motto is

‘more headspace and a Zen-like experience as a consequence’.

Suggesting that people throw out everything that doesn’t ‘spark joy’, Kondo grasps the zeitgeist, and all due to having almost fainted with stress at the age of 16, followed by a ‘voice’ telling her to ‘look at things more carefully’.

How is that for inner guidance? She surrendered to it and it put her in a space of being a key influencer who has positively impacted the lives of many people.

Why not Emotional De-cluttering too?

Taking the idea one step further, true minimalism and cutting hoarding would mean to rid ourselves also of the ego-building sentiments that we hold on to. Can you stop the moment-to-moment building of “I” and just let life be as it is?

This would be a kind of de-cluttering of self – and your reality – that could be a next step to take. First, de-clutter your home, then your body (detox!), and then your mind. Or the other way around!

Especially after a long stint of spending much time at home, many have seen that rather than adding it is reducing and minimizing that brings a deeper sense of peace and even joy. 

Amanda Winwood of Made for Life Organics says that she arrived at a ‘need to de-clutter’ point in her life. She discovered that ‘in the less’ she finds more meaning. Only after making space does there seem to be room available to express what she truly wants to express, in alignment with who she truly is. She says:

“I have simply embraced that there is beauty in having time and space and choosing to feel it… not fill it. It is the way we create ‘Made for Life’, just taking time to look and understand nature and to link it to health. ‘In the less’ brings clarity.”

A Less Cluttered You

A less cluttered you will offer up more space for the divine intelligence – if you believe there is such a thing – to flow and act through you.

To help you de-clutter your own mind I invite you to ask yourself three questions:

1. What, if anything, weighs me down in life?
2. What am I ready to get rid of (de-clutter) and how will I make that happen?
3. What do I want to bring into my life or experience more of it?

And, adding to this, much like Marie Kondo says that our possessions should spark joy, let me put it out there: Our thoughts should spark joy! Get rid of negativity and despair. Beneath what might feel like a mountain of repetitive thoughts that lead nowhere you may uncover your true self. Keep going…Keep on de-cluttering.

Stick to what is Essential and Stay Healthy.

Claudia

P.S. To receive bi-monthly Soul Snippets to your inbox or to join free events, send a message HERE. I invite you to join me on a beautiful journey of self-discovery!

More about Claudia Roth

I believe in the connection of body-mind-spirit. This makes up the foundation for healing, as I have myself experienced. Following a corporate high-profile career in luxury hospitality my mission is to help those who want to live a more connected and soulful life.

I write, facilitate events and consult companies on the evolution of wellbeing and healing hospitality. My book, “A 28 Days Journey to Self Love”, a guided journal, is available on Amazon and from other major book retailers.

Something more hands–on, I also practice Quantum Energy Coaching, helping my clients transform outdated beliefs for a happier life.

All original material copyright © 2020 Claudia Roth