by Roxanne -

Other Ways to Simplify

Photo Scienceblogs.com

More Lenten considerations . . .

What other ways could I simplify?

I am considering returning to a shorter (still attractive) hairstyle that will travel well and eliminate a hairdryer, hair spray, mousse, etc. Less time, less energy and less expensive.

What about make-up? So far, make-up every day of my adult life, I think. But in the summer, with sun and more color, healthy diet, more yoga and exercise — maybe I could use less, or no make-up??? Something to consider.

Pass along some of my books and CDs to others? This time last year I donated over 300 books and CDs – but I know I could revisit my bookshelves and find more. It’s always a challenge to hold things “lightly” – we merely steward them for others.

Work towards “zero waste” when entertaining or at gatherings.

Continue to try and use less chemicals, cleaners, water-based laundry soap and other products. Watch for products with minimal packaging.

Check front hall and linen closets for unused items? Reduce to one car? Walk more, drive less? Use the Light Rail more often?

What about how I use my resources? I spend, invest and donate. Each of these should support my values of justice for people and the environment. Basically, pretty simple.

These will be my tasks this spring and summer.

For those of you who may be moving or downsizing soon, take a close look at Miss Minimalist’s “400 Square Feet is the New Black.” Not for everyone, but everyone can find a useful idea here.

The room below will give you a sense for what 400 sq. ft. feels like.

You may also like Lent-Into the Desert, Simplifying Our Kitchen, Simplify, Simplify, The Richness of Simplicity and Adult Tree House.

by Roxanne -

Six Word Novel

For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never worn.

Write a novel in six words. I’m not sure who wrote the six-word novel above, but this idea has stayed with me since I first came across it at Smith Magazine, home of the six word memoir. It is an exercise to develop the discipline and creativity to write a novel in just six words. This idea interests me because I try to do the same thing with my book titles. In other words, can the title educate and inform someone, even if they never open the book? That’s the challenge.

Coming from the marketing world I have learned that to be concise, economical and compact with ideas is always a challenge. It takes imagination, focus and persistence. But when it is done well it can be very powerful.

Most recently I did this with women at Mary’s Pence. We worked with an agency to condense our mission statement and purpose into just FOUR words that we could use with the Mary’s Pence name and logo:

Mary’s Pence. Funding Women. Changing Lives.

Try it yourself. What is your six word story?

You may also like Tiny Silver Spoons, What is Your Story? and The Jewelry We Keep.

by Roxanne -

The Sounds of Music

Do you make room for music in your life? Music has always been a big part of my life. I love playing the piano. The guitar I like too – but less so. Probably because I can’t sing. The nice thing is that you’re never too old to learn an instrument!

During the winter months my husband and I enjoy evenings at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. The tickets are surprisingly inexpensive for good seats. The musicians are world famous – and you can hear the difference. It’s a wonderful way to end a busy week. We slip into our seats, the lights dim and beautiful music carries me away for the next two hours. Afterward my husband takes me to dinner at Pazzaluna, a local Italian restaurant. Sigh . . .

This year and last year too I gave away many of my CD’s. In their place I listen to customized music on-line. You can create your own unique radio station, designed just for you at Pandora, the genome music project. Another good option is SOMA FM. Or stretch yourself by listening to music from another culture, such as African music at AccuRadio. Or during this time of Lent consider Taize or Gregorian Chant – a wonderful way to fall asleep.

If you’re like us with no IPod, using a small cable, connect your computer or phone to your speakers so the high quality sound can fill your space. Creating a soothing background or a more energizing atmosphere.

Sometimes the best music is simply listening to the sound of ocean waves or rain falling on the roof as you fall asleep, like we did at Tortuguerro in Costa Rica. Below are some pictures of the ocean that was just outside our window in Tortuguerro.

Photo A. Meshar
Photo A. Meshar
Photo A. Meshar
Photo A. Meshar

Life is better with music.

You may also like Pura Vida!, Beachy Days, Sand Fantasy Retreat and Dancing Isuzus in Paris.

by Roxanne -

Visio Divina Reflection

Image Best Supper, JanRichardson.com

Here’s another Lenten retreat you can give yourself. Perhaps you have heard of Lectio Devina. This is an ancient form of prayer that combines both a sacred reading with meditation and reflection.

Would you like to go deeper? Recently I attended training on Visio Divina. Reading and reflection are used along with artwork. The artwork is the focus of the reflection and meditation. Artwork adds a deeper dimension.

This can be very powerful. Artwork usually affects us on many levels. Take the image shown here by Jan Richardson from her book In Wisdom’s Path. The imagery of meal sharing and community immediately come to mind. But further reflection reveals the round table, joined hands and loaves of bread. All sacramental rituals.

Go  deeper still and you may notice many ethnicities symbolizing our shared humanity or the human family. You may notice different connections based on your own meal sharing experiences.

Continued silent reflection may call us to action, a decision or a desire to be open to new possibilities.

You don’t need to visit a monastary for a retreat. Your monastary is your world, wherever you are. Make it sacred. Take a mini retreat:

Try it yourself. Select art and writing that speak to you. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably for awhile.

1. Read your selected writing slowly.

2. Consider a word or phrase that stays with you and ponder it.

3. Then bring the artwork into your meditation and read the writing again.

4. Take up to fifteen minutes to look deeply into the picture.

5. Finally, take 5-10 minutes of silent time. See what comes back to you.

You may also like Lent – Into the Desert and Sand Fantasy Retreat.