Keith Jeffery April 2009
Current Article ∙ Archive ∙ Back to Island Voices
Settling for Less
Interesting times for all of us. For many, times of loss and despair. But for all of us – times of opportunity. Not so much the stock market opportunity to “buy low” as the leaders of our countries suggest. More so – opportunities for reflection and introspection, perhaps leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
This quote from Lily Tomlin’s comedy show recently caught my attention. “If I had known that this is what it was like to have it all, I might have settled for less.” Hmmmm.
For years much of our society has lived a materialistic and consumptive orgy. I’m as guilty as many. I like toys (especially electronic things with buttons…), newer cars, I love eating in restaurants and enjoy my decaff lattes, I love traveling the world (albeit usually for work). While I always did my best to reduce my carbon footprint, I am certainly a consumer. While I am not against consumerism, I do think it is time to give our planet a chance to rest while our governments find ways to sort things out and we find ways to re-establish our values.
Many of us have strived to have it all, but so often come to the conclusion that the “things” in our lives will not lead to deep inner peace. They are fun (although sometimes a nuisance when they break down), but they are not what really matters.
Perhaps now is the time to begin looking inside for peace rather than outside.
Perhaps many of us will now choose to use this time for reflection. For self improvement. A time to “settle for less” for awhile. To find ways to enjoy the free or inexpensive things in life. There are so many opportunities. In my case, I am using DVD’s to improve my didgeridoo and violin skills, practicing a bit more yoga (following a DVD), developing new Easy Tai Chi forms, and am really listening to and enjoying my CD music. Here are just a other few ideas.
•as you might guess, I encourage all of you to immerse into your 4 Minute Fitness and Easy Tai Chi practice. Use these methods to help deal with any stresses you are feeling, and to get in touch with yourself
•enjoy picnic lunches rather than fancy restaurants
•go out for lunch, rather than more expensive dinners
•create more family events and special meals at home
•choose one of the hundred zillion on-line recipes and get creative in the kitchen. Vegetarian and ethnic cuisine (like Thai, Chinese etc.) can be delightful and is usually inexpensive
•walk in the park or just up your street
•or try more active walking with inexpensive Nordic poles. I love mine as they offer additional upper body exercise. (Cross country skiing benefits without the snow…) www.walkingpoles.com
•or how about taking more extensive hikes into some of our gorgeous wilderness settings. The walking poles serve as hiking poles.
•or purchase good running shoes and begin to run
•take up scrapbooking (is that a word?) or organize your collection of photos
•or begin to quilt. Apparently it is very addicting and allows for huge creativity
•read a few of the hundreds of thousands of books sitting at your local library
•attend free or inexpensive concerts and events offered in your community
•get creative with some of your current toys. Perhaps even take the time to read the directions… I bet you can do a lot more with your fancy digital camera
•garden and grow your own food. No land? Some areas offer community garden space. Others are looking for volunteers
•speaking of volunteers… volunteer somewhere you can make a difference for those who are less fortunate than you
•reorganize your closets and garage. Not a whole pile of fun, but you will feel so much better after
•learn to play the keyboard, harmonica, flute or tin whistle. Many come with instructional DVD’s or CD’s, and can be inexpensive
•spend some quality time with yourself by meditating a few minutes every day
•give your partner a massage. Even better – learn some techniques on-line or from a library book
These are just a few ideas. For those interested in furthering your Easy Tai Chi training, consider upgrading and expanding your DVD and on-line teaching aids. Even better – for now, some prices have been reduced by 20%. A small expenditure offers months or years of training potential. And some of you may wish to supplement your current income by becoming Certified to teach. See the Wellness Corner below.
Also – we have revamped our Internet sites. Feel free to have a look at our new and easy to navigate pages, and check out all the free tips and ideas offered on these pages – all designed to be a resource to further increase your understanding and benefits.
For more information, please contact
Dr. Keith Jeffery at:
1836 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay, B.C. V9P 9C7
Toll free – (866) 682-4244 after 9 am Pacific
Tel (250) 468-9950
fax (250) 468-9910
E-mail: keith@EasyTaiChi.com