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Simple living and slowing down is something I have truly come to appreciate over this past year. Hygge, Lagom, Minimalism, Lykke, Simple Living, Essentialism, are all names given to this movement. Whatever you like to call it, living a lovely life is all about appreciating the life that we have.
I used to rush around every day checking off tasks that had nothing to do with the life that I wanted to live. Life is not easy nor is it simple, but taking the time to slow down and take the present moment in truly is one of life’s greatest joys. It is why I encourage tea drinking (or any other warm and cozy beverage) because you cannot rush tea. You must bring the water to boil, let it steep, and sip it slowly. It is healthy for our bodies and our souls. In fact, there are many great tea meditations that yogis like to follow because it is a simple way to add meditation into your day. To me, poetry is a lot like tea. Poetry is comforting. It is beautiful and made to be taken in slowly and in small quantities.
I am no stranger to stress. I tend to worry too much and sometimes have too much on my plate, despite my best efforts for the contrary. My manifesto, to “live lovely,” is all about making the most of the life we have. To bring myself more daily joy and calm I have started introducing poetry into my life again. I often read poetry, but it comes in and out of my life like an old friend. No matter how long we have not seen one another, it brings happiness and it feels like no time at all.
Reading a poem, especially a short poem, takes just a moment and I can fit it into my life no matter how full my days are. I can read a poem in the morning when I wake, before bed, during lunch, when I am between projects or sitting at home on my couch. Poetry reminds me that life is lovely. The beauty of words to describe a place, a feeling, a mood. There is a poem for any life event or experience. A poem to bring comfort, express something deep, to feel a little less alone, and to take in the quiet of a simple moment.
To me, reading a poem feels a lot like meditation. Thoughts and feelings drift through my consciousness as I read and when I’m done I feel more focused on the present. If you feel that meditation is not for you, I recommend a poem a day for calm and clarity.
