Peaceful Home Blog
Let your mind rest, be content and know that you are enough.
welcoming winter
Every year I start to write a post about letting go of Christmas and then I don’t publish it. For the last fifteen years my
mindfulness challenge
For three years in a row I have raised funds for the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto in support of their Community Programs. The
rightsizing
Retired Teachers of Ontario publishes a fantastic magazine for its members called Renaissance. In the Spring 2019 issue, Charlotte Empey interviewed me for her article
CBC radio interviews
I enjoy working with the CBC Radio Syndicated Unit, sitting in a booth and talking with station hosts across Canada. Topic this time? Decluttering in
I just left twitter
Over two years ago I left Facebook. I can only think of a couple of times when I missed out on useful information because that
more of this, less of that
Being busy hurtling toward what we think we need, we forget to tap into our internal resources to determine what we really want. When it
the sun and the wind
Several years ago when I was busy with work, a whole season had gone by and I barely noticed. Being in nature has always been
reviewing your online footprint
I am trying to remember what my adult life was like before cell phones and the internet, when staying connected simply meant phoning or visiting
contemplative sunday
Life throws curveballs. The last couple of months were stressful and I found it difficult to maintain my regular mindfulness routine. However, the beauty of
time for grief
My Mother passed away two months ago. It was not expected, although she was 80 and had several health concerns. I don’t know the details
family
Who is in your true circle of connection? What makes your tribe, posse, choir, team, the group that they are? Entry into my family is
distracted? go back to basics
Jo offers two client stories, as well as her own, on how mono-tasking is satisfying.
the space between
“I am not sure what I am supposed to do now.” It is not uncommon for my clients to start out their coaching journey with
f*** off time
It is time to get bored! Take an extended time out to really hear what your body and spirit have to tell you.
what thoughts and feelings really are
The brain is a remarkable organ. The evolution of the human brain reveals itself in the layered structures that give rise to reflexive action, learning,
more of this, less of that
A part of minimalism is mindfulness. If I am consciously curating what I want and don’t want during the day then I am paying attention,
a minimalist at christmas
Minimalists love to declutter their lives to make room for what matters. But that holiday tree is so pretty….
the joy of letting go
Interesting how getting rid of so much seems to make life a lot busier! As my previous posts explain, my husband and I are downsizing
downsizing
I have learned that I can love to live anywhere. Six years ago my beautiful partner and I moved in together. We choose this large
home address
Shedding people and stuff provided the best protection from the elements. With this admission, I am not surprised that I am a minimalist.
mindful moments month
Join me in noticing the beautiful transitions in nature throughout the month of September!
found time
There is a certain thrill when noticing that although it is dark out, it is actually only 9pm. The pleasure of losing light in late August!
Declutter as if you are moving
Declutter every day as if you are downsizing. Helpful ideas to prepare for the inevitable, at a pace that is comfortable for you.
leaving facebook
Sea turtle rescues on video, lengthy political rants and daily selfies. Multiple captures of tasty food and romantic moments. 25 versions of outrage about
the value of our lives
In a recent CBC article, Erin Collins asked, “What would you grab with a fire breathing down your neck?” Highlighted were a few brief stories
mindful romance
My husband and I did not speak to each other all night. And it was heavenly.
a minimalist’s journal
I take one week holidays in the country during Winter, Summer and Fall. Each sojourn is an opportunity for my busy brain to slow down.
a daily slow down
Say that title out loud and it sounds like a country dance. Yet the mood of this post is decidedly quieter with a lower heart
just sit
by Karl Pruner What is meditation? There may be as many answers as there are meditators. As a practitioner for forty four years, I can
CBC interview
Minimalism! Interview with Matt Galloway, Metro Morning on CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2664874324
an organized view of a minimalist’s wardrobe
I don’t have enough clothes. Folks who know me could take this statement two ways. It may not be a surprise that my wardrobe is
a simple move
I do not get a chance to type just about organizing very often. This is long overdue! As a minimalist, I appreciate having fewer things to
real life minimalists interview
[this post was originally written for Francine Jay’s site Missminimalist.com, January 2015] Taking charge It was about fifteen years ago when I felt the first
slow down and take stock
(This is a post I wrote for Mohamed Tohami’s website “Midway Simplicity”, October 22nd 2014) How are you at sitting still?
no time for clocks
It is lovely to wake up to bright sunshine again. In the last couple of weeks it has been dark while preparing to go to
what our stuff means to us
Life coach and organizer Jo Bennett collects stories about what stuff means to different people.
Globe & Mail interview
Interview with Harvey Schachter of the Globe and Mail newspaper. A story about my little experiment with test subjects reporting on their experience with a
minimalism 101
Are you a minimalist? For over 15 years I have been shedding whatever I perceive to be in my way of living a satisfying life.
when the lights are out
As Earth Day approaches, (April 22nd) I have been receiving reports about the challenge I put to my readers to try a No Gadget Night (NGN). With lights off
reduce what you have, love what you got
I smile every single time I look at, or touch, a favourite object because it gives me such joy! I am amazed that there are
resolution or intention?
Well, it’s that time. The time to experience the expectations that come from an old year turning into a new one. The push for individuals
work smart, not hard
Yes, there are times when I just don’t want to work. This may be because a task is difficult and I want to avoid it.
the emotional connection to minimalism
“Why are you a minimalist?” he asks. “Well, essentially it helps me feel closer to truth.” (pause) “Well, okay I want to know more about
can reduced stress lead to less clutter?
I love how seeing clean, clear lines around my home evokes in me a feeling of relaxation. However, how does someone find the time and
mental clutter – manage with more or enjoy with less?
Wow, the city can be noisy sometimes. I do my best to manage the day-to-day demand on my ears, eyes, mind and soul. Embracing a
take your time, do it right
I recently posted a reflection about losing weight. As people ask me about it, I find myself presenting a reoccurring theme about ‘just one thing
putting thought into function
I like to clean out my closet. I’m not being metaphorical this time. Twice a year I pack up one season of clothing and populate
clear space to be – part 2
There is nothing like the universe coming together to provide an opportunity. Today, an assignment of mine was suddenly cancelled so my afternoon became free.
clear space to be
I recognize that I like things. Shiny glass, strong wood, textured fabrics. My senses resonate with the things I can look at and feel. (I
paperless – 2
What’s a writer to do? I recently heard a professor tell a classroom full of students that nothing can replace excellent reference books and not
paperless
I reject paper as often as I can. My recycling bin is full enough of appropriate packaging but if I can, I try to keep
no work, no desk
Finally, a Saturday morning when we can stay home together. After a stunning hot sunny week, the weekend opens up cool and wet. There are
permission to receive less
Last week I had a birthday. In some ways I acknowledged the day and in other ways I did not. It has taken me several
no gadget night
We relax with our technology. My husband curls up with a good book on his Kobo reader. On the iPad I watch National Film Board