Returning to what matters
- Amy Littlefield
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Life can move fast, and the energy around us can feel high. When our minds and bodies are constantly stimulated, it’s easy to slip into overdrive (and overthinking!) then lose touch with what truly matters. I've been talking about this a lot in my yoga classes lately. Where do you want to give your attention? What energy do you want to hold? Where do you want to release the grip and soften? Where our attention goes...our energy flows.
There are days when I overcomplicating things and then feel like things I do aren't good enough. When that happens, if I am present and can recognize it, I can remember to return to simplicity and mindfulness. This is the work...coming home to my authentic self and my core values. Slowing down enough and building the awareness to see the "not enough" versus "this is great as is". Releasing the judgement. And knowing that what is right now is probably pretty great (even better than great!), just as it is.
As a lover of all things yoga and mindfulness, I try to pay attention and live in closer alignment with what matters most to me. My favorite practices to embrace simplicity and return to my values include:
Reconnect with nature as a guide. Nature is my favorite way to reconnect and feel GOOD. It reminds us of life’s most essential rhythms and truths. Stopping to "smell the roses", listening to birds or ocean waves, enjoying the sunrise and sunset. All ways we’re reminded that simplicity is key. Nature doesn’t rush or force, it simply follows what it’s designed to do. To me, there is nothing that can't feel a little bit better after some time at the beach or a walk in the woods. Let nature be a mirror for living in alignment with your own inner rhythm and values.
Recognize when things feel overcomplicated. When faced with challenging situations, we may allow our minds to overanalyze and create unnecessary complexity. This often pulls us away from our values and into stress, confusion, or self-doubt. Think about the practice of mindfulness. By becoming aware of what is happening, without judging ourselves, we can reconnect to reality. We can clarify what is story versus fact. We can see what actually needs to be done, and choose responses that align with who we want to be.
Live your life with intention. Take a look at your life. Are there commitments, relationships, or habits that no longer align with your values or how you want to feel? Identify what is adding unnecessary weight and consciously let it go. Practice setting healthy boundaries. Create space for what brings meaning, joy, and fulfillment. This goes back to the idea of where our attention goes, our energy flows. Let it flow somewhere that feels good to you.
Honor simple pleasures. Moments of stillness, mindful eating, and deep breaths. Thoughtful conversations and decisions that reflect our deepest values. When we slow down enough to notice the small things, we cultivate gratitude and strengthen our relationship with the present moment.
Come home to yourself. This isn’t just about the external parts of life. It’s also about reconnecting inward. Slow down and listen to your inner voice. Make space for activities that align with your values, passions, and your dreams. When we honor our needs and choose what feels true, we return to ourselves and live with greater clarity and fulfillment.
Take a few moments and ask yourself, or even journal about:
When do I feel most at home in my body and mind?
When do my choices feel most aligned with my values?
Where do I spend most of my time and energy now?
In what areas of my life can I accept more and let things be good enough?
And guess what...try not to overthink your answers, keep it simple!
Returning to what matters is an ongoing practice. It’s a gentle remembering that we don’t need to do more or be more. We simply need to come back to what feels true. And we need to remember we decide what energy we want to embody. By choosing simplicity and alignment, we create space to live with intention and ease.
Want to live a more yoga inspired life? I’ve got you in two ways! Download my Life Audit for more clarity on your purpose and priorities. Receive a free week of online yoga, meditations, journaling, and reflections.
