I’ve said it before: when we are our best selves, we are our most conscious selves…
I just believe this to be true!
So the question is: how can we be our most conscious selves most of the time?!
Space and Doing Less: The Two Keys
A recent insight I’ve had is that being our most conscious selves most of the time stems from the following:
- Having space.
- Doing less (and potentially having less), not more.
This insight is taken from personal experience. Every time I’ve had space to just be, think, and process what’s going on, and to do less rather than being so busy moving from one thing to the next without a break to breathe in between, I’ve noticed how I live more consciously…
And therefore show up as my best and most conscious self!
What Changes When You Have Space
In this space, I’m more thoughtful of others, I react less to events I cannot control, and I feel I make better choices and decisions.
However, as you probably know and experience daily, this is ever more challenging in the modern world, which is why I think it’s even more important to craft time out for self-reflection, solitude, and living fully in the present moment, where life is actually lived! There’s good science behind this: a landmark Harvard study found that our minds wander nearly half of our waking hours, and that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Presence isn’t just pleasant; it’s where our well-being lives.
Practices That Bring You Back to the Present
This can take many shapes and forms, whether that’s a daily journal practice, meditation, nature walks (without technology!), or watching the sunset. Find what works for you and do it regularly!
I cannot stress the value of having a practice that takes us out of the daily busyness of life and brings us back to the present moment.
The Life Audit: Removing What Doesn’t Serve You
Furthermore, over the long term, it would be wise to complete a life audit: removing all that doesn’t serve you, so that you end up with more space in your life and doing less, not more. That way you can live more consciously and do the things you actually want to do, the things that bring you the most energy. This is really just another way of remembering that simplicity beats complexity every single time, and it happens to help you be your most conscious, and therefore best, self most of the time! It also starts with getting honest about what you’re actually aiming for in the first place.
I don’t know about you, but life is just better that way.
Key Takeaways on Living Consciously by Doing Less
- Space and Doing Less: Creating breathing room and slowing down helps you step away from continuous busyness and live with far greater intention.
- What Changes When You Have Space: Having time to process your thoughts reduces knee-jerk reactions, improves decision-making, and keeps your mind grounded in the present.
- Practices That Bring You Back: Simple daily habits like journalling, tech-free nature walks, or watching the sunset help clear mental clutter and rebuild focus.
- The Life Audit: Stripping away unnecessary commitments creates room for activities that recharge your energy.
FAQs for Why Doing Less Helps You Live More Consciously
Why does doing less help you live more consciously?
When you slow down, you create mental space to process your thoughts and emotions. This helps you react less to events outside your control and make intentional choices instead of rushing mindlessly through your day.
How do you create space in a busy schedule?
Start by trimming non-essential tasks and building short pauses between activities. Taking moments to rest without distractions gives your mind room to reset.
What is a life audit and how do you conduct one?
A life audit involves reviewing your daily commitments and removing things that drain your energy. By shedding activities that no longer serve your goals, you make room for more aligned habits.
What simple daily practices keep you grounded in the present?
You can try journalling, meditating, or going for a walk in nature without your mobile phone. Watching the sunset or simply focusing on your breath also helps anchor you in the moment.
