If you are anything like me, you live life in a blur of rushing about and taking care of everyone else. Maybe you take time on a Sunday afternoon to get out in nature, spend quality time with family, or just relax. Perhaps you find 15 minutes at night to read a book in bed. Perhaps you push through your days, the world rushing about around you, and forgetting sometimes to stop and breathe. That is the “easy” way to live. To just keep on keeping on. Unfortunately, it is also the hardest way to live. And more likely to take a toll on your body, mind, and spirit.
I had the most peaceful Monday morning that I can remember for awhile. It was great, I went through my regular routine, although this time, I was able to be more aware of my surroundings as I drove to work. The reason? I decided to spend the day at home on Sunday. I spent the day laughing with my boys, dancing, singing, cleaning, and organizing. What I didn’t do was spend the day running around looking for ways to keep busy. It was through this, that I was able to find peace in my home, in my mind, and in my body. I have decided that I need to have more days like that in my life…
Over the years, I have wanted to simplify my life but have struggled to do so. I am not sure if it is me that’s the problem, or if being a parent makes things that much harder. I am always coming up with storage solutions, I am getting better at throwing things out, I went to paperless billing…everything in order to minimize the clutter, yet it still surrounds me. It drives me bonkers! I have come to realize that clutter makes my life more difficult, and, it really does impact my mental health, even my ability to be present in my relationships. As I have become more aware of this, I have made a pact with myself to at least make sure that when I walk into work, my desk is clear and most things are in their place. My office is the only place where no one moves my things around, or leaves their toys laying about, so I thought I would start there. It works, I find I am able to get my day started much more easily without the paper clutter that usually follows me like a dark cloud.
Although I am far from being an expert on simplicity, I do know that it does make a big difference in the greater picture. I know that once you allow yourself to embrace a simpler life, you are giving yourself the opportunity to rid your mind of unnecessary stress and frustration. I believe that “simplicity” can translate itself into all areas of your life as well, including yoga. When we step back and come back to the basics, we really begin to feel much more grounded, much more in control. Simplicity allows us to be at ease in our bodies and in our souls, and we allow ourselves the opportunity to bring in new experiences when we aren’t focusing all of our attention on busy thoughts. When times do get hectic and we feel overwhelmed, we simply come back to the breathe.
After learning firsthand the impact that yoga can have on your life, Olivia knew she wanted to explore this path further. Over the years, she absorbed as much information as she could. In 2013, she took the Street Yoga teacher training in hopes of being able to offer more to the youth she serves through her role as Youth Worker. This training left her wanting more. When the opportunity came to do the teacher training, she knew she could not pass it up.
Olivia is a mom to two boys, and because of them she wants to make the world a beautiful place. She strives to lead by example, and do her best to maintain a yogic lifestyle. She has dedicated a large portion of her life to empowering others, especially some of our most vulnerable members of society. It is her hope, that she can help others find their authentic selves. Olivia believes we all have an important role to play and that being able to bring her passion for life and yoga to a greater audience is her own contribution to society.