......simple

It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.     ~Paulo Coelho

 Yogis,

I am happy to report that I did indeed do just fine with the clothes that made it into my carry-on bag. The shoes were comfortable and the boots were cute. I was quite proud of myself for doing something I had always said I couldn’t do. In fact, I found the limited choice of outfits I had made dressing for the day simple.

I loved Ireland! This shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me since green is my favorite color. Everywhere you look – shades of green – dotted by the white of sheep. Clean, lush, natural and moist. Spectacular scenery, but the word that most came to me during my week stay was ‘simple’.

Life there appeared much simpler. Uncomplicated. From the people, to the roads, to the weather.

Each time an innkeeper asked where we were headed, the first words out of their mouth were ‘Take your time….there’s no rush’. How refreshing. When is the last time anyone here has suggested that?

They have very few rules. Arriving at the Cliffs of Moher where the edges tower hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean, unlike the US, there are no signs or fences or guards with a list of ten rules and warnings to stay back from the edge (as if we don’t realize that we can fall to our death). Everyone chooses what distance feels safe to them and respects it.  

In stores the choices are simpler. In a town shop there was one small shelf of shampoos. You simply pick one. When I go to Target and enter the shampoo aisle I get sucked into a vortex and emerge 15 minutes later. Even shampoo here has become complicated.

Most highways are only 4 lanes, the houses are modest and absolutely adorable and when you buy tickets for something, they rarely actually even take them from you. There is a certain level of trust that you are doing what you say you are doing. In fact the only policemen I saw were the ones directing traffic for the Irish Open golf tournament.

In the pubs people want to talk. In the rooms you open your windows to sleep. A hearty breakfast sets you up for your day where you aren’t hungry until late afternoon. And the untreated, un-mowed natural flora along the sides of the roads is spectacular. Flowers are very happy there. The cows and sheep grazing all day in the large open fields should be glad they are Irish.

Which brings me back to green. When I returned I realized just how surrounded I am by green on this property and how being at my home is so grounding for me and many others. When I am here and look out, life can seem simple. I am so grateful.

Green offers us simplicity. Is that their secret? If so, we need to do a much better job protecting ours…….

Yearning for simple,
SARAH