Conscious Living Letters #5

Newember

Dear Conscious Reader,

Where did October go? I thought I would finally have time with the holidays behind us to tackle those 2024 goals before Christmas. But as usual, time had its plans and only scoffed, “Not so fast, my friend!”.

During the year I left the rat race—my year of freedom and exploration, both physically and mentally—I wrote in my blog about the unique energy of November. I coined it ‘Newember.’ I know it’s a little quirky, but here is an edited excerpt of what my 20-something self wrote about it back then:

New is such a positive word. New signifies birth, like a newborn child who cries out upon entering the world in shock, then marvels at all the sights, sounds, and smells around them. From there, a child will grow with curiosity, seeing everything fresh and exciting and like a big opportunity for exploration. When was the last time you saw things from the eyes of a child?

November has always been a quiet month for me—autumn, rainy, and cooling, depending on which side of the world you are in. The old has to go before the new can come in. It is not the end yet (that’s for December), but it is a period when people take the last opportunity to mellow a little, slack a little, waiting for the holidays to come. Just as the autumn trees shed their leaves, we, too, shed our burdens. And as for me, I am throwing in spring for this autumn. I’d shed the leaves and bloom with new flowers. Flowers bring joy.

Life is a journey on a long road; don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers.

Reading this now, I chuckled at the innocence of what I wrote. Back then, I was writing about seeing things through a child’s eyes, without the faintest idea I’d one day have children of my own! I think I was remembering my younger self—10-year-old Rachel, the wise. And look how far I’ve come; those lessons have come to life in my children. Every day, they remind me to look at the world through their eyes. 

Newember on this side of the world.

I recalled this post because, this November, I feel that sense of “new” all over again. But in a different sense. I am not mellowing out; I have so many plans and so many ideas to bring to life before the year ends. Despite the difference in perspective, it’s a good thing I am feeling this way again. It’s been a long time since I have the time and headspace to feel this spark again. 

Could this mean I’m back on track, channeling my energy into what my heart wants? Back then, in those early days of conscious living, this idea came to me. And this year, after starting this Conscious Living newsletter 9 months ago, it struck again, proving that I have found my way again. 

As we move into this month, I invite you to take a moment and decide what ‘Newember’ could mean for you this year. Whether slowing down or gearing up, I wish you a meaningful, mindful month.

Cheers,

Your conscious friend

P/S: As I have hinted, I have many plans—including new ideas for this newsletter. So, stay tuned!

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For Conscious Living

Fulfillment

My word of the year was “Harmony”. I have been actively reminding myself of it throughout the year and cultivating it where possible while appreciating the already present harmony. As I reflect, though, I realize I’ve also been actively seeking fulfillment in many areas of my life, from embarking on writing here to redefining my role at work. I kept asking myself what would make me fulfilled. What should I spend my precious time doing? There is so much to unpack here; I’ll let it brew for now. 

What about you? Have you thought about what fulfillment means for you lately?

If Your World Is Not Enchanted, You're Not Paying Attention by

L. M. Sacasas

If you are heading over for a read, sit down with a cup of tea and get comfortable first. This is how it’s always been with L.M. Sacasas' writings; it requires attention and deep thinking. I have been a long-time reader of his; if memory serves me right, he was the first Substack I ever subscribed to. This piece resonates with me because it is not only about paying attention but also about being enchanted by the world again. I have yet to use the word enchantment in my contemplations on conscious living, but it seems to fit perfectly. It is related to the feeling of awe, but in my interpretation, it is slightly more subdued yet still entranced. Conscious living requires paying attention to the now, not only inward but also outward—to which you might just find yourself enchanted by the world.

For writing

On How To Be Prolific and How To Face The Wall by

Alexander Chee

Alexander wrote this excellent think piece on writing. I find the word ‘prolific’ so much more sexy than ‘productive’; I am not saying they’re the same, but they’re close cousins. One part that stood out to me was when he explained how our minds shut down, thinking it’s protecting us. That was precisely what was happening to me, too, at the beginning of my Vipassana 10-day meditation retreat. My mind kept shutting down, falling asleep as a way to protect me, but as Alexander suggested, I gave it a new job to keep going, and together, we got over the wall. It is a simple but powerful strategy, especially for writing—or any time persistence feels daunting.

For Sharing

Am I still a minimalist? by

Molly Ella

 

Molly reflects on her experience as a minimalist over the past 5 years, and it’s fascinating to see how her perspective has come full circle. I’ve always strived to be a minimalist (remember when owning only 100 things was a trend?), but I’ve never truly been able to achieve it. Things tend to accumulate around me, even if I don’t acquire them myself, especially with kids. I have done my share of Konmari¹, too; once, I went all out with my wardrobe. While satisfying, the process took a lot of energy and mental space, so I didn’t go through the whole house as she suggested. But as long as I could remember, I kept to this mantra and found it sustainable—use what I have as long as possible, buy only when there’s a real need, and remove or give away anything that’s no longer in use.

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In case you’ve missed these in the past month:

The hidden power of names

An interview with

Sophie S.

from This is Sophie Today about living a little differently.

Off-Grid Voices - A Chat With Rachel Ooi

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1.  The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go. [1]