July 2023 - Getting Back to basics

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you."
- Walt Whitman

Photo credit: Maria Orlova @orlovamaria

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“In your mind, getting back to something basic means: giving it your attention; acknowledging in your heart, your emotions, that it’s important; committing honestly to it, and making a plan about it.” – Rick Hanson, PhD

I can recall many years ago when I played volleyball, and our team was making unforced errors and beating ourselves, someone on the team would eventually remind us to get back to basics or fundamentals and they’d say, “It all starts with a pass”, meaning when the serve comes over the net, our most basic job was to pass the ball to the setter, and that was the first thing that had to happen before we could even make an offensive play.
 
Over the years, I’ve found getting back to basics or fundamentals a helpful mental tool for getting out of my own way many times. When feeling overwhelmed and not sure which thing to tackle first, get back to basics, start small, one foot in front of the other. This will be different for all of us. This might mean getting up and taking a shower, or making a cup of coffee, scheduling that overdue appointment, feeding the cat, or cleaning the toilet. Whichever is the case, committing to taking the first step towards the most basic task, must happen before you can move forward. 
 
If you're looking to get back to basics and simplify your life, here are some tips that may help:

1. Declutter: Start by decluttering your physical and digital spaces. Get rid of things you no longer need or use. Simplifying your surroundings can create a sense of calm and clarity.
2. Prioritize: Identify the most important aspects of your life and focus on them. Determine your values and goals and align your actions with them. Let go of activities or commitments that don't align with your priorities.
3. Unplug: Take breaks from technology and social media. Spend time connecting with nature, reading books, or engaging in activities that don't involve screens. Unplugging can help you reconnect with yourself and the present moment.
4. Practice mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Engage in activities mindfully, such as eating, walking, or conversing. Being present can increase your appreciation for the simple things in life.
5. Simplify your schedule: Avoid overcommitting yourself. Learn to say no to activities or events that don't bring you joy or align with your priorities. Create space in your schedule for relaxation, self-care, and quality time with loved ones.
6. Spend time in nature: Nature has a way of grounding us and helping us reconnect with the essentials. Take walks in the park, go hiking, or spend time gardening. Nature can provide a sense of tranquility and remind us of the beauty in simplicity.
7. Practice gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the things you appreciate in your life. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each day. Shifting your focus to gratitude can bring a sense of contentment and perspective.
8. Embrace minimalism: Consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle, where you intentionally own and consume less. Focus on quality over quantity and let go of material possessions that don't serve a purpose or bring you joy. Embracing minimalism can free up mental and physical space.
9. Reconnect with hobbies: Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to express yourself. Rediscover hobbies you may have neglected and make time for them regularly. Hobbies can be a source of fulfillment and help you reconnect with your passions.
10. Foster meaningful relationships: Invest time and energy in nurturing meaningful relationships with family and friends. Prioritize quality time and deep conversations over superficial interactions. Cultivating strong connections can bring a sense of fulfillment and support.

Remember, getting back to basics is a personal journey, and it may look different for everyone. Take small steps, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of simplifying your life.

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Photo credit: Ralph W. Lambrecht

Reminder

Nowadays, inclement weather can be year-round. If you’d like to change your in-person appointment to meeting online, please feel free to do so, but give me a heads up in advance so I don’t travel to the office. If inclement weather prevents us from meeting online, I’ll do my best to reschedule you as soon as possible. ​

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A little about me / my practice:

• My clinical interests and practice focus on helping low-moderate acuity individual adults. I help people cope with anxiety, depression, adjusting to life changes, grief, stress, chronic pain, and non-complex trauma. These are all things that I’ve had experience with at some point in my life. Some of my favorite therapeutic techniques include CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy, Mindfulness-Based techniques, and Integrative Behavioral Health practices. I have a Person-Centered theoretical orientation and enjoy helping people identify and reconnect with their personal strengths toward living a more authentic life. A diagnosis is just a collection of adjectives to describe what you’re dealing with. People who seek out counseling to help improve their functioning by minimizing unpleasant symptoms are H E A L T H Y.   

​I wish you a healthy Summer and look forward to meeting you when the time is right for you. Until then….
 
Tracy Hunt, MSEd, LPCC
Owner, Turning Inward LLC
“Gentle Support for Difficult Times”
937-321-9794