I love what you said about taking a break if you know you'll end up feeling like crap if you push through. I feel like current culture is sleep deprived and over worked. I find myself trying to push hard and shaming myself into doing more, because I'll be a "failure" if I don't accomplish more. Obviously this is a very toxic negative mental attitude. So many of use are trying to race/compare ourselves with each other at being the most productive. I struggle with perfectionism and it's always good to remind myself to slow down.
Thanks so much for sharing, yes it's quite sad to think about, people pushing themselves beyond their limits and feeling guilty when we don't do enough. In the end, I think life is just something to be grateful for and enjoy :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Exactly, f.e. I have discovered I need 9 hours of a good sleep and it took me a year to convince myself to sleep that long, and another year to convince my husband I really need it (he sleeps 6 haoirs a day) :)
Thank you for releasing us from the tyranny of time-bound goals and productive downtime! Moving forward constantly is exhausting, especially when things outside your control set you back.
Yes, it's also so important to just enjoy life, without feeling the pressure to always have to move forward :) Take care and enjoy doing nothing for a while! :)
Hi Vera, great video as always, very inspiring too ! I turned 30 a few days ago and I started to reflect a lot about my life... Also, I found this quote about yoga on Pinterest the other day and liked it very much : "Don't practice yoga to get better at yoga. Practice yoga to get better at living". Have a nice day ! 😊
Thank you for this video! I want and try different things with woodworking like making pens, trying to build things, try wood carving, etc.. I look up videos and try to learn ways to do these things but eventually see how good others are at it and give up on myself. I feel like I will never be that good at any of this. I have been told that it doesn’t matter what others do but what I can do and enjoy what I can do. These topics you discussed help me to try to do these things no matter what , so again thank you! I find a lot of comfort in your videos and now it’s like listening to a good friend giving me advice and a pep talk! I appreciate all that you do!
Everything you said resonates with me so much, especially the bit about downtime and productivity. Your videos are so relaxing, yet always offer food for thought, thank you 💜
I think it would be a wonderful idea to make a video on intentional living 101 for beginners. You always give great tips, but many beginners get easily frustrated and overwhelmed, then give up before they even get started.
I grew up with a yoga teacher mom, so the practice has always been there for me.. I love that you mentioned that what the pose looks like is not important! My mantra on my mat is: there is nothing to prove here…open heart open mind…..
As for time-oriented goals, on Jan. 1, 2020, I set a goal of following a healthful, reduced-calorie eating plan for one year, and I lost 60 pounds. I didn't have a numerical goal, but it happened to be exactly the right weight for me when Dec. 31, 2020 arrived. I like the question of how what I am doing today will affect the future me. Maybe also, what I am NOT doing today.
Intentional living for beginners would be fantastic Vera! I love your videos they are soooooo inspiring I would love to learn more about this Vera. Thanks for sharing🙌
Sometimes taking that extra time to do something that calms and makes you happy in the middle of the day helps you have the energy to finish the routine tasks for the rest of the day giving you an energy boost.
Love the concept of progress over perfection. As someone who is a perfectionist, it's important to be happy about any progress. Sometimes I need to remind myself of this.
Thanks for sharing :) I actually have a full video about how I overcame my perfectionism if you're interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ig_ZyptMP1A.html
@@SimpleHappyZen I saw that one and I actually had it saved for replay. Thank you so much! I always find your videos so helpful and they clarify things.
What I learned from this video: be mindful about your patience with yourself and have some. Be mindful with maintaining your endurance. Also, be mindful and try to maintain reason. Stay mindful and aware of the importance of relaxation. And lastly, always invest in important relationships! Thank you Vera.
I used to watch your videos immediately as soon as you upload. But as life got busy, I couldn't keep up and didn't watch for so long. Now I am happy that I can start watching. So many videos to catch up 🥰. You are one of the youtubers who is making me not delete RU-vid app on my mobile phone 👍
@@SimpleHappyZen Yes dear, and I am about to start your 7 days series videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙏 Thanks for teaching me it is ok to relax and not do anything. And making me realise what others think of me doesn't limit my capability.
These were so good. I really liked the “productive downtime” Lately it seems everyone has taken up watercolor painting and you can feel “less-than” if you are not being as creative in your downtime. Maybe I should crochet a blanket🤔 I hope you will share where your thoughts and experiences bring you to on this topic.
"Process over progress" It makes sense to get involved and develop your output with the process in mind. I won't overdo it or push past my limits. Some good considerations to me. Sincerest appreciation for the video Vera.
I started watching this channel because of my mother. Me and my mother were very similar; but one thing that made us different was that I had many things. Meanwhile, my mother was working on minimalism. I noticed that I couldn't find many things in my bedroom even though it was clean and organized! It was just too hard to clean up because the pile of things I owned just kept growing and growing... I also have been bullied because of I didn't have things that others had (new phones for example). Everyone thought in my class that richness will make them happy. After watching your videos( thanks to mother) I am now working on minimalism! And I found myself happier! I feel so relaxed and grateful listening to your videos!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I'm happy you were introduced to my channel! I'm sorry to hear you were bullied, that's so wrong. I hope you'll be able to talk to someone about these things to process them whenever you need to. Lots of luck to you and your mom!
I wish I could give this vid 100 upticks. You always inspire me and because you have suffered from burnt-out I feel you understand my struggles with ME/CFS. Thank you so much.
Online, many people are so into stating their opinions forcefully and publicly. The difference with intentional living seems to be that it's about your own opinions about how you live your own life and how you want to be affecting others. These are things that tend to happen naturally over time, I've found (I'm older), so don't be too hard on yourself!
Thank you for this video 💖 I’m looking forward to the intentional living for beginners video! I’ve recently come into an “intentional mindset” sort of, so having guidance from someone who has been living it will be very helpful 😊
I just found you a few days ago. I would really love a video for intentional living beginners. I absolutely need and love your outlook, and insights. Thank you so much for sharing them!
"If we allow ourselves to enjoy the process, instead of always focusing on getting better or how well we're doing it, we will automatically improve over time." Love that!
Dear Vera I saw your channel by chance around 3 months ago or so and have made many changes to my life since then.I have to admit that after becoming familiar with minimalism I checked other channels as well but none of them gave me the wonderful feeling of inner calm that you give. I even whach your videos with my 10 year old daughter and she is sooo intrested. I want to thank you for all you do and all you give. I really wished I could become a patron but since I live in Iran its toooooo hard to transfer money. I wrote this comment today since the international internet will soon be cut off in Iran and we wont have access to youtube any more . Thank you again for all your efforts to make things better. Keep on the good work. ⚘⚘
Thank you so much for your kind comment, that's really very sweet and I'm so glad you and your daughter are finding value in my videos. Sending a big hug for the both of you. 🌷
@@SimpleHappyZen Dear Vera Hi. I dont know why I keep getting reply from some one with inappropreate photos under this comment of mine. Eventhough I reported them they still keep coming.
@@saebi3456 Thank you for letting me know. It's good that you're reporting them. I've been working hard to stay on top of comment notifications and deleting and blocking them as soon as possible, to keep the comment sections enjoyable for everyone. I hope the problem will be resolved soon.
Hi.vera your videos are so relaxing and at the same time intentional towards our lives in a simple way. So thank you for all your efforts, keep going, God bless you.
Only if you take good care of yourself you're able to be there for others in my humble opinion😊. I do struggle with it at times and cross boundries in case of emergency but than I always pay the price😕. it has been worth it, but I am making sure I have enough me time and rest in " regular time" to be able to step up when it's necessary. Because we will never know what time it is in a minute ⏰
Thank you Vera for another amazing, spot-on video. I agree with everything you say here! My life has changed so much (in the direction of simplicity, minimalism, self-care, and intentional living) in the past few years and I'm so grateful I found your channel!
It’s time for us to live intentionally. Do good before you do well. Value the process over the progress. Focus on our present moments. All of you said resonates with me. Thanks for this meaningful video!
Hi Vera, great video, I am catching up on you as Ive not been intentionally living but im getting back on track, I dont really go out much, but ive just booked a yoga class once a week with my friend, im a home body and do yoga at home, but its a double whammy meeting my wonderful friend and doing an hour of yoga in a class of 12. I am a patron and I recommend supporting this wonderful channel and getting extra content from the wonderful Vera xxx
Aw thank you so much, I really appreciate that! :) Happy you enjoyed this video. And I'm excited for you with starting a yoga class with a good friend :) That's so nice. Enjoy!
Excellent! Perfect timing, feeling that stuck in the rut myself. Doing reflections also. I agree a lot from this past year has impacted us. Thank you Vera!
I love your videos! simple but elegant! you desire more subscribers, but as you mentioned that is something we can't control. Follow your heart, it just the timing!
a goal without a time frame is a dream . if you dont push, i feel like it'll never get done but you are right , somethings dont need to be pass or fail. like you said about sub levels the fact that you are over 100k is amazing so every individual is a blessing. not sure it needs to be a goal to get to 200k, you are already better off than 99% of the rest of the world
I like this video because nobody really has the right answers to anything (except math), it shows growth and change. We’re practically the same age and it’s comforting to see I’m not the only one with these thoughts in my head. Thank you
I could relate to everything that you said, and have also struggled with and pondered these questions. Sometimes it's a back-and-forth between enjoying relaxing with no "guilt" and then feeling like I should be doing something else when I just want to sit on the couch and read a book. but more and more, I find when I honour what I truly feel like doing in the moment, then other things flow more easily and sometimes I'm even more productive than I had planned.
I catched myself yesterday thinking while I was meditating if it was bringing something to me or if I do something more productive, you made me realise it is ok to do things we enjoy only because and not trying to be productive the hole day, I will try my best to do something every day that I enjoy or makea me happy, thank you Vera, greetings from also gray and rainy Hamburg
Hi Vera... How are you..? All 6 points are very valuable as you explain nicely. Target is always important but if the journey to reach there enjoyable ... then that success is more precious. It is a life... Thanks for enriching our life thru simple tips... Great 👍 enjoy moments 🎉🎉
Thank you Vera for another relatable topic. Your reflective approach in life resonates with me. I practice reflecting on what happened in my day. It can be simply chatting it up with my accountability buddy or during meditation I allow myself to let my thoughts and feelings of the day surface so I can sit with both the comfortable and uncomfortable ones. Always a fan here! Keep inspiring 🧡
I can relate with you about being self absorbed, I think that this past year or 2 have made us do a self examination and are we living our life the way we really want to, is it bringing us happiness. I’m usually more interested in what others are doing, being interested in them & being supportive for them. I still am but I also feel like I’m spending all my extra time as “me time”, I’m so happy you brang this up, I’ll be more aware of letting others in.
I really liked this video where you tell about your own process and also struggles. It makes it really relatable. In this video I'm on the same page with you about the yoga. I also do it for several years, yet I still can't do a proper shaturanga or crow pose haha. But indeed, I love doing yoga so much that I don't care anymore. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! :) Yes haha, good to know I'm not alone! I watch Adriene do a crow pose like it's nothing and it almost seems like we're not trying the same thing hahaha
I just found your youtube channel few days ago. and it is already came to my mind some of your do's and don't thar really helps me to relax. I am looking forward to try out this kind of habits you shared here. Thank you.
I enjoy your videos so much. So inspiring. I just started my new RU-vid channel and seriously you inspire me so incredibly much. Thank you for that. 🐎✨🐎✨✨
Hello Vera, I appreciate the chapters very much! Sometimes I am looking for some thought or sentence you said later on, and then I am not even sure which video that was in, so the chapters help a lot! Thank you for your work! I find your approach to simplicity and mindfulness unique and refreshing. 💕
I can relate to what you're going through. I think a lot of people can since we've been presented with the opportunity to reflect and reprioritize. Ducks! Haha cute
Happy early birthday Vera! I’ve been watching your videos since you first started making them and you’ve helped inspire me to live more intentionally. Much love ❤️
Hey Vera..nice video..really enjoy your videos..they exude a very calm feeling. Hey one suggestion - instead of saying no scarcity of time we can say "i have abundant time"..
Thanks, really great video and some good things to think on. I've been learning a foreign language and I've been pressuring myself to learn everything immediately, but I've been realizing that this expectation is completely unrealistic. You are so right that not all goals have to be time-bound.
I really enjoy all your videos ! I feel they are so real and honest! Your videos has helped me alot with my minimalist journey, a ramdon girl from Miami
Thank you for another wonderful video, Vera! I needed to hear this today. I’d love to watch the beginner guide for intentional living so I look forward to it ❤️ Have a great weekend!
Downtime is productive, just on another level. A deeper level of self-care. Playing the Sims for example allows your brain to produce chemicals that essentially "clean the deck". Much like computers that need to be switched off and unplugged to be cleaned. Computers are literally producing nothing at that time, however, being cleaned is necessary for its productivity, so it enhances it, contributes to it, therefore it is productive. Human brains are so awesome. It takes a normal computer 40 minutes to do what occurs in the human brain in 4 seconds. We are self-aware and know when our brains need a good cleaning. With our hobbies or doing nothing, we determine which is more effective to achieve that. Whether we listen to the warning lights or not, whether we stop to clean our minds is up to us, but if we don't, at some point, we will stop functioning at our peak performance, like a dusty grimy computer. Downtime is essential maintenance.
Vera, thank you for this video on intentional living. . I have listened to it several times now and here some feedback. I like the chapters that you cover often by example from your own experience. (The 6 'titles' are already in my Bullet Journal, under the pages for August called " quotes, findings, and good ideas" ) I like the definition you give in the beginning, that intentional living starts from your own values and beliefs and that you then try to live along them. For me intentional living also means that you are mindful as rgds people around you, nature around you, etc .....And that you are cautious and listening to everything around you. Your chapter nbr 1 is really good; trust the process....don't always aim for the progress or results, or chase for something 'better' / smarter/richer ....', although I have all my life aimed for the result!! I am definitely eager to see more videos on the topic. All the best to you and your partner, hoping August will be enjoyable for you. Bengt.
Thank you so much Bengt for sharing your thoughts! I love what you said about being mindful of people and nature around you, and being aware, cautious and listening
Vera, I love your video content. It helps me to keep myself in check, because being a counselor can be draining. When working with clients, I tell them SMART goals stand for: Specific Measurable Attainable REALISTIC Timely I capitalized the R because that’s often what many people forget when they are goal-setting, myself included. If goals are not realistic, we’re pretty much setting ourselves up for failure. For example, in 3 days, my goal is to lose 150 pounds of my body weight, by eating correctly, working out, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest on those days. That’s beyond unrealistic…lol! But, it was specific, measurable, and attainable. However, not attainable in 3 days. Had I said in 12-18 months, then that is more realistic. Not every goal is like that though. I have learned to be more intentional, since Covid-19 appeared on the scene. I enjoy my coffee; I cherish my alone time; and I am appreciative of what I can and am doing. Now, that’s something I learned from watching your videos last year. 😀
Hi Ms.Vera I miss you watch the video. . Bec.last week i gave birth unfortunately I'm CS ☺️ It's a healthy boy Ms.Vera🤗🤗 But now i watch again your video❤️☺️☺️ Take care and godbless🙂🙂
Hi Vera. I think chapters are good. I'm curious why you follow a formalized routine such as Tai Chi or Yoga as opposed to a variety of different exercises and movements that might work better for you. Now, about not being able to touch your toes!!??😳 I couldn't when I was in my 20's but can do so easily at 71. It's a process but a surprisingly easy one.
Hi Robert! I like all kinds, routines like tai chi or yoga, where a teacher tells you what to do and you can simply enjoy doing it, as well as dancing, walking, hiking, playing tennis, where everything is much more flexible. For me, a combination of different forms works best. And yes, I hope I'll be able to one day! :) I also had a torn hamstring injury that never fully recovered, so I need to be extra mindful and can't push it. How did you eventually get there? Have a great day!
@@SimpleHappyZen Try reasonably straight legs and allow your back and head to roll forward and down, arms hanging loose. No forcing the reach to the floor. Just hang there for 30 seconds or a minute. Do this whenever you think of it, several times a day. It took me about two or three months doing this then I could touch the floor as my back loosened and stretched. Yes, be careful of that hamstring. My right one is bad, the side my work injury/disability is on,
I’m curious about your charming table set on which you are elegantly seated and typing. Where did you buy it from? It looks perfect for journaling. Is that also where you do do your daily journaling? I always enjoy watching your videos as I learn so much from them and you are just a real inspiration.
@@SimpleHappyZen I’m delighted to hear that you are studying Japanese. I’m always working on a language. How about you do a video on your routine of language study?
Hi Vera I love to watch your videos always have ❤️ I learn something and usually relax as well? I enjoyed this very much but found I was trying to listen to you and the background music at the same time so struggled a bit? maybe the music was a bit louder than normal? I think the chapters are a great idea for anyone wanting to make notes 🤗 I also need to connect more with family and friends the pandemic hasn’t helped so I appreciate you making me aware of it 😉
Thanks so much, happy you enjoyed the points in this video :) And yes, I think the music was probably a little bit louder in the mix in this video, I'll be mindful of that in the future :) I love music but it shouldn't be distracting. Thanks for letting me know :) Have a lovely day!
I have bought 2 wooden coffee/tea cup and a few other wooden stuff by dille en kamille . I want to downsize to more wood or bamboo utensils and drinking cups. More natural and more in tune what I truly need. And there goes a few items go to friends or i sell them. Can you doe a video how to begin a more minimalist lifestyle, because i try and i find it really difficult to do thing away.
I there! I recommend these three videos for starting a minimalist lifestyle: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WU6A_agxaOA.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KK41B6aPeUs.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-40QfYunTcRg.html If you're also struggling with what to do about sentimental items, I also recommend this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7AF5tH1D-pI.html
