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Simplify your life, Have just one God

“Simplify your life! Have just one God!” – is a journey we are on. When we first published this blog article back in 2013 on our NorthernHomestead blog, we honestly had no idea where it would lead us, but as you know, when we put our minds to something, life teaches us. So, last spring, after sharing our little secret about why we are simplifying our lives, I also published an update of this blog article. That update made me realize that I needed a new blog. Mixing homesteading content with personal content does not work well, so welcome if you are new here.

Ten years ago, one of my Facebook friends posted a quote from a pastor’s message that inspired this article:

“Simplify your life! Have just one God!”

Back then, I wrote: I need to grow in my personal understanding of these rather huge words. I long for the first part, but I’m assuming it all concerns the second part.

Simplify your life

Simplifying is about doing things simply and living a simple life. I like things simple, but what exactly is simple? ‘Simplifying our lives seems to be a hot topic. There are a range of ways to simplify our lives. Some buy land and go off-grid, while others build tiny houses and declutter their stuff.

The idea of having fewer bills to pay and less stuff to care for, along with becoming more self-reliable, is inspirational. People are busy simplifying their lives these days, and this busyness strikes me.

Does being busy with simplifying truly simplify your life?

We realize that a simple, fulfilled life comes from within. If there is clutter within us, there will be clutter around us no matter how much we own. If there is worry and anxiety within us, going off-grid and living self-sufficient can become a fear-burdened lifestyle. Simplifying our life has to happen from the inside out.

Have just one God

That leads us to the second phrase – ‘Have just one God.’ Growing up in a Christian family deeply influenced my worldview. God belonged to our family very much like Grandma and Grandpa. We celebrated Christmas and Easter and never ate or went to bed without prayer.

As a kid, I remember walking in our garden between pole beans and potatoes, talking to God. No one was teaching me to do that. Here in the garden, God was so close and so real.

Wanting to know more, I decided that when I grew up, I would go to a Bible college and study the Bible for myself, and so I did. I have intensely studied the Bible all my life, to find the true God, the one I felt so close to in my childhood. I often say that gardening is what I do, but I’m passionate about spirituality.

Going through the challenges of a neurodiverse family, I became devotedly religious, holding on to my beliefs for life.

In their straightforward, unfiltered autistic way, my children challenged my beliefs to the core. Doctrines that do not hold much are quite meaningless to a very logical autistic mind. With their analytical thinking, they make decisions without bias. If it is not tangible, it’s not worth keeping.

The concept of one God, as a sole and exclusive being in a multicultural world with many religions, did not satisfy their strong sense of justice.

At first, my children’s comments sounded like blasphemy to me. However, I learned to listen to what they were saying over the years. Their logical, consistent way of thinking could not be ignored. Besides, my intense religion only complicated our already challenging day-to-day life. I had to find the truth to simplify our life.

The One God

The One God is a biblical concept; however, it is not so popular in our world or in religions. Religions often claim their own God, even if they refer to Him in the same book.

Studying the Bible, I could not ignore that the God of the Bible is not one God in numbers, sole and exclusive. He IS One God in unity; there is nothing but God. Please read with me these quotes:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God; the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

You have been shown, in order to know that the Lord He is God; there is none else besides Him. … And you shall know this day and consider it in your heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth below; there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:35+39)

In the beginning was the Word (Logos=Thought), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. (John 1.1-4)

It is good to know that there is just one God, but it changes everything if this God is One. There is nothing apart from him in heaven above or upon the earth below.

Abide in Him

God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him (1 John 4.16).

Being the One Word – Thought, the Source of all life, all is in Him. This Oneness is Love; that’s why God is Love. If we abide in God, we abide in Oneness, and the Oneness, Love, God abides in us. All IS forever Love.

If we see ourselves as separate, we will chase after things that could make us complete. It does not matter if we want more or fewer things. Those are still things, images replacing the reality that life is One because God is One. No matter how much we gain, it will never be enough.

Living ingrained in the awareness of the One God, One Life, One Source, One Love, we are part of it and every aspect of creation. We can do nothing apart from Him because we are never apart, even though we might think so.

Simplifying our life is a journey. Having One God is a liberation from fear. By abiding in Him, we are connected to the Source, the all-powerful stream of life. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’

Trust in God

We can trust in God from this Oneness, abiding in Love. I love how the amplified Bible words a text from the Book of Hebrew:

“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrew 13: 5 amplified Bible)

There is nothing outside of Gott that we need to protect ourselves from. Perfect guidance is available at all times. Our differences and (dis)abilities are like flowers in the garden.

A simple life grows out of character, free from the love of possessions rooted in total trust in God. This simple life shows itself in perfect satisfaction, liberated to love God and people. I want to simplify my life, do you?

The journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where we will be ten years from now.

Simplify your life – Abide and trust in the One God!

 

The Book – It’s just my nature

It's just my nature

I enjoy reading books on self-realization and personal development. Although many of these books are entertaining, they often lack practical advice. However, one book stands out from the rest and has truly changed my life. I was not searching for another “personality type” book, as most of them assign you to a certain color based on your dominant behavior, which can change over time.

Carol Tuttle’s book “It’s Just My Nature” examines patterns and movement, not behavior. I came across it while looking for a personal and simplified dressing style for which the author is known.

She discovered that we all have one dominant movement in our physical expression that correlates with the four core elements: air, water, fire, and earth.

This article is an introduction to the 4 Types and the benefits of knowing them as they relate to neurodivergence.

The four Types

When first reading about the four energy Types, you might be very skeptical that the movement and patterns are so consistent in nature as well as in human beings. That was actually what fascinated me the most. My nature is carved into my facial features and is shown in my natural movement. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Type 1 Air. It is an upward, light, random movement. In nature, a bubbling brook, aspen trees with circular leaves that are brilliant bright gold in autumn, bunnies, hummingbirds, butterflies, and colorful flowers remind us of that movement.

You might already be thinking of someone who walks with a bounce and talks with hands. If you look at them carefully, you will see round or heart-shaped faces, apple cheeks, a button nose, and sparkling eyes. When they smile, the entire face smiles.

These people have a natural gift of ideas; they are fun-loving and optimistic.

Type 2 Water. It’s a flowing, relaxed, subtle movement. A flowing river, weeping willow trees, doves, elephants, and pastel flowers remind us of that movement in nature.

Type 2 people are easygoing, with a smooth, graceful walk and a softened voice. They have blended and softened features, an oval face, blended cheeks, and almond-shaped eyes.

These people have a natural gift for details: gentle, tender, and sensitive.

Type 3 Fire. It is an active, reactive, push-forward, swift movement. In nature waterfall, maple trees with their angeled leaves, peacocks, and tigers will remind us of that movement.

These people often walk with heavy feet and have a more boisterous voice. They have an angular face shape, eyes set on a V, and chiseled, textured features.

These people have a natural gift for action, are determined, and seek results. They are persistent, passionate, and driven.

Type 4 Earth. It’s a constant, reflecting, straightforward movement. In nature, a mirroring mountain lake, fir trees, swans, black panthers, red roses, and white orchids reflect that movement.

Type 4 people walk with poise and upright posture and speak with exact pronunciation. They are the ones who see spelling mistakes right away. That exactness is also expressed in their refined and sculpted, oval or rectangular facial features, with eyes set on a straight line.

These people have a natural gift of reflecting with efficient, analytical thoughts.

We all express all four types to some degree, but we will lead with one as our primary energy.

What energy type are you?

Did you immediately see yourself or a loved one in the descriptions? It took us a bit longer to figure out what type we were.

Looking into the description, my husband knew right away that I was a Type 2. However, I always denied it and tried to be something else. My love for a gentle, tender, and sensitive nature made me critical of myself. I longed to be just that but judged it as being not good enough. I would often push myself way too hard, and then be exhausted and unhappy. What a relief when I finally accepted that I made a pretty bad waterfall, but flowing like a river, I can get tons done.

My husband is a Type 3 and loves busying himself with projects around the homestead. Being a Type 3 and 2 couple, we have very little fun, lowering Type 1 and perfecting Type 4 in our relationship. Before, we would blame ourselves for being so unsocial and never doing anything perfectly. But really, have you ever seen a waterfall falling into a perfectly calm lake?

By determining our energy type, we can identify our natural strengths and talents and use them instead of concentrating on what we might not be as good at.

If we caught your interest, take some time to find out what type you might be.

Neurodiversity and our nature

In my experience, neurodivergent people show their personality sometimes even more pronounced. A type one person on the spectrum might not be able to stop talking and want to play fun games no matter what age. To know them, you can adjust their day with more fun activities.

A type 2 person might be more prone to feeling overwhelmed. As a neurotypical type 2, I prefer to be home with a book to a loud party, even more so for people who are struggling with mental health. Be gentle with your type 2s.

Type 3, on the other hand, needs projects. Being home alone can be so boring for them, so give them a challenge, something to do. My Type 3 husband loves building things, and he does it in his own unique way.

From an early stage with our type 4 son, we realized that having a routine, designated space for toys, and the freedom to play alone significantly improved his functioning.

Understanding someone’s personality type can be incredibly helpful in providing them with the best possible care, even if they are unable to express their needs. The book “It’s Just My Nature” empowers you to identify personality types through observation of facial features and movements. Also, as caregivers, we can better identify what would bring us joy or overwhelm.

If we allow ourselves to be who we are and to use our natural gifts, there is so much variety, comfort, accomplishment, and perfection. There is no need to be someone you are not. Be who you are; that’s the best you can be anyway.

 

Making the Most of Social Isolation: Personal Growth and Connection

Making the Most of Social Isolation

Social isolation can be an opportunity to explore various ways to spend time and connect with oneself and your housemates during social isolation. The article is divided into two parts, and it was originally aimed at the unique situation of the epidemic, but as stated in the first part, social isolation is an everyday reality for many people. If you haven’t read the first part, you can do so here: Understanding the Reasons for Social Isolation: Insights and Reflections. This second part applies to anyone who finds themselves alone individually or as a family. 

Spend time with you

There is a big difference between being alone and spending time with yourself. Being alone is passive, and can be lonely and boring. Spending time with yourself is active and can be very rewarding. Make yourself feel good and welcome just as you would a good friend. Have a cup of tea, a special dessert, a good meal, or a nice walk in nature.

Be with yourself each moment intentionally. It is important to have a good time, have it with yourself. Do not see alone time as a means to an end. Life is lived moment by moment, a moment alone is just as precious, as a moment with a dear friend.

Also, use that time alone to see what it is like to be with you. If you do not like to be with yourself, why do you think others would? If you are not happy with yourself, alone time is there to fix it. A good book for that is The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships. The most important relationship in life is the relationship between you and You.

Have a hobby

Being socially isolated and having nothing to do is really boring. Use that time to develop a hobby. Many hobbies can be done together; however, in this article, we look into hobbies that make you feel alone. I find that a hobby alone has to be meaningful for you.

One of my hobbies is gardening. I grow a lot of flowers and yummy fruit to enjoy. Our garden is not a boring single-row garden to get it done. It is a place to spend time and enjoy it.

Painting, writing, sewing, all kinds of needlework, woodwork, beekeeping, gardening, music, photography, etc., to name just a few, can all be great hobbies to practice alone.

Make your home the best place to be

People who are always on the go often spend very little time at home. Also, people who socialize often create homes suitable for social events.

A home just for you is different. It is your place to be. Furnish and decorate it for you. There might not be a need for the big couch, to seat all your (non-existing) friends. Make it cozy for yourself.

Create different areas to enjoy and to look forward to spending time in. A hammock, sunroom, reading hatch, spa bathtub, or sauna are all great places to have in a home or garden.

I love going to the growing room at the back of our old garage to enjoy a cup of tea or meditate in the hammock. It’s like visiting a good friend. If it happens that I can visit with a friend there, it’s great, but I also enjoy it by myself.

Connect with your housemates

Many of us do not live alone. It can be a partner, children, family, extended family, or just someone with whom we share the house with. Life can be so busy that those we are closest with, get the least attention.

Close relationships might not be possible in a neurodivergent situation. Partners and family members often live together more like housemates. This summer, hubby and I had two weeks to ourselves in quarantine. Since we are empty-nesters and do not have much social life, we usually spend a lot of time together. However, two weeks of not leaving the property was a whole other level. Since we could not leave each other, we had to be with each other. It was a great experience.

Most of us have been guilty of dressing, behaving, cleaning, preparing meals, etc., just a bit better if a company is coming over or it’s just our housemates. Why?

We often find it more appealing to spend time with friends than with those so close to us because with people outside the house, there is a bit of mystery left, or we could call it masking. We only know each other’s good sides; we can choose what we expose or reveal ourselves. At home, we often let go of those masks and become more authentic, but on the flip side, we are also more vulnerable.

Social isolation from outside people can be a great time to concentrate on our own people, the ones we live with, to become more true and to give more grace. The balance between grace and truth or love and light makes home the best place to be.

While you are practicing, have a house party, dinner, game, movie, night around a fire, breakfast in bed, book club, spa, and more. The ideas can be endless. Whatever you love doing with friends, do it with your housemates. Positive actions lead to positive emotions and positive relationships.

Have a pet

Pets are great companions. I think no home should be without one. But especially if you are alone a lot, a pet can be a true blessing. Animals have great personalities and are also social beings. Now is a good time to see them this way if you have never seen them before. I often call our cat a garden cat, since she loves spending time in the garden so much. She is not overly social, and that is fine with me. She has the same personality as me.

Read and study

There is the assumption that people who are socially isolated age sooner and become demented. I think it has nothing to do with socializing but brain function. Our brain needs to be stimulated. Reading, and learning new things help.

I especially like audiobooks, and Audible makes it possible to listen to as many as I want for a very good price. Social isolation can be very quiet. Listening to a book, course, lecture, etc, gives me the opportunity to learn and listen all at the same time.

Use social media

Social media is great for connecting to people far and wide. Many people share the same hobby or lifestyle as me that I follow on social media. I often call them my friends. I have Russian, German, and English friends. They talk to “me” and make me smile. However, most don’t even know I call them friends. Just because I have so much time on hand, does not mean that I need to keep them busy.

Use social media, but don’t go overboard with it. Do not impose your neediness or loneliness on it. Deal with those things yourself. Be grateful for people who spend their time entertaining, educating, or encouraging you.

Start your own blog or vlog. Spending time alone allows us to think, learn, and experience things others may have no time for. Sharing it with others keeps us socially engaged.

What helps you to thrive in social isolation? Please share with us in a comment below.

Understanding the Reasons for Social Isolation: Insights and Reflections

Thriving in social isolation

Social isolation has been a part of our lives for a while, in 2020, it has become a global phenomenon. In this blog article we will dive into Understanding the Reasons for Social Isolation, sharing some insights and reflections. If you thought this was a unique time of social isolation, I can assure you that it is not. For so many, it’s an everyday reality, it is time we start being more aware of it.

Reasons for social isolation

Contagious sickness. Prevention is what currently keeps many people at home and, as a result, socially isolated. Not everyone takes it easy, to say the least. I hope this special time teaches us that if you are sick, you better stay home. Every year, many people go to social places with colds, flu, and viruses, resulting in many other people getting sick. Quarantine is a good thing when there is a contagious sickness. Stay home.

Location. Homesteaders and farmers often live so remotely that social isolation happens naturally, especially during winter. Sadly, though, big cities often have the same problem. They are not too far; they are too close to each other. Being constantly surrounded by strangers has the effect that we remove ourselves and isolate ourselves.

Culture and language barrier. We are immigrants children of immigrants for as long as we can trace back our lineage. People who have no idea what that is like are often rude to foreigners, telling them to go home. However, not everyone has a home. Even a DNA test did not bring back much clarity in our case. We are children of this world. Even though I speak three languages and a dialect fluently, I would have a hard time telling you which one is my mother tongue. I started multilingually. As someone who speaks different languages, I know that language is not just words, in fact, to really communicate and connect with people you have to know the culture. Cultural differences are a significant cause of social distancing.

Mental health and neurodivergence. Neurotypical people are often not aware of how many of us have some mental disorder or disability. Not everyone that looks normal also feels like everyone else. It is assumed that at least every 1 in 100 people are on an autistic spectrum, and that does not include the dark number. If your community has 1000 people, you can assume that 10 of them are affected. And that’s just one of many disorders. We have created a world that is often too loud, too busy, and too socially complex to be enjoyed by those with neurodivergence. Maybe your lonely neighbor next door is not weird; he is just not neurotypical.

Social Isolation is an opportunity

Being socially isolated is neither good nor bad in itself; what you make out of it counts. If you spend time alone to be miserable, lonely, needy, and whiny, then social isolation will negatively affect you. But all of this has nothing to do with the fact that you are alone, but alone time points out more clearly your attitude.

See social isolation as an opportunity to grow and evolve as a person. It looks like all great people in history went through some social isolation. Don’t waste that precious time, if it is your situation right now.

If social isolation is temporary, see it as a project that you have to accomplish. Don’t be a victim; this is your opportunity to experience and learn a new skill.

Social isolation might also be your long-term situation. Many long-term socially isolated people would not even want it any other way, while others might struggle greatly. Especially if you struggle with being alone, see it as an opportunity to find out why you struggle, and maybe you should not be alone.

In any case, if you see social isolation as positive, then it can turn into something even better.

May this unique global situation lead to a better understanding of social isolation and the awareness that there are people, maybe in your neighborhood, for whom social isolation is the norm. 

This blog article was first published on the NorthernHomestead blog. Part two is titled Making the Most of Social Isolation: Opportunities for Personal Growth and Connection.