Effortless Living
All things I love
"Méli-mélo" is my favorite French word—it's a "mishmash": a mixture or jumble of different things that are often disorganized or intertwined in a chaotic or confused manner. Somehow, it's within this chaos that I can find order.
And you know how much I love to take inventory at the end of each month...
So, here begins my méli-mélo, and I hope you find something for yourself in there.
If you are in Paris or planning to visit soon, please scroll down (and let me know if you'll be there in mid-December!)
Two books: How To Live and Hell Yeah or No
These two books changed my life and opened my eyes. I'd recommend getting both of them. They are easy to read and provide food for thought. If you're ready to live a really good life, start with Hell Yeah or No. If you love to ponder the meaning of life, then begin with How To Live. Each book is priced at around 12€, and you'll find them truly inspiring.
Your future self is depending on you.
Your descendants are dependant on you.
Our future generations are depending on us.
Use the compounding amplifier of time.
Thinking super-long-term is how to live.
Derek Sivers, How To Live
We are too busy to react when opportunities come our way. We miss out on the great because we’re busy with the mediocre.
The solution is to say yes to less.
If you’re not feeling “Hell yeah, that would be awesome!” about something, say no.
It’s an easier decision. Say no to almost everything. This starts to free your time and your mind.
Derek Sivers, Hell Yeah or No
Capsule wardrobe: mix & match
A touch of dark brown and a pop of red can elevate our beige basics. It makes getting dressed more satisfying. Take a look in your wardrobe to see how you can recreate and play with these two silhouettes.
*Adding some dark brown:
*Adding some red:
Reflect & Connect the dots
On the last day of each month, set a reminder to return to this practice. Reflect and connect the dots.
Now is the time to open your Notes app or your notebook and write down:
What went well this month.
What didn't go well this month.
What you're working toward.
What you are grateful for.
You can focus on one specific area of your life that has been highlighted this month, or repeat the exercise for each area of your life: health, love, family, spirituality, money, play, friends, work, growth.
REFLECT
CONNECT THE DOTS
You can use this “life audit” wheel and evaluate from 0 (not good) to 10 (excellent) how you felt about each area this past month. Mark each area with a dot, and then, connect the dots.
Have fun!
A Serenity Temple in Paris
Earlier this month, I was in Paris with friends, and I absolutely loved OGATA. I was blown away by the vision of the man behind it (Mr. Ogata himself) and the moment of true Peace & Quiet I experienced there. Probably the most silent space in Paris is when you go into the basement. I highly recommend having an afternoon tea experience there (starting at 35€ per person) and stopping by the boutique to get some tea and fresh Japanese pastries. Even the way they wrap your order is an experience…
October in The Light Letter
a sweet recipe & a voice mail to you, dear reader
slowing down together (more events of this kind coming soon)
Every second of it
I don’t know if he is the easiest child that ever existed, but Eā is truly a joy to be around 24/7, and he is my anchor as much as I am his.
How are you doing?
How was October for you? How are you, truly? How was your experience of the Eclipse season?
Infinite Blessings,
Ardas Chandra
***Spoiler alert — after decades looking for the meaning of life, I found one satisfying answer: life has the meaning you give it.