"The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them"
The Simple & Calm Interview Series - Episode 1
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Welcome to the Simple & Calm Interview Series!
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, a few weeks ago I put a call out for members of the slow and simple living community to take part in an interview for me to share on my Substack. The responses flooded in, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
This interview series will be an ongoing series, so if you’d like to take part, you can email me at simpleandcalm@substack.com and I will send you all of the details.
Today I’m sharing the very first episode of the series with you. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please consider liking the post, join the conversation in the comments, or restack this post by clicking on the circle arrow button. Thank you
Today’s guest is Alicia M. Rodriguez who writes
here on Substack. Alicia is currently writing her third book, a memoir titled The Shaman’s Wife, which is based on her experience of living in Ecuador with a Shaman. Paid subscribers to Alicia’s Substack receive a chapter every week that includes a reflection on her writing process.Alicia also runs personal, curated one/one retreats in Portugal for individuals who are ready to take a time in and rediscover themselves anew, restore their wellbeing and recalibrate their life. Find out more information, and visit her website at www.aliciamrodriguez.com
A brief introduction of who you are and what you do
I am a Latina writer and published author who has lived in six countries and traveled extensively. I am gifted with the sensitivity to explore culture, spirituality, storytelling, and magic themes attributed to my Colombian roots and love of Latin American literature. I write Nothing Is Ordinary on Substack. I live in the Algarve of Portugal, where I run personal retreats for individuals who want to align their lives to what holds meaning for them. My morning cliff walks with my dog Sophie contribute to my slow living ethic, creativity and happiness.
What made you start living a simpler, more intentional life?
I grew up with a simple life as the oldest daughter of immigrants. My simple life came to an end at 19 when my father died. I finished college and began a career in the hospitality industry and started my own business. From that business came another one as a leadership coach. My businesses thrived but at a cost to my wellbeing. In 2012 I met someone in Ecuador who changed the trajectory of my life. I moved to Ecuador and built a retreat center on the coast with him. I left Ecuador in 2020 to follow my dream of writing. I am now in Portugal living a life I intentionally designed around slow living and work that holds meaning for me.
What would your perfect, slow, 24 hours look like?
Start my day with coffee on my patio then go to the cliffs in Ferragudo, where I live, for my morning walk with my dog Sophie. Return, work out, cook breakfast, shower and write. Take a beach break and go swimming. Meet friends for a glass of wine and petiscos at sunset. Go to bed early. Repeat. This actually IS my life here and now.
Tell us a secret to a simple life
You don't need all the stuff you have been led to believe you need. A simple life focuses on having enough of what truly matters and releases you from the burden of stuff that distracts, complicates or takes up space without any meaning. A simple life is freedom.
What's the best advice you've ever been given/ read?
Everything is impermanent. Enjoy the present moment with those you love, doing the things that bring you fulfilment and joy, because the next moment may well bring you to your knees. And, don't sweat the small stuff.
A book/ website or other resource everyone should read is...
The book Bittersweet by Susan Cain. All creatives should read this. Anyone who wants to engage their life fully will enjoy the book.
One practice of your slow living life that you couldn't live without is...
My daily walk with Sophie my dog on the Algarve cliffs overlooking the ocean.
The biggest impact slow living has had on you is...
An attitude of peace and the freedom to be creative and joyful.
One thing people should do more of is...
Find time and places for quiet reflection, especially in nature, to be WITH themselves not BY themselves.
One thing people should do less of is...
Fill up all their time with shoulds or with things that distract them from self-knowledge. Busy is not productive. My most productive time is when I am still and quiet. What may look like not doing anything is when the right things are happening.
Your favourite quote is...
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist, 1987.
A piece of advice you'd give to your younger self...
Trust yourself over others. Stay true.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to live a simple more intentional life?
First, slow down. Second, focus inward. Third, Listen to that quiet voice that speaks to you in stillness. Fourth, create - art, a life or whatever moves you. Fifth, appreciate yourself for who you are.
A top tip is...
Appreciate yourself, do things for yourself first and from there do what you can for others. It's the only way to really contribute your talent, skill and wisdom.
Tell us about the time in your life that you felt the most content
I felt the most content when I was a stay at home mom with my son until he was five. We were extremely close. We had many adventures together, we created art together, and we grew as human beings together.
The best thing someone has ever said to you
I love you.
Your go to when you you want to be creative is...
Take a walk and record any thoughts or inspirations on my voice memo app. Also, hand write myself a letter in my journal.
When it all gets a bit much, how do you bring yourself back to calm?
I go to the ocean and dive into the water. I stay under as long as I can and listen. That is how I remember that every wave can pass by you and below any turbulence you can find stillness.
Tell us about your biggest extravagance
Travel is my biggest extravagance. I love to explore other cultures. It makes me question my assumptions about my life and I learn about others and remember we are far more alike than different.
Share a journal prompt for readers to ponder
Today go into nature and look for color. Write about what you saw. The green leaves, the brown peat, the white blossoms, etc. You'd be surprised where this goes.
A simple, beautiful memory you have is...
The first time my son saw a butterfly. He got right up to it with his face and exclaimed, "Mommy, that is the prettiest flower I've ever seen and it moves!"
One thing that makes life instantly better is...
A cup of rich coffee and music.
A favourite recipe that everyone should try is...
Baking bread. It feels wonderful to use your hands to knead the dough, to be patient to allow it to rise, then to form it before it bakes. To know that the luscious bread was made with your own hands is worth the time.
Where can people find you online?
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the first episode of the Simple & Calm Interview Series. Please feel free to share this post by clicking the button below…
Until next time,
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What a beautiful, well lived life 😍😍😍
Yay to week one and what a fabulous start! 🥳
I loved reading this, thanks Sophie for sharing and Alicia for such amazing words and advice.
How amazing Alicia, that your slow and perfect 24 hours is exactly what you are doing right now. And I resonate completely with your sentiment around everything being impermanent. Live for the good times now knowing that they won't last forever and remember that in your hardest times, they will pass.
Thank you 💜