The Disappearing Art of Using Common Sense

A Balance Nirvana Reflection

The other day, while sipping my evening coffee and scrolling through yet another post about self-improvement, a strange thought crossed my mind — When did we stop trusting our common sense?

These days, we have apps to tell us when to breathe, trackers for sleep, and reminders to drink water. Helpful? Sure. But necessary? Not always.

Somewhere in this rush of advice and solutions, we’ve lost touch with something incredibly simple—and powerful: our own inner knowing.

We Know More, But Are We Wiser?

Let’s be honest. We all know that:

• Rest is important.

• Water solves more problems than we think.

• A short walk helps clear the mind.

• Saying “no” when overwhelmed is healthy.

  
  

Yet, we often ignore these basics. Not because we don’t care, but because we’ve been conditioned to look outward for answers, even when the truth is already within us.

So we sign up for another course, download another meditation app, or wait for the perfect moment to start “living better.”

But life isn’t waiting.

Coming Back to Our Senses

At Balance Nirvana, we often remind ourselves—and our community—that wellness doesn’t need to be complex. Most healing begins with very ordinary things:

• Taking three slow breaths before answering that message.

• Drinking water before reaching for coffee.

• Closing your eyes and doing nothing for a full minute.

• Listening to your body instead of your to-do list.

  
  

None of this is rocket science. It’s just common sense. But today, that feels rare.

Why Do We Ignore the Obvious?

We often think big problems need big answers. But what we truly need is already in front of us.

We’ve just become too busy—or too distracted—to notice.

We trust apps more than our gut, trends more than our rhythm, and routines more than rest. While technology and tools have their place, they were never meant to replace our own wisdom.

A Common Sense Tip

Next time your head feels heavy or your heart feels tired, don’t reach for your phone right away.

Instead, pause. Ask yourself: “If I had no apps, no advice, what would I do right now?” Chances are, your body and mind will tell you. Because deep down, you already know.

The Importance of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that encourages us to be present. It allows us to connect with our inner selves and recognize our needs.

When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. This awareness helps us make better choices. It also helps us trust our instincts.

Simple Mindfulness Techniques

Here are some simple techniques to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life:

1. Breathing Exercises: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly. This can help reduce stress and increase clarity.

   
   

2. Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you are grateful for each day. This practice shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.

   
   

3. Nature Walks: Spend time in nature. Observe the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This can ground you and enhance your connection to the world.

   
   

4. Digital Detox: Set aside time each day to unplug from technology. Use this time to engage in activities that nourish your spirit.

   
   

The Power of Reflection

Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth. It allows us to evaluate our experiences and learn from them.

Taking time to reflect can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding. It can also help us identify patterns in our behavior and thoughts.

How to Reflect Effectively

1. Set Aside Time: Dedicate a few minutes each day or week to reflect on your experiences.

   
   

2. Ask Questions: Consider questions like, “What did I learn today?” or “How did I feel in that situation?”

   
   

3. Write It Down: Keeping a journal can help you process your thoughts and feelings.

   
   

4. Share with Others: Discussing your reflections with a trusted friend can provide new insights.

   
   

Final Thought

Common sense is not a forgotten skill—it’s just a quiet one.

It doesn’t come from a book or a podcast. It comes from listening—to your body, your breath, and your surroundings.

So maybe, instead of searching harder for answers, we just need to slow down enough to remember what we already knew.

Because sometimes, the most mindful thing you can do…is simply do what makes sense. That, too, is Balance Nirvana.