Written by George Calombaris
For me, conscious living starts when you wake up and continues until you go to bed. It’s about discovering what brings you joy and motivation. It involves everything from choosing ethical coffee in the morning to exercising, treating others with love and care, and cooking delicious meals with quality ingredients.
Curious about how I embrace conscious living? Let’s dive in.
On balancing technology and mindfulness
Being present is essential, especially with all the technology around us. I set strict guidelines for phone use and stick to them, and I have non-negotiables in my life. I wake up, have an espresso, play squash for an hour, and then spend time with my family before starting the day. In the evening, when we’re together, we stay present and enjoy each other’s company.
Looking for tips on balancing technology and being present? My advice is the same as the sleep experts:
- Don’t leave your phone next to your bed; put it somewhere else so bedtime is just for sleep.
- Avoid constantly checking your phone and apps. It’s just not good for you!
- Remember, your phone is a tool for communication and managing work, not a constant distraction.
On keeping family traditions alive
There are so many family traditions around food that I pass down to my kids. I have a Greek Orthodox background, and our calendar is full of traditions. For example, the preparation of the lamb on the spit on Easter is something I would always do with my Dad, and now I'm passing it on to my kids. At Christmas, the smell of those beautiful pastries and desserts being prepared is something I’ll always remember, and when I’m sick, I’ll often have my Mum’s Egg and Lemon soup which makes me feel so much better. There are many beautiful aspects throughout the religious calendar and family traditions around food that I pass down to my kids.
On living off the grid and how it shapes my perspective
I live off the grid in the Mornington Peninsula with my family. What surprised me, since moving, I haven't missed anything at all. We have everything we need – solar panels, batteries, water tanks – even a ball that feeds all the plants and vegetables. It has made my kids and me more conscious about every light switch and tap we use. Now, we understand where our resources come from and how much we have. It’s a valuable lesson for our family and something I’m proud of.
Conscious living encompasses every aspect of how you walk, talk, act, and live your life. And the best part is it’s easy to do, and once you’ve created that pattern, it’s easy to build on it. Much like conscious cooking, anyone can embrace conscious living. You’ve just got to start small.
About the author:
Celebrated for his love for Greek cuisine, celebrity George Calombaris has reached international acclaim through his popular restaurants and his 12-year stint as a judge on MasterChef Australia. George collaborates closely with Blu. on product development, rigorously testing our products, and crafting the nutritious recipes showcased on our recipe page.
Read more about George here.
IG: @gcalombaris
