Essence, Tartes aux Pommes, and Shiny Faucets

As my youngest son was getting ready to leave a place where he had been living for  a year, I shared with him what sounded like a kooky piece of advice.

I said: right before you walk out, make sure to shine the kitchen faucet until it gleams.

I then went on to explain my theory that in order to convey an Essence, details are often our best friends. In this case, he wanted to get his deposit back by conveying the  Essences of Cleanliness and Nurturing of the place. The easy detail solution: shine the faucet.

When I lead Retreats, I am big on the Essences of Nurturing, Peace and Beauty. For that reason, I sometimes find myself sounding a bit like a nag. I insist on freshly baked pastries in the mornings, on the food being presented in a beautiful way, and on towels being folded with their rounded edge out ... that sort of thing.

Do people come to my Retreats to see well folded towels? Or course not. Can they subconsciously feel the Ease and Luxury that come from their eyes resting on them? I believe, I really believe that they do. And I also believe that feeling these Essences allows them to be more able to receive my course, and what I have to share with them.

I am pretty certain that when I had my bakery, having the mini Tartes aux Pommes lined up all beautifully made my customers want to take them home. That Nina Simone singing in the background helped them feel the sensuality of the place - and their own. When we decided to vent the ovens out and into the streets, our sales increased overnight. And just as importantly, I believe that the people who only passed by were fed by the scent of warm bread baking - and that it made their hearts sweeter.

All these things are simple. And easy. And quick.

Really, they all follow the Pareto Principle which states that 80% of our results are often achieved with only 20% of our efforts (thank you Tim Ferris)

So today, I invite you to think about what Essence you are wanting to convey in your home, work, relationship, or even clothing. And then, to find the simple, easy and quick details that will give you 80% results for 20% efforts.

I would love to know what you come up with.