Uncommon Wisdom: Desislava Seferova
“Uncommon Wisdom” is about sharing those habits or stories that we wouldn’t normally think to share. There’s so much talk about morning routines and self-care practices these days but a lot of it can seem kind of superficial or maybe just predictable and repetitive.
This is why we asked a bunch of high-performing creatives and entrepreneurs a few questions about awareness, energy, and productivity. We wanted to learn something a bit more unexpected, and here’s what we found out.
Who is Desislava Seferova?
Desislava Seferova describes herself as a 25-year-old funny, energetic, emotional, and purpose-driven being who also happens to be a graphic designer with lots of passions and a lifelong bucket list. She dreams of having a simple life but also wants to experience every single thing life has to offer.
Traveler, dreamer, manifestor, human rights activist, mental health advocate, and a strong empath who wants to help as many people and animals as she can. Desi beliefs that life is an endless spiritual journey where she is constantly finding herself through this physical time-space reality.
#1. What's something unexpected or uncommon that made you more aware?
Panic attacks. The first time I experienced this terrifying feeling of losing control over my body and mind was about 4 years ago.
That was definitely a loud and clear wake-up call and just the Universe telling me that I am the main character in my life and I need to stop neglecting myself. It’s time to start nourishing and taking better care of myself because nobody else can. Since then I’ve completely changed the perspective in which I view my life and now I consciously and selectively choose what to feed my mind, body, and soul.
#2. What's something unexpected or uncommon that gives you energy?
I don’t know how uncommon it is but dancing. There is something so magical and liberating in the act of putting on some of my favorite songs and just letting my body move the way it wants. In these moments I feel like electricity is going through my body.
The second thing that gives me energy is nature, the sun especially. Oh my God, the sun!
Even if I don’t have time to go to the park and lay on the grass or go for a walk in the forest, just a quick 15 minutes on my balcony or on my living room floor soaking up every ray of light can recharge my whole being. For me, the sun is the source of life in all, so I am always drawn to it.
#3. What's something unexpected or uncommon that makes you more productive?
Having different passion projects and interests in completely different areas of my life makes me productive.
I work as a graphic designer, but I’m also a volunteer in a human rights NGO, I’m often looking for different projects or campaigns on TimeHeroes.org where I can be helpful, I’m trying to learn Arabic, I’m taking an online course about Counter Human Trafficking in South East Asia, and I’m experimenting with African dance lessons.
It helps me express myself and live up to my multidimensional self. I still sometimes slip up and get in a rut with my everyday job but in these moments I try to remind myself of how much more productive, fulfilled, and alive I feel when I get to engage with different parts of my brain or aspects of my personality.
This approach to things always keeps me on my toes and helps me to get inspired and find the motivation to do better in every area of my life. For anyone who is struggling like I was, living between so many hobbies and interests and getting anxious at the thought of focusing on just one thing, I highly recommend reading the book “Refuse to Choose” by Barbara Sher. We can do it all.
#4. What does your morning ritual look like?
I don’t necessarily wake up super early every morning but I try the second I open my eyes to get out of bed, light a candle, and sit down to meditate. Sometimes if I’m still sleepy or I’m cold, I just meditate in bed. The idea is to do it before even the first thought has arised in my mind or before I’ve checked my phone or spoken to anyone.
It’s so crucial to have these quiet moments only to myself. To set up my intentions, to decide how I want to interact with the world today and how I want my day to look like before I dive into the rush. After meditating I like to say one thing I’m feeling extremely grateful for out loud. From there on, I fill up my cup with warm water and lemon, I open the window to feel the breeze on my skin and if I have the time, I do one of the following: run in the park, HIIT workout, a quick yoga practice, or just a stretch.
Taking “me” time first thing in the morning is allowing me to do all the things that bring me joy, that are not tasks or chores. When I’ve already had this time in the morning, I don’t feel like rushing through my day or worrying that I didn’t do anything for myself. It gives me peace and so much space where I can wonder, create, fail, try again, brainstorm, and indulge in my workflow however I want. It also helps me to feel grounded and it reminds me that I am so much more than just the things I do in a day.
#5. What does your evening ritual look like?
I’m still not as consistent as I would like to be with my evening ritual but ideally, it would look something like this: take a shower, brush my teeth, set my alarm, and put my phone on the other side of the room. Read a bit from the pile of books that is judging me and waiting for me to read them.
If my mind feels busy (which is the case usually), I’d get my journal and, without any judgment or second thought, I’ll write down everything that is circulating at the moment, something like a brain dump. It gives me so much peace and clarity for the night and the day ahead. If that’s not the case, I sometimes play some calming music or do an evening meditation from my favorite app called Insight Timer.
You can find Desislava at @dksafari7
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