What is simplicity and how do we find it?
It is common to hear or read about folks wanting more simplicity in their lives. Heck, even I would love to embrace the idea of simplicity in my life. However, are we talking simplicity as abandoning all creature-comfort for a life alone in some back wood cabin, chopping wood for fire and hauling water from some creek?
Or is this desire for simplicity something deeper…not a physical cabin get-away so much as simply letting go from fears found in a life filled with…“an empty abundance.”
“Our affluent society contains those of talent and insight who are driven to prefer poverty, to choose it, rather than submit to the desolation of an empty abundance.”
~Michael Harrington
When is too much……just too much? Maybe too much comes with abandoned cars or messy storage units once called a car garage…
Maybe the drive to find simplicity comes when our “living” rooms turn into indoor dump sites with stuff we felt were needs, but in reality, became tomorrow’s garbage that we cannot seem to part with yet…
“You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.”
~Vernon Howard
So, again, what is simplicity and is it easy to find without someone poking the fun out of you while winking and whispering, “Oh, living in the sticks, eh?”
Perhaps simplicity can be found everywhere at anytime.
I am slowly learning about this thing called simplicity, starting with a ten-minute quiet moment every morning. Some call it meditation, but I see it as daily mindful sitting.
With eyes closed, body relaxed, I set the timer for ten minutes (although, Everyday Gurus suggests twelve minutes to maximize on the benefits) and begin to reflect inwards to focus with intention on myself. For example, a mindful sitting may look at how I perceive and process inconvenient life situations like staying calm while driving (heh)…areas I would like to see changes not only for a better me, but in the big picture, a better world–world peace, being one example.
This mindful sitting may seem trivial and maybe it is, however, I feel an overall calmness within myself since starting mindful sitting. To be honest, my mind tends to wander all over the place and I am working to stay focus and train my “wild child” mind.
In application to blogging, I got over the guilt that I needed to post something everyday. I had to be honest with myself and realize, my capabilities to process a quality post everyday and still perform my personal obligations was not, at this time, right for me.
As we go through our day, no matter how complicated or crazy our schedules become, one can go within to seek a quiet quality mindful sitting moment appreciating this thing called simplicity.
Why not look around and check:
Are there things I need to let go that hinder my practice of living life in blissful simplicity? Please share…
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“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.”
~Steve Maraboli
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Curtain Call: Featured Blog…
To tie in this theme, simplicity, with the Feature Blog, In Blue: Make Believe Boutique came to mind. Blue describes herself as “…surfacing bit by bit, in layers…” as a “…quiet and reflective artist…”
I think you will find calm and spiritual peace as you walk with Blue’s unique writing reflections such as, the spontaneous healing of a tired soul.
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Inspiration today comes from Jakesprinter’s SUNDAY POST :Simplicity. Thank you!
