SIMPLE LIVING HIGH THINKING
Some people may think that living simply means to live a life of renunciation, but if we really understand the motivations behind simplicity, we would realize that it is really beauty in disguise.
Most religious and spiritual faiths advocate self-sacrifice as a means to enlightenment, yet we should not mistake simplicity for poverty. Poverty may not be by choice, but simplicity certainly is a conscious choice made in a state of heightened awareness. A simple mind, like a simple house, means to be uncluttered, clear, light and essence-full. When the rubbish is out of the way we have room to be creative, inspired and productive.
One of Mahatma Gandhi’s greatest strengths was simplicity, which he exemplified till his dying day. His simple loincloth was an indication of a much bigger message. In the face of increasing industrialization which promised wealth, but in fact promoted greed, his message was: “Live simply so that others may simply live”. There has never been a time such as now when that message needs to be heeded.
There is beauty in simplicity. Living a simple life frees up so much of our time, money and energy, which allows us to focus our energy on the greater pursuits in life. The joy of buying a pair of Gucci glasses may last for a few moments, yet the happiness of having a simple but joyful peak experience in life will stay with us forever. And if we designate time to exploring higher states of consciousness, then we can certainly taste the higher echelons of being, and gain strength and power from them. These experiences are unique, and touch the soul deeply.
To be simple in life is to be free from addictions and dependencies. If someone or something, such as certain people, or certain foods, clothes or places are pulling my attention then I am bound by them or that, and they have me dancing to their tune. In spiritual language, it would be said that I have attachments to these things, and anything that I am attached to will cause me pain when it no longer fulfills my expectations, or it is ripped away from me. As I begin to shed non-essential things from my life, I become lighter and happier as a result.
When we are simple, we take only as much as we want from the planet, no more. We respect nature and the environment. This in turn creates good karma with the five elements, which boomerangs back as blessings and good energy into my life.
Confucius said “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated”, and this is so true of the human world. When we are in our ego-driven ‘body conscious’ state of mind, we easily complicate things. In ‘soul consciousness’ – our original state of purity, simplicity and innocence, we can begin to enjoy life like a child in a playground. We are pure and innocent, but at the same time very wise, as we are in touch with our higher mind. In body consciousness, the ego generates arrogance; it likes to expand and complicate things, and focus on the negative, bringing with it even more problems for us to solve. As we learn to simplify things in our mind, everything runs smoothly and easily; things just seem to work out in our world.
We need to begin to cultivate a simple mind. Have few, yet powerful thoughts. Avoid being skeptical, mistrusting, or judgmental – give others the benefit of the doubt. Stay positive – when I am positive then fewer, but powerful thoughts emerge, such as ‘YES, I can do it!’ Or, ‘It’s going to be OK’. When I am negative, the door is open to endless options.
Have simple relationships. This means to let go of the ones that complicate your life or give you pain and sorrow, or at least withdraw your negative attention to them. Have simple conversations in which there are few words, but ones which are infused with respect.
Have a simple life, want less and do less every day. Look at your to-do list and decide to do only that which is necessary or genuinely productive. Dress with less – don’t spend too much time or money in ‘feeling good’. Make space and time for what you enjoy and not just what you have to do each day. Leave enough time between tasks and appointments – this will help you stay calm and relaxed.
There is a story of an American who came to visit a venerated Sage in India. He was shocked to see the empty residence of the Sage. The American exclaimed, “Where are all your possessions?” To which the Sage returned the question “Where are yours?” The American replied, “But I am a guest here”. The Sage responded, “Well, I am a guest in this world”.
When we unburden ourselves of all of the attachments, unnecessary desires, timewasting activities and negative thinking, we can travel lightly, happily and joyfully in this world.
It’s time… It’s Simple!
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