Throughout the ages, wise people from many cultures have espoused the philosophy of simplicity as the path to achieving harmony and contentment. Needless to say, that instruction has been as open to interpretation as any other edict passed down on how one should lead one's life.
Everyone claims to have discovered the path to simplicity and seems more than willing to share their secrets with you for the price of their book and maybe a course or two. Not only that, but there also seems to appear a multitude of reasons for living the simple life. Enlightenment, peace, personal wealth, spiritual wealth, closeness to the God of your choice; in fact you seem to be able to obtain whatever it is your heart desires simply by following the instructions in one of the books you've chosen.
What always astounds me about so many of these books is not only how there can be so many different ways of living simply, but how complicated so many people make it to obtain simplicity. Doesn't anyone else find it sort of self-defeating that it could take as many as 15 steps before you can attain simplicity? What's so simple about that?
Perhaps part of the problem is that they are trying to take a path that was designed to eliminate distractions between those who prayed and their god. It was a matter of divesting yourself of worldly concerns and material wealth and narrowing your focus so all your actions and thought were aimed at service to whoever you worshipped.
Almost every faith has those who adhere to something similar, and usually followers live their lives isolated from the rest of the world either through physical isolation or the taking of vows that restrict their participation in society. There are traditions among all the faiths that are geared to train the mind to assist in the development of that singularity of focus requiring years of study and commitment, if not many lifetimes. (Yes, that's a plural — get over yourself; it's their belief, let them enjoy it.)
Article comments
1 - Howard Dratch
Good advice. Essential! When I worked and life was filled with appointments and deadlines I was better at planning my time and priorities.
Getting a tight grip on what matters most, one's purpose and goals is #1 priority but becomes clouded by disability. I applaud your seemingly boundless energy here on BC which must mean you are managing to KISS and keep to the path.
2 - Richard Marcus
Or you could call it a classic case of obscessive compulsion - or not having a life - but I like to give my ego a boost now and then!
Thanks Howard - appreciated.
Richard
3 - Marian Van Eyk McCain
As one of those writers "..willing to share their secrets with you for the price of their book" (mine's called 'The Lilypad List: 7 steps to the simple life'- Findhorn Press, 2004) I want to add something important that you left out.
Learning to live more simply, now, in this 21st Century, is not just a quirky desire of monks, mystics and Birkenstock-wearing hippies. It has become an urgent, ecological imperative for all of us in this wasteful, consumption-crazed culture. Living simply and reducing our ecological footprint is the only way human beings are going to be able to survive.
As you so rightly point out, singularity of purpose is what makes it possible. I truly love and value this lovely planet Earth that I've lived on for 70 years and I want to help preserve it for my grandchildren and the generations to come. That is the ruling passion in my life (and the focus of almost all my writing). So for me, living the simple life feels natural, effortless and incredibly joyous.
4 - Dan Tomada
I read the whole article. It's very good,simple, very-easy to understand writing! I only wish I can write like that.
I would recommend that the author read and critic Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! Not only it is a very interesting book, it is also very logical, and very true because the main character there is saying He is the (One and Only Absolute)TRUTH, which I haven't read anybody else claiming.
May God thru Christ Jesus bless the author and his family always. Hoping and Praying the author and his family will find The Way, The Truth, and the Life... (John 14:6).
Dan