This Is The Essence Of Simplicity

As I get older, I notice how difficult simplicity is to sustain. The world tells us to want, want, want. Want more money. Want a better house. Want a better job. Want a better car. In some cases, these situations may need upgrading. Your car may be breaking down and it’s essential to get a new one. But most of the time, we throw away perfectly useful things for better looking things. We want those around us to envy. But really, does that fill us up? It’s a shallow take on life. There’s a deeper meaning to this world that we’re missing. I know this because of Henry David Thoreau.

Humans can sustain high levels of fear and anguish. But they can change all that into joy and passion just the same. The human mind is viable. It can evolve as the seasons do. Simplicity and self-care are just the same. Self-care focuses on the authentic emotions that bring us peace and understanding of ourselves. Simplicity allows us to experience those emotions when they are happening.

“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.”

I realize that pure mindfulness is the key to happiness and contentment. Being where you are and being there completely. Instead of thinking about a past conversation while you’re reading a book, actually absorb the words you are reading — like a flower absorbing sunlight. Instead of driving from place to place, travel and observe the shadows that are cast, the speed of the car, the season you are in. No looking back at the past. No looking ahead to the future. Damn, Henry knew what was up.

“So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run.”

We are truly missing some of the most precious times in our lives because of our concern for how others view us and our judgements on them in return. We are missing the fundamental joys of this life because our visions are fogged with useless and negative thoughts. We’re rushing to get from place to place because where we are currently is not good enough. The comparison we carry from day to day is debilitating us. We are missing the learning process.

“I can alter my life by altering my attitude. He who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers.”

Focus on what’s right in front of you. The color of the room you’re in, the sounds from the busy street outside, the light filtering through your window, the smell of coffee brewing… It’s the simple smells, tastes, sounds and images that bring us back to the moment we’re in. Our life. We are missing our lives by being anywhere else than where we physically are.

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.”