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Invite simplicity back in your life
“In twentieth-century society, the appreciation of simplicity has almost been lost.” Chogyam Trungpa, Carolyn Rose Gimian
The jigsaw puzzle that makes up our life holds millions of parts in constant movement and transformation.
Complicated as it is, we tend to add-on, as a result we spend our energy trying to amass or hold on.
Our environment both outside and inside ourselves is so cramped with stuff we can hardly size it up.
The complexity we’re faced with may at times feel as if the walls are closing-in on us, leaving us empty.
Time to simplify
For us to make sense of it all, we need some clearing-out, only then can we attempt to gain some clarity.
That requires a willingness to let go of the superfluous in favor of simplicity. But what does it mean?
Although most see just another trendy and hippie movement, it holds more than what you think.
It implies airiness, space and a sense of freedom expressed in the way we are, live and handle the world.
Embracing Simplicity
“Satisfaction is not dependent on material objects; it is something that comes from simplicity, inner simplicity.” Lama Yeshe, Philip Glass, Jonathan Landaw
Simplicity is a treasure to be sought and nurtured but for consumers as ourselves it takes radical change.
Our conditioning has our behaviors deeply engrained, we see comfort as synonym for plenty, hence the more the better.
We entertain the notions that our calendars should be filled, our fridge always packed, our closet overflowing with the latest fashion.
Given that simplifying goes contrary our propensity to pile-up and our habit of collecting things, we go step by step.
Look for the meaningful
First we have to realize that we’re “drowning” in trivialities, that most of our time is dedicated to details.
We must appreciate the value of the things we devote ourselves to, whether by thinking about it or working for it.
Cutting-off what does not serve is the way of mind training, we look for the extra that doesn’t serve us.
Assuming our outer world mirrors our inner world, we begin by taking a look around us, how crowded does it feel?
Living Spaciously
“Our mind seems “cleaner” and our life less complicated when we’ve cleaned up the space and things around us.” Jan Chozen Bays
While we may deny our clutter is a problem, it reflects how little space we allow in our hearts and minds.
We’re attached to the material because it holds emotional value, it means something and says something about you.
But if we really think about it, what we treasure isn’t always a source of comfort and contentment, on the contrary…
The more we accumulate the more we fall into the habit of getting and holding-on, the harder it is to lose.
Let go of the memorabilia
The amount of things we hold as keepsakes and have a hard time parting with can become overwhelming.
Not only does our physical world become smaller and constricted, it has our mind caught-up in its web.
So we start by letting go of little things and then move on to the items symbolic of our wants and needs.
Pick-up anything you consider important and ask yourself why. Can you see what it represents? What’s so special about it?
Seeing deeply
Our tendency for hoarding finds its source in how our mind is wired and in the meaning we ascribe to objects.
Understanding that the imaginary ties keeping you from letting go of certain things are just construct of your mind helps.
Finding comfort in simplicity demands that we take care of what’s within, using meditation techniques we uncover what they contain.
Contemplating closely and without judgment at the objects of our attachments, we make sure their attributes stand.
Stick with the basics ~ declutter your mind
Once we’ve come to realize that what binds us are collections of words and ideas to empty objects, we’re ready.
Our mind stuck in the habit of labelling and storytelling is filled to the top, our job is to clean up.
Just like spring-cleaning, sorting through our mental possessions we decide what stays and what goes.
The process may seem daunting, but when it is done with compassion and patience, it’s simply liberating.
Simplicity means more not less
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Lao Tzu
You might object to the idea of simplicity deeming it too ordinary or too extreme, something only eccentrics and ascetics adopt.
Or you may resist because you think it implies sacrifice, that by letting go you’re losing something of yourself.
In truth, living simply gives us a sense a lightness, more space ultimately means more room for you to be.
This benefits our mind as well, dealing with our mess gives us the opportunity to apply ourselves at thinking simply.
Think Light
Our mind is always reaching for things outside itself and can be very protective of the things inside itself.
Whether it is because they reinforce the sense of being, or give substance where the mind sees lack, it offers security.
Practicing simplicity, we have to watch our mind closely, see it at work, spot when it entangles itself in proprietary concepts.
Knowing everything is meant to come and go, we adopt a healthy attitude, one that neither latches on nor holds on.
Treasure the ordinary, freedom will come with easeॐ
Nathalie Bizawi, founder of Wisdom & Mindfulness meditation center. Senior Meditation, Mindfulness and philosophy instructor, From Wingate Academic College. M.A in Education from TAU University, Tel Aviv.
Wisdom & Mindfulness your meditation center in Tel Aviv