The Power and Beauty in Simplicity

The Power and Beauty in Simplicity
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http://frictionlessliving.net/

“When there is freedom from mechanical conditioning, there is simplicity” – Bruce Lee

There is a purity and beauty in simplifying.

We let go of excess needs, wants and possessions. We realise more, beyond a certain point, really does not add to the quality of our lives. We appreciate the value of enough instead.

We recognise the fact that the simple things can make us happy.

We value the white space in our diary as much as the commitments

We let go of stress and rushing.

We focus on the essentials.

Simplicity can manifest itself in many ways. It can mean different things for different people. It can mean:

Making way for the important.

Finding space to breathe a little.

Letting go of false needs and wants.

Taking time to pause for thought.

Avoiding the incessant rushing and busyness of the masses.

Unplugging occasionally.

Spending time with nature.

Knowing that our stuff does not define us.

Single tasking.

Spending quality time with our loved ones and ourselves.

Having just enough - not too much, not too little.

Simplicity, at its core, comes down to eliminating the excess in our lives. Society tries to sell us that having more is the answer we seek. But does more beyond a certain point really make our hearts sing?

Simplicity and living simply involves paring down. We identify what matters most and we let go of the rest.

Life can be rich and full of small pleasures without having to spend lots or buy more. An early morning walk, the first freshly brewed coffee of a day, a warm bath in the afternoon, reading in bed. Simple pleasures can be powerful.

A simple wardrobe of clothes we truly love and wear again and again can be more meaningful than one packed to capacity, full of items we wear once or twice and then tire of.

Simplifying our approach to work and commitments can reduce our stress, give us quality time back and make life more enjoyable.

There is a power and beauty in simplifying that can be hard to explain but is easy to feel.

When in doubt simplify.

Note: This is a riff off an earlier post at my site

Carl is the author of several short books full of big ideas including: Slow: Seeking Stillness in Fast Paced Times and Need Less, Live More . He is also the proud owner of Frictionless Living which is focused on helping readers live a simpler, more personally satisfying, life.

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