The Art of Simplicity
Absolute unmixed attention is prayer. — Simone Weil
Now, I’ll be perfectly honest, I haven’t tackled all there is around my issues of simplicity. I speak not from mastery, but from at least ten years of attempting to sort out what it really means to live a life of simplicity while at the same time seeking to eliminate the negative connotations surrounding the word and establishing the thought that simplicity leads to abundance and may even become your daily prayer.
So this post is not about giving up anything although that might happen. Nor is it about an ascetic approach to eating. I still enjoy Haagen Dazs ice cream on occasion, maybe even more so. With this approach you don’t even have to avoid a stroll through the mall whether your material addictions are clothes, books, art, or small gifts. You’re free to take in as much on this subject or as little; whatever is needed to understand simplicity as abundance in a way that is meaningful to you.
This practice is about reclaiming yourself. The self you gave away to pleasing someone else, rushing hither and yon, or acquiring more information. Over the years I discovered some touchstones that I find useful. If you are struggling with living into your simplicity, I hope you’ll find at least one of these markers to be of value.
Simplicity is a challenging subject because it is so personal. Determining what we need to live in the 21st century is not an easy task. Nor can you determine your needs based on what someone else does. With so many changes going on around us what is important in your expression of simplicity one year, will change the next as we mature.
In the practice of the art of simplicity the touchstones are: turn something old into something new; create and give away, cultivate the art of saying “no”; recalibrate regularly; and express gratitude.
Turn something old into something new. Years ago I was wondering what to do with an in-between seasons tweed jacket. In other words, it didn’t get worn often, but there were times that it got worn regularly for about 12 weeks out of the year. The lining was in shreds and the pockets had seen better days, however, the outside was fine. I found a seamstress (like finding a needle in a haystack) who crafted a new lining and pockets. We were both stunned at how exhilarated we were by the project. In return I received a “like-new” jacket and the talented seamstress received payment. It became a win-win situation which made us both smile.
Create to give away: We all have hidden skills that remain dormant until we slow down or are thinking of something unusual for a special occasion, like the birth of a baby, or something unique for cooler weather. One of my skills is knitting. While I can get immersed in a long-term project fairly easily the little projects are the ones that I enjoy most. I’ve been knitting fingerless mittens. Sending a pair to someone is just plain fun especially if you send the gift anonymously and then you run into that person later and they are wearing the gift you sent. Gift-giving for no reason and anonymously is pure giving, expecting nothing in return. This can include anything that is natural to you; a poem, a hand-crafted small book, a handwritten note, or a piece of art, etc.
Cultivate the art of saying “no”: This has been my biggest challenge especially when it comes to volunteering. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be very pleased with yourself. You don’t need to come up with stories about how busy you are or anything like that, just say “no.” You may have to practice in front of a mirror a few times so you don’t come across too belligerent or aggressive. The measure for how you choose your volunteer projects is to ask: “Will this make my soul sing and my heart skip for joy?” Unless of course you really want to do the project with the understanding that it may become something bigger then you imagined; that is something different. If this is one of those areas of fragmenting your time and personal space, try saying “no.” If you are like me, it will take practice.
Learn to recalibrate regularly: Referencing the work of Dr. David Hawkins calibration is learning to manage our life at higher frequencies so as to ensure our well-being as well as that of others. We are totally in control of how we deal with our energy. The mean number is 200, that’s neutral according to Dr. David Hawkins’ “Map of Consciousness.” Ideally, we want to resonate higher between 300-600 in the acceptance, love, joy and peace range. The lower numbers under 200 puts you in the realm of anger, despair, guilt, depression, and shame. This practice requires noticing what’s going on around you and within you. What are you noticing? Your physical and emotional response to people or a situation. For example when you are around a certain person, do you recognize tension in your shoulders, neck, or your stomach? Do your hands get tight or your facial muscles constrict? Once you identify your sensation, apply one of your tools —mantra, humming or breath—until you reestablish your equilibrium to a healthy level. Your mantra could be anything like “I’m light!” or “Joy surrounds me.” If you decide to hum, a single note is fine as long as the breath lasts. Do this several times until you feel a shift in energy. If you decide to focus on breath, breathe in fully for four counts, hold for four, and release four. The whole idea is to let go of the negativity blocking your fulfillment and arrive at calmness within your body.
Gratitude: This is probably the most important touchstone of simplicity. Every chance you get, express gratitude. In the morning, afternoon, evening, and in-between. Just be grateful for anything from the smallest gesture of a stranger to larger gifts like arriving home safely after driving through a thunderstorm.
This sums up the art of simplicity from my experience. Again, it’s a practice that evolves and changes with you and makes you a responsible and active participant in life.
These words of Howard Thurman is a reminder of what we need to be about:
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Enjoy your exploration into the art of simplicity and add your own touchstones. Be awed by what you discover.
Loved reading this, Diana, especially since you used one of my favorite phrases - hither and yon. I just don't hear that enough. Thanks for sharing your lovely voice with your readers. Peace!
Beautiful!