“A simple life is its own reward” — George Santayana
The opposite of simplicity is complexity and a complex life is prone to too many responsibilities that create stress, anxiety and pressure. Our culture is rampant with complexities: too many choices, too much to do, too many commitments, too little time, too little resources, too many resources, too little space, too much space., etc. Add to that, our culture of consumption that is tempting us to accumulate, keep up with the Jones’s, and feeding the illusion that stuff creates happiness. A complex life takes a lot of energy to support:
financial: “stuff” is expensive
physical: maintaining, storing
mental: tracking, thinking about, worrying
emotional: anxiety, stress
Consider ways to simplify your life. In your space:
Reduce visual images: give the eyes a rest
Pare down clothing: getting dressed is easier
Open up space: easier to clean and move around
Reduce knickknacks: makes dusting easier
Limit new things coming into your space unless something is leaving
Everything has a designated space
Quality over quantity
Generally, use everything and every room you have. If you don’t use it, lose it.
Consider ways to simplify your life:
Don’t over schedule
Say no graciously
Don’t commit from a place of obligation, instead commit from the heart
Cultivate a stillness practice that focuses on the breath
Incorporate mindfulness while doing mundane tasks
Do one thing at a time (No texting & driving!!!)
Not only does simplifying our lives reduce stress, the benefits of a simple life enhances chi in our spaces and in our bodies. Healthy chi = healthy spaces, bodies and minds!
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