I do live simply and have downsized a great deal since my divorce in 2006. I do have a cell phone (not a Iphone!!) and a work lap top computer and watch my program on my laptop using hulu or pbs mainly. I do not miss having a TV at all. I have driven a Toyota corolla for 19 yrs! I do still have clutter I need to go thru on a rainy day! One of those things I like to put off as well as not deleting emails or txt!
By remembering and never forgetting that I am a part and parcel of Supreme Personality of God-Head, Sri Krishna, spirit soul and not be identified with any of the false, bodily designations!
By attaching myself to less. Less thought. Less preference. Less desire. It’s not that I have to have less going on in my life, but I have to do it with ease and less attachment to specific outcomes.
I feel like I already live pretty simply. I have made a conscious effort to live simply for quite some time now. Over the last 15 years or so I have cleared out 5 family members homes with very little help from others. So much of what was considered “valuable”, “precious”, etc. by my loved one ended up being trashed as no one wanted it. The lessons were many, the main 1 being I have got to start getting rid of my own “stuff”, which I have steadily been doing. All that clutter, stuff makes it hard to think clearly.
I want to clear my mind of all the “stuff” whether it be physical or mental, the junk taking up precious space. I want to be light, lighter.
By truly being content with what I have and what I am and remembering that it is enough; I have everything that I need and for that I am truly blessed. This is no easy task for me as I always seem to be wanting more or feeling that I am lacking somehow. I will strive to remember that this is not true and let go of those feelings.
This question reminded me of the Stephen Covey quote – The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Being aware of, mindful of and managing thoughts is a huge thing. Thank you Laura, Carol and Joseph.
Also choosing and maintaining a focus, having ways to maintain, return to and let go of that focus when it is time.
Thanks for the great question, and thoughtful answers. Best for a good day …
This is such a good question. I strive for this but fall short. A year and half ago we downsized from a 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, over a hundred year old family house to a senior community. We gave so much away and still had 2 1/2 truck loads of junk. We are in a ranch home and I really want to rid us of so much more while I can still do it. I also want to reduce my worry, and what-ifs and increase my trust. My heart is in the Franciscan way to live simply so others can simply live.
I seriously downsized a couple of years ago when I moved to a different part of the state, and now in a one floor condo. So there was a lot. I called some local charities that would turn that merchandise around to many others who may have been able to use it. I was grateful to find these people, how hard they worked, how kind they were. Some were from college age groups (such as College Hunks Hauling Junk), Salvation Army, etc. In the end, none of the items went to a “junkyard.”
Blessings on your journey.
I was researching my journals this morning for writings on “simplicity” and was drawn to a phrase I wrote in 2016:
“A journey is from point A to point B.
A pilgrimage is from moment to moment.”
To live simply, I must BE mindful moment to moment. I must BE the peace I seek and the compassion I crave.
Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr warns against a human pattern of behavior that complicates one’s life. He says,“The sequence, without being too clever, goes something like this: we compare, we copy, we compete, we conflict, we conspire, we condemn, and we crucify.”
How many times in my life have I figuratively crucified someone else or crawled up on my own portable cross and had a pity party?
How to live simply is definitely tied to the need to “let go” but not just let go of stuff. It’s about letting go of anything that keeps me from going with the flow, from being here now. Life is process not product and that is something I need to remind myself daily. In 12-Step circles there is a saying, “Keep it Simple, Stupid!”
My husband and I downsized to a smaller house 2-1/2 years ago. That led to getting rid of quite a bit of stuff. There’s more to go through to continue this. I’m trying not to leave my children with a mound of things to go through when I’m dead that aren’t things I actively enjoy living with on a daily basis. We’re going to have a video call in which I show them things I have packed away and they tell me whether to keep it for them or set it free for some other family to enjoy. Our local Buy Nothing group has been great for passing things along to others. Giving things away is so much simpler than trying to sell something and the few dollars from a Craigslist sale aren’t worth the hassle of the stray scammers and no-shows. Generosity is simple.
My strong desire to keep purging comes from having been the one to go through my parents’ house when they moved to assisted living. I had to sort out everything that my other 5 siblings would want. Dealing with the contents of an entire 2 story house by myself was a lesson in not acquiring things and not keeping them past the time in life I actually use them.
Barb, Been there and I hear you loud and clear…I’m in the same process as you are. Thankfully when my siblings and I had to clean out Mom’s home, we did it together but it was still a challenge. I am doing my best not to leave that job to my kids.
Good morning! Thank you for inspiring me!! We moved to our smaller place nine years ago and purged so much, but I have managed to accumulate again. I retired a year ago this week and I have just started the process again. I had the loss of a loved one that left me shaken to the core. But now I can feel the fog lifting and all I want to do is purge, get rid of as much as possible. I love your line of “Generosity is simple” I too believe in just giving it away. I would hate for my family to have to deal with accumulations that for now are just things. They must go, to my clear my space both physical and mental. I thank you for sharing your story.
What a wonderful question! My first thought was that I already live pretty simply. But I know that is not true. We have computers, smart phones, TV’s…things we THINK that we need. We both do read a lot…so our TV time is not great- but of course time on the computer, etc. I am thinking this morning about trying to eat lower on the food cahin…less meat, more plants, etc. Not “wanting” so much. I have a few plans to improve our home…but our home is already pretty darn good…perhaps I need to re-think these things. My husband does almost 100% of the “projects” that I come up with..Maybe time for a mindset change and discussion. Today is a new day with endless possibilities..I think I will try some new thoughts- a simpler version of life. Thank you!
I believe I live a fairly simple life when gauged with the masses of modern western society. My livelihood as a farm laborer and ranch hand has evolved in my later years of life as a lifestyle. The agrarian life and animal husbandry are almost as ancient as when mankind was journaling on rock walls and in caves. I do not own a cell/smart phone. Cheryl says it is because I do not want anyone to know where I am. May be that is partially true, but I know where I am. I have made it for 6 weeks shy of 66 whirls around the sun without one. Why switch boats now? My journey of gratitude has only helped to reinforce my choice to live this way. Namaste.
I think of the “excess” thoughts that can run rampant in my mind: I shouldn’t have been impatient. Did I sound harsh? What will she think? I’ve got to finish this work. Why can’t I do it faster? I should be able to do it faster. And on, and on, and on. I am rich in these excess thoughts. I’d like my mind to live more simply, to stay in the present and be with whatever is actually happening here in the now.
Laura, I share a quote from Eckhart Tolle. It’s a reminder that I have found helpful.
You are not the thinker
You are the awareness behind the thought.
Watch the thought, feel the emotion; observe the reaction.
Observe your thoughts. Don’t believe them.
Whenever you are able to observe your mind, you are no longer trapped in it.
Eckhart Tolle
I also struggle with what I call “monkey mind”. Thoughts jumping from branch to branch. Inviting the monkey into my lap rather than trying to shoot him down has helped.
Joseph, I have found the visual your words present most helpful since first reading them several weeks/months ago. “Invite the monkey into my lap rather than trying to shoot him down.” So many times when we resist that monkey just gets bigger and louder. Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God.” The Psalm translation in a bible I have carried since I was 17 years old says, “Desist and know.” Fighting the monkey never has worked for me.
You are not the thinker
You are the awareness behind the thought.
Watch the thought, feel the emotion; observe the reaction.
Observe your thoughts. Don’t believe them.
Whenever you are able to observe your mind, you are no longer trapped in it.
Eckhart Tolle
I need to unsubscribe from the myriad of email newsletters I receive. While I enjoy something about each of them, they take too much time to browse and then I have files and piles of “new things” I think I MUST try.
The other day I decided I’m going to delete everything in my personal inbox that I haven’t read yet. I periodically do some unsubscribing but it’s probably time for another of those sweeps to decrease the future unread volume.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Clear thoughts, emotions, avoid reactions, instead reply, as some already have mentioned. Thank you for sharing.
I do live simply and have downsized a great deal since my divorce in 2006. I do have a cell phone (not a Iphone!!) and a work lap top computer and watch my program on my laptop using hulu or pbs mainly. I do not miss having a TV at all. I have driven a Toyota corolla for 19 yrs! I do still have clutter I need to go thru on a rainy day! One of those things I like to put off as well as not deleting emails or txt!
By remembering and never forgetting that I am a part and parcel of Supreme Personality of God-Head, Sri Krishna, spirit soul and not be identified with any of the false, bodily designations!
By attaching myself to less. Less thought. Less preference. Less desire. It’s not that I have to have less going on in my life, but I have to do it with ease and less attachment to specific outcomes.
I feel like I already live pretty simply. I have made a conscious effort to live simply for quite some time now. Over the last 15 years or so I have cleared out 5 family members homes with very little help from others. So much of what was considered “valuable”, “precious”, etc. by my loved one ended up being trashed as no one wanted it. The lessons were many, the main 1 being I have got to start getting rid of my own “stuff”, which I have steadily been doing. All that clutter, stuff makes it hard to think clearly.
I want to clear my mind of all the “stuff” whether it be physical or mental, the junk taking up precious space. I want to be light, lighter.
By truly being content with what I have and what I am and remembering that it is enough; I have everything that I need and for that I am truly blessed. This is no easy task for me as I always seem to be wanting more or feeling that I am lacking somehow. I will strive to remember that this is not true and let go of those feelings.
This question reminded me of the Stephen Covey quote – The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Being aware of, mindful of and managing thoughts is a huge thing. Thank you Laura, Carol and Joseph.
Also choosing and maintaining a focus, having ways to maintain, return to and let go of that focus when it is time.
Thanks for the great question, and thoughtful answers. Best for a good day …
This is such a good question. I strive for this but fall short. A year and half ago we downsized from a 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, over a hundred year old family house to a senior community. We gave so much away and still had 2 1/2 truck loads of junk. We are in a ranch home and I really want to rid us of so much more while I can still do it. I also want to reduce my worry, and what-ifs and increase my trust. My heart is in the Franciscan way to live simply so others can simply live.
I seriously downsized a couple of years ago when I moved to a different part of the state, and now in a one floor condo. So there was a lot. I called some local charities that would turn that merchandise around to many others who may have been able to use it. I was grateful to find these people, how hard they worked, how kind they were. Some were from college age groups (such as College Hunks Hauling Junk), Salvation Army, etc. In the end, none of the items went to a “junkyard.”
Blessings on your journey.
I was researching my journals this morning for writings on “simplicity” and was drawn to a phrase I wrote in 2016:
“A journey is from point A to point B.
A pilgrimage is from moment to moment.”
To live simply, I must BE mindful moment to moment. I must BE the peace I seek and the compassion I crave.
Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr warns against a human pattern of behavior that complicates one’s life. He says,“The sequence, without being too clever, goes something like this: we compare, we copy, we compete, we conflict, we conspire, we condemn, and we crucify.”
How many times in my life have I figuratively crucified someone else or crawled up on my own portable cross and had a pity party?
How to live simply is definitely tied to the need to “let go” but not just let go of stuff. It’s about letting go of anything that keeps me from going with the flow, from being here now. Life is process not product and that is something I need to remind myself daily. In 12-Step circles there is a saying, “Keep it Simple, Stupid!”
I heard a new version of the acronym KISS, Keep it Simple Sweetie. A bit of self-compassion seeping in a 12-step saying!
A pilgrimage is moment to moment. Lovely!
Hope you’re feeling better today.
Laura, I’m doing well.
My husband and I downsized to a smaller house 2-1/2 years ago. That led to getting rid of quite a bit of stuff. There’s more to go through to continue this. I’m trying not to leave my children with a mound of things to go through when I’m dead that aren’t things I actively enjoy living with on a daily basis. We’re going to have a video call in which I show them things I have packed away and they tell me whether to keep it for them or set it free for some other family to enjoy. Our local Buy Nothing group has been great for passing things along to others. Giving things away is so much simpler than trying to sell something and the few dollars from a Craigslist sale aren’t worth the hassle of the stray scammers and no-shows. Generosity is simple.
My strong desire to keep purging comes from having been the one to go through my parents’ house when they moved to assisted living. I had to sort out everything that my other 5 siblings would want. Dealing with the contents of an entire 2 story house by myself was a lesson in not acquiring things and not keeping them past the time in life I actually use them.
Barb, Been there and I hear you loud and clear…I’m in the same process as you are. Thankfully when my siblings and I had to clean out Mom’s home, we did it together but it was still a challenge. I am doing my best not to leave that job to my kids.
Good morning! Thank you for inspiring me!! We moved to our smaller place nine years ago and purged so much, but I have managed to accumulate again. I retired a year ago this week and I have just started the process again. I had the loss of a loved one that left me shaken to the core. But now I can feel the fog lifting and all I want to do is purge, get rid of as much as possible. I love your line of “Generosity is simple” I too believe in just giving it away. I would hate for my family to have to deal with accumulations that for now are just things. They must go, to my clear my space both physical and mental. I thank you for sharing your story.
It depends on what standard I’m
applying that day.
I have adapted and accepted the
current complexity of my life.
What a wonderful question! My first thought was that I already live pretty simply. But I know that is not true. We have computers, smart phones, TV’s…things we THINK that we need. We both do read a lot…so our TV time is not great- but of course time on the computer, etc. I am thinking this morning about trying to eat lower on the food cahin…less meat, more plants, etc. Not “wanting” so much. I have a few plans to improve our home…but our home is already pretty darn good…perhaps I need to re-think these things. My husband does almost 100% of the “projects” that I come up with..Maybe time for a mindset change and discussion. Today is a new day with endless possibilities..I think I will try some new thoughts- a simpler version of life. Thank you!
I believe I live a fairly simple life when gauged with the masses of modern western society. My livelihood as a farm laborer and ranch hand has evolved in my later years of life as a lifestyle. The agrarian life and animal husbandry are almost as ancient as when mankind was journaling on rock walls and in caves. I do not own a cell/smart phone. Cheryl says it is because I do not want anyone to know where I am. May be that is partially true, but I know where I am. I have made it for 6 weeks shy of 66 whirls around the sun without one. Why switch boats now? My journey of gratitude has only helped to reinforce my choice to live this way. Namaste.
Thanks, Joseph. You continue to inspire me by your daily sharing.
I think of the “excess” thoughts that can run rampant in my mind: I shouldn’t have been impatient. Did I sound harsh? What will she think? I’ve got to finish this work. Why can’t I do it faster? I should be able to do it faster. And on, and on, and on. I am rich in these excess thoughts. I’d like my mind to live more simply, to stay in the present and be with whatever is actually happening here in the now.
Laura, I share a quote from Eckhart Tolle. It’s a reminder that I have found helpful.
You are not the thinker
You are the awareness behind the thought.
Watch the thought, feel the emotion; observe the reaction.
Observe your thoughts. Don’t believe them.
Whenever you are able to observe your mind, you are no longer trapped in it.
Eckhart Tolle
Thank you for passing that on, Carol.
I also struggle with what I call “monkey mind”. Thoughts jumping from branch to branch. Inviting the monkey into my lap rather than trying to shoot him down has helped.
Thank you for the tip, Joseph.
Joseph, I have found the visual your words present most helpful since first reading them several weeks/months ago. “Invite the monkey into my lap rather than trying to shoot him down.” So many times when we resist that monkey just gets bigger and louder. Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God.” The Psalm translation in a bible I have carried since I was 17 years old says, “Desist and know.” Fighting the monkey never has worked for me.
You are not the thinker
You are the awareness behind the thought.
Watch the thought, feel the emotion; observe the reaction.
Observe your thoughts. Don’t believe them.
Whenever you are able to observe your mind, you are no longer trapped in it.
Eckhart Tolle
I relate to this challenge, Laura.
I need to unsubscribe from the myriad of email newsletters I receive. While I enjoy something about each of them, they take too much time to browse and then I have files and piles of “new things” I think I MUST try.
This is something I def need to work on! thanks for mentioning it
The other day I decided I’m going to delete everything in my personal inbox that I haven’t read yet. I periodically do some unsubscribing but it’s probably time for another of those sweeps to decrease the future unread volume.