How I bring simplicity into my life.
Free my mind. Heal my heart.
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Yeah, people beep all the time and wave when they pass my place but they’re too busy to stop, this stranger said with a laugh. I’m not. They are.
Yeah, too busy for me. Simplicity is how I roll, I said and he nodded. He was young and strong, a Deadhead who’d rather chill at a waterfall for three hours than race around. I’m down with that kind of life — and why strangers like him naturally graviate into my orbit, even if they pull out a smartphone after ten minutes.
Such is this world now.
Smartphone or not, simplicity has a place for those interested in the gifts it brings. Not for everyone — nor should it be. Souls want to experience all kinds of movement and play. I certainly went fast during earlier iterations; boom-boom cities, beaches, mountains, motorcycles, cross-country travel, a ton of places. I’m still moving around, curious and interested. Yet as a INFJ-A (I dig personality tests like this!) I require lots of alone time for my creativity to flourish and have physical/mental rest. That’s why a life of simplicity works.
Here are a few tried and true ways that maintain my balance:
I keep a clean, uncluttered house and car. I can’t stand unnecessary “stuff”.
Nothing says a chaotic mind than cluttered house and car, so I regularly go through clothes, dishes, shoes and everything else to see what I can give away, recycle or burn. Twice a year I have a “cleaning frenzy” where friends know I’ll text and say, Hey, do you want this Bluetooth/Airpods/chargers/deck, etc and ship it off or donate. [A note about my Tarot decks: I only give to trusted friends, never strangers. I’d rather burn in the firepit and replace.]
Unused stuff that doesn’t bring joy — thanks, Marie K — feels like a heavy weight on my skin. I like living and travelling light and free, enjoying and upgrading when necessary. I’ve given away most of my clothes, upgrading to 90% natural fabrics but will admit that I love shoes and boots and have far too many but we’re in a co-dependent relationship, so there’s that. However, I had a huge illumination this year over Birkenstocks and my feet said, Why the hell did you not buy these years ago? Everything they’ve said about Birks are true about foot health and I’m happy to say that I am on point with fugly wonderful fashion. I’m more than likely a reincarnated hippie and finally back to what I always wore.
I admire and learn from those who turned their back on the misuse of money, personal status and strive to create a more conscious world.
I deeply admire people like Peace Pilgrim, Planetwalker John Francis, Robin Greenfield, Mark Boyle and many others who made drastic changes for the sake of the planet, humanity and their own peace of mind and personal mission. They are extreme examples but truly exemplify Matthew 19:21, even if they are not necessarily Christian or religious. Obviously, they are still imperfect humans — but brave and courageous in the face of a materialistic and largely unhappy world.
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
I have my own personal mission here and do not wish to copycat them. I love certain physical things. I love the frequency of wealth and the freedom it allows for a creative life. I remember that money (which is not real) is not owned by anyone and comes from the same source of generosity that wishes to be shared with myself and others before we die.
These teachers expand my foraging of edible plants/berries/greens (this world is a paradise of food), my attempts to understand others who are different, asking whether possessions are need/want and that I always have a choice to keep my existence simple or chaotic.
I move to a physical place that matches my need for silence and beauty. I remember to enjoy this moment, rather than rush to the next.
If I want to live in the country, mountains or near a town, I don’t move to a city. If I want city, I don’t move to the country. I tune in where my soul wishes to be right now while recognizing that the ultimate and last state in which I’ll reside is quite a few years away. Often I’ll slow myself down and say, I’ll get there soon enough. It’s not ready for me now. There are three places of destiny (two I’ve already experienced) but many states are drive-bys, short term adventures or resting spots. I’m in one now — but will soon move to another adventure. My imagination can’t wait to extract all kinds of fun things to remember and utilize in my books.
Every place I move is more beautiful than the last — and as I am very connected to trees, plants and waters, I bless them and we mutually benefit from my presence. If there’s litter on my walk, I clean it up, rather than wait for someone else. The Earth blesses me with so much abundance — it’s the least I can do.
I cry when I need to, get angry or feel whatever kookiness without judgement. I just let myself be — and often channel it in a book. :)
Allowing myself to feel has been a big struggle for most of my life because my mind is very strong, intelligent and often does not want to jump into the morass of emotion. Why? Emotion and sensitivity has gotten me into alot of trouble, brought loads of pain, judgment over being too sensitive and some were threatened when I could see right through them, even as a child. Someone as sensitive and perceptive as me can be scary to those who are insecure or have something to hide, so I learned as an adult to wield my sensitivity, intelligence and mastery of words to cut people down — even with truthful words — whenever I felt threatened. Either that or I’d completely cut them out of my life. Worked like a charm. Not only did it slice them to pieces so they could feel the pain I experienced but kept them at bay so they would naturally fear or avoid me.
This, of course, I am not encouraging as a successful life path.
However, proper usage of my words/insight has been one of my great challenges, using the gift of my talents and abilities to encourage others, rather than be a self-righteous warrior who destroys. I am excellent at both — yet only one brings me peace.
Learning to feel without judgement — being both the child and protective parent I need — has been transformative. I find myself less willing to judge others when I let myself feel, rather than see my deep and rich emotional life as a threat.
The greatest irony? What I once feared and pushed away — my sensitivity combined with intelligence and perception — has made me a very successful reader and writer for over 20 years. If only I’d known this decades ago — but I had to forget to remember.
Beautiful article. I'm 60 this month, July. And for the last several years, I've simplified my life so much it would seem to the outsider like watching grass grow. But I prefer a much calmer pace, avoiding the hectic crowds and noise. For 4th of July, spouse and I went to a sweet tiny house coffee shop for some lattes and specialty coffee drinks and scones/muffins. We drove on down the road and shopped in a beautiful shop own by an artist. And then we grabbed some dinner to eat at home. Simple, fun, and I loved it. Later that night we went to a local neighborhood and watched some beautiful fireworks. The thing I need work on is cleaning. Yes, I try to get rid of clutter but still need much work on that. But I'm thinking about devoting a day once a week to just cleaning--using it as a ceremony to banish things: negativity, negative thoughts I harbor, things like that. That would be a huge step for me in my simple life! Oh, and I bought a squirrel-free bird feeder, and I so love the birds who have found it and are using it. (By the way, I bought you some coffee!)