The Simple Life

100 Comments

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.“
~ Confucius

Don’t you just love the excitement you feel after coming home with a new TV? Driving home in a new car? Opening the box on a new pair of shoes?

I sure do. But, from watching the behavior of myself and my friends I’ve found that the new quickly becomes just another item. The excitement of novelty passes quickly.

As we become wealthier, people seem to be adding more and more things to our homes. We then use our homes, and our treasures, to justify that we have won the game of life. Growing up in a family of pack-rats, I spent many years in my teens and early twenties accumulating stuff. During this time, much of my self-worth was unconsciously associated with the amount of stuff I owned; the brand names, and the latest trends. I spent a lot of money on clothes and stuff that made me feel ‘superior’. They gave me a sense of identity. If I just removed these things without awareness, my ego would have suffered. I had grown so attached to that definition of myself, that my loss would have been much deeper than just the cute sweater.

Not only did I not find myself in all this, I’ve also accumulated a lot of clutter in my living space and my inner space. Ironically, the piles of stuff actually held me back from understanding and inner peace with myself.

We are so eager to fill our homes, yet so disinterested in cleaning it out. As a result, we now require larger spaces, more storage space, and more clutter for the mind. Did you know that there are more self-storage facilities in North America than there are McDonald’s restaurants? We find it difficult to reduce the amount of stuff we own is due to our attachment to these things.

Is Less Really More?

The joy and art of having less while enjoying more of life can be summed up, as follows.

The Zen of Space - There is beauty in space, but we fail to recognize it because we can’t see through the stuff we own. When we open up physical space in our environment, a tremendous feeling of peace can dwell within us. This is the principle behind Japanese style homes. Beauty in small spaces is the appreciation of minimalism, where less truly is more. We need to understand that space is to be enjoyed, not filled.
Conserved Energy - Fewer belongings means we have fewer possessions to worry about. I once knew a wealthy young man, who had anything he dreamt of. He had so many expensive things, and he was so afraid of losing them. Much of his energy was devoted to protecting his possessions and trophies.
Free Your Space - When we are reminded of something we own but never use, we can impose self-inflicted guilt for leaving it unused. For example, my mother owns a several exercise machines which are rarely used. Each time she sees them, she forces herself to feel guilty. Her guilt eats away at her inner, mental space. Our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. By cleaning out and simplifying our outer space, our inner space will open up like a flower.
Appreciation - The less we have, the more attention we can give those things we own and truly need on a regular basis. Appreciation is the seed for abundance; abundance of the mind and the soul. It’s pretty amazing how little we actually need. When we clear our homes and our lives down to the essentials, we are able to better enjoy that which we do have.

Nothing external to us can give us permanent and true happiness. We actually have all we need to be truly happy within us.

The art of having less but enjoying our lives more, involves a few simple changes in perspective. First, we must understand where our true values lie and focus on them. Then, we must take time to enjoy the simple things, and slow down and see what’s right in front of us.

How to Have More With Less?

The following are suggestions and tips for incorporating the having less mentality into your life:

Doing One Thing At A Time - Avoid multi-tasking. When our attention is divided between multiple thoughts at the same time, we cannot excel in any of them. It’s best to place all focus on one task before moving on to another. I’ve learned the hard way that despite feeling productive, with multi-tasking, I rarely am. Whenever possible, remind yourself to focus on the Now, and fully immerse yourself in the subtle joys of this moment.

Slow down - It’s easy to speed through your day and not notice the little things. Slowing down is a vital part of simplifying your life and enjoying what you have. With focus, you can get the same tasks done without rushing. The key to being effective and productive is to work strategically, not blindly, by understanding why you are doing what you’re doing.

Be The Important - The only time we are guaranteed to have is this moment. I know this may sound a little mystical, but just think about it for a second. Life is so precious, yet we spend our most valuable resource, time, on things that are not important to us. In my life, this means that I will include time in my schedule to do what I truly want to be doing. Since the only time we have is right now, make sure you’re using your right now the way you truly want.

Clear the clutter - Clearing the clutter from your home and from your life is easier said than done. We are often emotionally attached to our posessions. This attachment goes beyond our need and we find it difficult to let go of nostalgia. When we are free of physical clutter, it frees our minds as well.

Control Your Spending - You’ve heard the saying “The best things in life are free.” Do you believe it? Spending time with family and friends, laughing, enjoying the antics of a pet, seeing a child smile, experiencing intimate and heart-felt moments with a loved one - these times are precious, and free. Money brings comfort, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying that comfort. But it’s important to spend money on the things that matter to you and let go of spending that does not add value to your life. We spend on what we need, but we forget why we are doing what we’re doing, and the spending becomes a habit.

Enjoy What You Have - If you want to have more enjoyment in your life, enjoy what you have. It is said that in order to live the life you love, you have to love the life you have. We don’t have to seek beyond ourselves in order to find happiness. No one person has everything they want; but we all have some things worth enjoying. So focus on those things and enjoy them!

Be Gracious - Following the previous point. Take time to be grateful for what you already have, however much or little you own. Be content with all the small gifts in your life, things you might take for granted like your body, your home, your good health, the chair you’re sitting on, the computer you have, the respect of those you love most.

Think Simple - There are so many simple pleasures that we don’t always take time to enjoy. Have you taken time lately to be outdoors and watch the clouds? When was the last time you curled up on the couch with a good book? If you enjoy baths, when is the last time you took a bubble bath? Take some time to really focus on something simple - focus on your breathing, focus on drinking down a cold glass of water, focus on enjoying the simple things you do every day. We can find so much happiness in the small everything things. They are there if we seek them, and when we seek, we shall find.

What are some simple things that you enjoy? Share with it with us in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this and related topics.

If you enjoyed this article, please vote for it on Digg, share it on StumbleUpon or bookmark it on del.icio.us. I appreciate your support. :)

Other Articles You May Like:

External Resources on Having Less:

Zen Habits: Slow Down…To Enjoy Life
The Simple Dollar: The One Hour Project: Enjoy What You Have
Dumb Little Man: 6 Simple Strategies to Stay Happy

100 Responses (71 Comments, 29 Trackbacks ):

Comments

Albert | UrbanMonk.Net

Jan 20 08, 9:43 pm PST

1
Tina, I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really enjoying your new writing style and more indepth material. Really makes you stand out across the blogosphere.

Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.
Raymond Chua

Jan 20 08, 9:51 pm PST

2
This article hit me on my head. The number of my possession keep on growing while my living space is shrinking.

Though I am not a fan of branded stuffs but I keep on collecting unimportant stuffs.

Thank you for the tips to guide me to the road of solution. :)
Coop

Jan 20 08, 10:39 pm PST

3
Hi Tina,
I’ve been telling my clients for quite some time.

I could fit all of the “secrets” to being in shape on a “Post it Note”.
1. eat clean
2. train hard
3. sleep enough

Simplicity in fitness.

Best,
Coop
Kirsten

Jan 20 08, 10:48 pm PST

4
As someone who also comes from a family of pack rats, I can totally indentify with this issue and the lessons that need to be learned. One of my short-term, immediate goals is to de-clutter my closet. *sigh* Thank you for the good tips and reminders.

As for enjoyable simple things, I find nothing beats reading a good book with a good cup of coffee or tea.
gale

Jan 20 08, 11:15 pm PST

5
tina,

i used to have the thought: “if i get this item, then i will feel this way.” i never really identified what “this way” should feel like, and most of the times, i end up feeling the same after acquiring the item for a brief amount of time. so the way i’ve run my life has been a bit different from yours; instead of feeling attached to my objects, i felt empty because of the objects i had. like you said, cleaning out superfluous objects greatly unclutters both physical and mental space. and i also love japanese architecture, or any zen-like space :) thank you for another enlightening post!
Michael Howard

Jan 20 08, 11:49 pm PST

6
Thanks Tina!

This is an important issue to me, I am severely affected by my surroundings, too much stuff, unorganized messes and clutter give me tention headaches and completely stifle my creativity, I literally cannot think when my personal space is cluttered. I have recently been getting rid of tons of items I do not use and it’s truely extraordinary, my creativity and inspiration has returned, I feel free and energized and healthy. Thank your for the wonderful insights!
Luis Merino

Jan 21 08, 1:52 am PST

7
I recently found a way that fits perfect to me in order to get energy and to rid off the stress. I get laid on a long seat near to beach, put my earphones and play Sigur Rös for 15 minutes… The mix of calm, cold wind and hot sun on my face works!
ZHereford

Jan 21 08, 5:42 am PST

8
Tina, you’ve hit this one right on. We need to enjoy life more and simplifying it is the way to do it.

Great job!
peter frank

Jan 21 08, 6:15 am PST

9
great article, i actually found almost the same article on the 3rd page, of http://www.opentopix.com
Shari

Jan 21 08, 6:24 am PST

10
This is a nice article and makes some good points, but, for the love of God, please stop holding the Japanese up as examples of simplicity and space. All those clean, clear, uncluttered spaces you see in magazines and architectural books don’t exist in 99% of homes. Look at the book “Tokyo Style” and you’ll see the overwhelming number of Japanese people live in cluttered messes rivaling most western homes.
uker

Jan 21 08, 6:38 am PST

11
I have benefited from keeping things tidy, cutting downing buying and donating or throwing out crap accumulations. it is easy to be simple, or simple to be easy.
S.P. Gass

Jan 21 08, 8:31 am PST

12
Great post. I totally agree that lots of purchases today are unnecessary. I’ve been trying to simplify/reduce clutter for awhile; it’s easier said than done. I’ll keep trying one room (or drawer) at a time :-)
Paul X
Jan 21 08, 9:06 am PST

13
I found a trick that works really well to avoid buying useless stuff.

Whenever I am in a store (which is more rare these days), and I find something that I really want, what I always do is go home without buying it. And I think about it some. Very often, after a week or so I come to the conclusion I can do without it, and never go back to get it. Occasionally, I still want it after a week or so, then I will go back and buy. But the point is, most times not having it in front of you when you make the decision to buy or not, takes a lot of pressure off.

***********************

REPLY:

That’s a nice trick Paul. Thanks for sharing.

Tina
Matthew
Jan 21 08, 9:23 am PST

14
Excellent article that puts into words a lot of what I’ve been personally thinking and feeling myself lately. Thanks!
Aaron Scott
Jan 21 08, 9:51 am PST

15
Love the article. I lived in East Africa, Tanzania for almost 2 years and loved my life there. People often ask me what I loved so much about it. It’s hard to explain but one of the things that I loved so much is that I appreciated the small things. Just getting to go somewhere with running water when I would leave my village, taking a hot shower when I would travel to the capitol. Spending 1/6 of my days salary on an occasional chocolate bar. Now that I’m back in America I feel like I don’t truly appreciate anything because everything is so easily accessible.
Aaron

Jan 21 08, 9:55 am PST

16
A Zen monk may wash the floor as a practice to clean him/her self spiritually. What a wonderful change — expressing your self through your objects vs. being attached to your objects.

I think I will go dust off my alter.

Aaron
Quiet Mind Cafe
jeremy

Jan 21 08, 11:14 am PST

17
What a great read. I went through a “life simplification” about 6 years ago, and it was the best thing I ever did. I didn’t even have TV for two of those years. I own almost nothing, but I have all this great wide open space.

I think the thing that helped me slow down and pay attention to thing I would have otherwise ignored is photography. People always tell me that I take such interesting pictures of things that they would have never seen. The truth is that they would see them, if they would just take the time. Take a walk, stare at the clouds, get down on your knees and look at things from a different angle. Stop, look and appreciate.

The other interesting aspect of this is my children. My ex wife is a total pack rat and has stuff from one end of her house to the other. I walk inside and just feel uncomfortable. Like the house is closing in on me. Stacks, piles, toys from the kitchen to the living room. I see how see this affects my kids. At my house, they are calm, relaxed and they enjoy the space. At their moms house, they are crazy, out of control and have stimulus all over. It’s too much. I think they feel like they can breath when they are with me.

Thanks again for your great write up. I enjoyed it very much.
JEMi

Jan 21 08, 11:45 am PST

18
Often times we buy things that are supposed to make us feel posh or important because of an emptiness. This is an easy one to get caught up in (hence shopaholics)

I love the tip about clearing clutter. It helps you grab the reigns on your life and your surroundings .. helps you focus on whats important.

Consider this Dugg :)
Zath

Jan 21 08, 1:33 pm PST

19
I’ve been thinking about so many of these things just recently, not quite sure why, maybe it’s just a stage in life, but I’m really starting to appreciate things other than physical possessions which really used to mean a lot to me.

Now I can get rid and de-clutter my life, feel less stressed by doing it and also save money in the process of unnecessary spending in the future.

One of my favourites is just watching and listening to the rain at various times of the day.
Meridian
Jan 21 08, 2:37 pm PST

20
I love this article and totally agree. I find i cannot relax unless the house is clean and uncluttered. And i frequently turn off every possible electronic device in the house (except fridge of course) including lights, open up the windows and read a book in the midday sun that shines through the window. ‘Stuff’ suddenly becomes very unimportant. But…..

I have a library. Book shelves covering the walls. Books up to the ceiling. Shelves abound with useless items.
With all this “stuff” in the room, i actually feel more relaxed in it. It is my ‘Den’, with a collection of items on the shelves that signify my life. Not items purchased from a shopping centre. Items that i’ve collected on my travels and items signifying achievements i have made. Everything in that room is very important to me. It has value to me beyond that of any item that could be purchased at a shopping centre. It is almost a summation of my achievements in life. That room signifies ‘me’, and is not filled with items i purchased so that i could feel a certain way. It is filled with items that i purchased ‘because’ i feel a certain way.

To anyone else, the room is probably quite boring. But i would be quite lost without it.

I don’t know whether these feelings are familiar to anyone. And i know they kind of go against the grain of this article. But i feel my life would lack something if i could not sit in my library, look around, and think: ‘Yes, i have achieved things, my life has a point’.

***************

REPLY:

Hi Meridian,

You have a great point here. I could just imagine you reading by the window with the indoor lights off. I hear what you’re saying and I cannot label this as wrong. What I’m really trying to highlight with this article is that we tend to associate ourselves with the things we own… and we think this is where happiness can be drawn from. I can relate to what you are describing, I’m incredibly attached to my loft, without it, I think that I will not be well or creative. But to some extent, part of me knows that even the things I hold precious from memories I treasure are just things, they capture memories from the past… but, I can only live in the now.

The question to ask is, “Can you feel that your life has a point without all your possession? Can you still be grateful for all that you’ve experienced in your life? And all the small miracles that comes your way?” :)

Love & Gratitude,
Tina
shwin
Jan 21 08, 6:37 pm PST

21
Hey Tina,
I love how fast your blog has grown. It shows the power of intention, absolute faith and working towards the goal…. I like this post, I’ve already realized the things you’ve said but still do the opposite. I must wisen up!

thanks
Shwin

*************

REPLY

Hi Shwin,

Thanks so much. You are right, the power of intention and absolute faith works when I stopped thinking/pondering/analysing whether it will work.
Don’t worry about doing the opposite, I too do the opposite. The key is sending out your intentions for how you’d like to live your life, and taking steps towards that (which rarely happens over night). I admire you for trying. :)

Warmly,
Tina
Wyatt S.

Jan 21 08, 8:04 pm PST

22
Interesting article again and so is the previous comment/conversation by Meridian & Tina. I’ve had a room similar to what Meridian had described. Shelfful of books, collectables, souvenirs, awards, trophies and the likes, all neatly stacked next to each other. I felt I had a lot and had achieved a lot every time when I look at these items.

Attaching my sense of selfworth to these items I felt I was well educated when I see those books I owned, felt I’ve traveled when i see those collectables from different places, felt I’ve achieved when I see those awards and certifications. Until one day i saw a news report…

A traumatised mother and daughter who had survived a devastating fire that destroyed everything in their 20-year house spoke about their ordeal, they’ve lost literally ALL of their belongings but one photograph they managed to grab on the way out. The mother said that she felt so grateful and happy that she and her most loved - her daughter, had survived the fire, when the reporter asked about that 1 single photo that she saved in comparison to everything they’ve lost, she just smiled and said that after almost losing your life, all the belongings they’ve once had were no longer as important.

That was a huge wake up call for me. That very same day I looked at my room, imagined if there was a fire, I could hardly bring even a tiny portion of my items out of the room. Would I still feel I’m myself with the same level of confidence, if I had lost all of that?

I used to move a lot, 6 or 7 times within a few years time. Each time I was surprised at how much stuff I actually have accumulated in the relatively small space I’ve had. When I moved again after I saw the fire survivor’s news I got rid of as much things as possible, and for those things I did have some level of attachment to, I stacked them in storage boxes, lined the boxes up against the wall in my garage.

The shelves looked a lot more empty without those ‘items of pride’, instead my space was filled with a lot more clarity and I simply felt a lot ‘lighter’ than i once was.

Those boxes have since been in my garage for a long time now, one of my goals for the first Q this year is to tidy up my garage (one of my hidden clutters) :-)

Wyatt
Galvin
Jan 21 08, 9:04 pm PST

23
Hey this article/blog is RIGHT ON THE MONEY. It’s something the “better life” books and programs try to advertise but never get to the real point. SIMPLICITY.

I was fortunate to realize this appreciative lifestyle when I started the poor college student life and have really appreciated little things like exercise and books instead of pure entertainment and spending money.

I thank you for putting valuable information on the web and I know others do not think like us. I’m not saying we are better but that we have really got the goods in life by being simple.
gettinDiggy

Jan 21 08, 10:18 pm PST

24
The core of the issue, IMO, isn’t about stuff you have or don’t have. I don’t think people spend enough time properly figuring out what they want from life. Then, use that as a razor to cut through all of the advertising and attempts to sell you stuff that don’t fit into line with what is ultimately really important to you.

If you love to canoe, then buy an awesome canoe. You will love and appreciate it the whole time you have it. It advances what is truly important to you.

Not a car fanatic? Don’t have a big family? Then don’t spend a lot on a vehicle - identify the one that will suffice a minimum set of requirements, and suck the least amount of money out of your pocket. This will allow you have more money for what you want to accomplish.

Advertising is all about making you think you want stuff. Don’t let other people make that decision for you. And be ruthless about what you think you want.

It’s been proven that consumerism will never make someone happy. Check out the “The Happiness Hypothesis” by Jonathan Haidt, and “The Paradox of Choice”.
Matthew Bartleson
Jan 21 08, 10:22 pm PST

25
Great article. I grew up with nearly nothing and always associated having more shit with wealth until my early 20’s. I didn’t realize how much unnecessary junk I really had until last year… it was appalling . Through a series of fortunate events, I had the opportunity to study in Europe for a year, so I gave away and sold everything I could not take with me.

Honestly, it is the most liberating feeling being able to carry anything I value in my backpack. All the time I had spend acquiring and maintaining my possessions can now be spent developing myself and relationships with others, which I have found much more valuable.
Olga

Jan 22 08, 1:37 am PST

26
I enjoyed this article. It comprises some important points about how to improve one’s life. Sometimes it can be enough to take time and go out for a peaceful walk with somebody we love through a beautiful park or garden to realize how little we need in order to be happy.
Koochy
Jan 22 08, 3:09 am PST

27
Tina, I couldn’t agree more with your article. Like other readers I also catch myself wanting something to buy, but if I consider the issue again later on, I know that I can do without it. The cause is that peaople are being influenced: The producers (and the government!) want us to buy, buy, buy! That’s the way to keep the world spinning. Out of money? Get another loan to spend and spend more; no matter how, just spend, otherwise the whole monetery system will slowly stop. Too bad the world is just so dependent on money… All the readers over here (already) know that spending won’t make one happy, but the majority is simply affected by the new and shiny iPod bill-posters. I don’t think this will ever change…
Clyde

Jan 22 08, 10:51 am PST

28
to Luis, getting laid, definitely helps me rid of stress, too.

On a serious note, if everybody felt this way, our society would be a much better place.
ALEjandro Guerra
Jan 22 08, 11:53 am PST

29
Me gusta sacar una tortilla de la nevera, calentarla y ponerle encima una delgada rebanada de queso y comérmela despacito.
Bruce

Jan 22 08, 4:30 pm PST

30
This is a fantastic article of simple life style that we need follow, especially our planet is threatened by global warming..

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/jan/21/environmental.debt1

http://godsdirectcontact.com/topics/SOSGlobalWarming.html

For the simple things I love to do:

I enjoy carrying my pocket digital camera with me all the time so I can find some simple beauty around my daily life when I take a walk around my home or office everyday and share them on the internet without Photoshop enhancement.
The Dividend Guy

Jan 22 08, 7:43 pm PST

31
I enjoyed reading this article - quick and to the point. Easier said than done however…

The Dividend Guy
Ray

Jan 22 08, 8:09 pm PST

32
I thoroughly like this article.

The underlying principles you are revealing in this is similar to Buddha’s teachings to how our way of life should be.
Cederik

Jan 23 08, 2:00 am PST

33
I came across “think simple now” today and couldn’t quit jumping from article to article. This helped me a lot. Shifting my recurrent negative emotions and escaping from the nightmare. Taking a deep breath of fresh and renewed mental air.

Many thanks!
Life Life Life

Jan 23 08, 8:37 am PST

34
I’m new here, but I can see this is a nice article to read. I believe leading a simple life is happier and more content than a materially rich one.

thanks.
ALEjandro Guerra
Jan 23 08, 10:01 am PST

35
Me gusta también agradecer a Dios por todo lo que tengo. Igualmente por lo que no tengo. Comienzo por la noche poco antes de dormir por inventar una lista e ir agradeciendo cada uno de los elementos de la lista.
Liara Covert

Jan 25 08, 7:15 pm PST

36
I can relate to this post. When I moved a great distance from where I grew up, it was a challenge to take only a few suitcases. I had accumulated dishes, book and other things I thought I would need in my life. Funny, with all my moving around, I didn’t accumulate furniture? The bottom line is that life experience has helped me realize “less is more.” We don’t actually ‘need’ what we have been conditioned to think we need. Some of us think about our parents and grandparents and wonder how they could’ve accumulated what they have? Its an opportunity to realize we all carry our own baggage and we all work through it at our own pace.
Celeste
Jan 26 08, 1:36 pm PST

37
Confucius never dealt with modern biology…
joy
Jan 26 08, 4:15 pm PST

38
I enjoy:

Ice cubes in summer
sunshine
hot baths
Charles Wilson

Jan 26 08, 5:48 pm PST

39
Sometimes less noise is better. Too many physical things around with many more things in the head just do not cut it.
A good article. Less is more as many will put it!
Grant
Jan 27 08, 1:00 am PST

40
All makes a lot of sense.

While reading it an Advert on the side of the page was try to get me to buy (another!) Ipod! Made me chuckle. It’s no wonder we struggle to find inner peace when we are bombarded with messages every day of our lives telling us exactly the opposite of what this article is saying.

Oh, but the Ipod touch looks sooooo sweet ;-)
Qma
Jan 27 08, 1:23 pm PST

41
Wonderful simple life it is, but it isn’t something simple to do. However, the more we practice it, the better and easier it gets! Young Lady, you keep up your good work.
Kaushik Hatti
Jan 27 08, 8:53 pm PST

42
Its such an educative article! I totally agree with the writer. Just 2 years back I was totally different person, accumulating things that I hardly required and spending precious time protecting and cherishing them rather than really utilizing them.
But, an incident changed my life completely. Now, I look life in a positive sprit. I am more concerned on how I spend every moment rather than what I have amassed or what people think about me. I am interested in how much I can give back to the society (even the most insignificant thing) rather than how much exploit it. Now I know the height of happiness that you get from sharing your things or utilizing your time in the right way.
CatherineL

Jan 29 08, 11:03 am PST

43
Great post Tina. So many people waste time shopping to buy a heap of stuff they’ll never use again. Then they clutter their homes with it; felling too guilty to throw it out because they’ve spent money on it. It’s complete madness.
vineet nair

Jan 29 08, 5:35 pm PST

44
I agree with your comment about minimalism,

I like to follow it in my choice of apparals. Have less but have good. Elegance has nothing todo with quantity.

Nice post and nice idea to start a blog on..

All the best
Vineet
Alex

Jan 30 08, 11:08 pm PST

45
Hi Tina, thanks for sharing such a good article on “The Simple Life”. I am glad I have visited your blog. I find it enlightening. Very good for personal development and I will definitely revisit again. Thanks.

Best Regards
Alex
www.alexteo.com
Jason Simon

Feb 03 08, 4:40 pm PST

46
Great post! I am pleased to have discovered your blog. I like your “Think Simple” approach. It is refreshing.

– Jason Simon
www.opentodifference.com
SavingDiva

Feb 04 08, 1:42 pm PST

47
I really enjoy my DVD collection. I only have about 15 DVDs, but I love each one. I’ve watched each DVD at least 10 times. My friends always tell me that I need to expand my collection…but I don’t want to dilute it with crappy movies!
Galina

Feb 05 08, 6:50 pm PST

48
I am totally in love with this article. Thank you so much for your inspiration. Gala
jd

Feb 08 08, 12:48 am PST

49
Tina - I agree.

It’s never the *things* — it’s the *why* behind them.

For example, do you want the Ferrari, or do you want the feeling it represents?
The sense of freedom and adventure, the feeling of accomplishment, the confidence … etc.
If you know the why, then you have more options.

Related, but another angle … I think it was Wooden (among others) articulated that real happiness is the things that can’t be taken away from you (being your best you, living your values, … etc.)
matt

Feb 12 08, 11:21 pm PST

50
You write so eloquently! It seems that everything you posted is common sense to me, by now. The difference in being in a clean, clutter-free, open and calm environment and one that is loud, cluttered and/or dusty and dirty is amazing. A simple, clean space (as our house often is) just has the best energy.

I’m sure you’ve read her, but check out Karen Kingston if you haven’t. She wrote “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui” which really is the guide to what you mention.

Keep up the fantastic writing!

http://www.simpleandgreen.net
Brett
Feb 13 08, 11:03 am PST

51
I once saw a house get washed into a swollen river, sad. But all the crap that came out of the house - furniture,paper etc etc , the people were safe, all the possessions gone - did it all really mean anything? Not sure what Im trying to say.
Alejandro

Feb 16 08, 8:32 pm PST

52
As a Feng Shui connoisseur & practitioner I must agree with most statements written in this blog. I have basically lived the greater part of my life under these basic rules for a better living… And it does bring peace of mind!
Jonathan Mead

Feb 20 08, 11:40 am PST

53
Reminds me of doing webdesign for people and they’d make a comment like “what about that empty spot, what can we put there” or “it looks so empty, we’ve gotta fill that up”.

Busy-ness does not equal success.
Evelyn

Mar 16 08, 5:51 pm PDT

54
I always feel better after clearing out stuff. Problem is that I not only have to do it for myself, but for my kids, husband and home. Although I make it a conscious effort to live simply, clearly clutter is an activity that seems never ending….sigh…..
fiona

Apr 13 08, 5:05 am PDT

55
Thanks for the info. Simple really is better.
Trix
May 21 08, 2:19 am PDT

56
Hi Tina,

Good stuff!

But just for a momment, imagine you stopped writing this blog..

stopped doing stuff you really love to…

and yet found peace…

Graduation?

; )
Yuu

May 25 08, 10:47 pm PDT

57
I really agree with your points.
Multitasking was a trend word of late 90’s and especially in corporate world some people still think it’s something of a good thing.
I respect doing one thing at the time.
I also notice I’m more productive that way. We humans are not designed for multitasking but rather a serial processing.
Stefan
Jun 14 08, 6:34 am PDT

58
Excellent Article.

A lot of the social ills we have today are the consequence of exactly the problems most people have mentioned in the article. I have always believed in a simple life. As an educator, I try to instill these ideas in the minds of my students. I always tell them it is better to distinguish yourself by your thoughts, dreams, personal relationships and personal achievements than by the accumulation of material possessions. That being said, I don’t believe that one should live a life devoid of possessions but, just as the article says, learn to appreciate what you have and maximize their utility. On a side note, I always prefer it if people to give me handmade or more unique gifts because I treasure them more. There is nothing like recieving a birthday card or a gift that a child has made of their own volition.
Alice Bell
Jul 07 08, 6:58 am PDT

59
I had a treadmill I rarely used because it was boring. Then I realized I live & work within 3 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and there is a trail that runs along close to it for miles & miles. Now I walk the trail for an hour each day, weather permitting. The hour on the trail seems like minutes, instead of the minutes on the treadmill that seem like hours. Bye, bye treadmill clutter.
Heidi

Dec 08 08, 12:54 pm PST

60
Love it - thanks :)
Donald R.
Dec 18 08, 1:04 pm PST

61
Two of my most simple activities in life I love doing are praying, and walking. When I pray, I express myself as openly and honestly as I can to God and afterwards feel so much peace, harmony, and relief. Honesty is the best policy, especially to God who Knows Everything! Walking is also a key componet of my simplistic lifestyle. It requires a little motivation, and plenty of patience. Patience is perhaps my most important virtue. When I walk, they tends to be long and hard, which makes me feel so free and fearless like nothing is going to stop me from attaining my destiny! I also walk to accomplish a need like buying groceries and gifts and walking them back home. Sometimes, I will walk just to walk simply because it is enjoyable to me. I am absolutely thankful to be active in life by walking and active in my faith by praying. I walk with Jesus Christ everyday! Amen.
Donald R.
Dec 18 08, 1:42 pm PST

62
Honestly, my simplicity does that stop at praying and walking. The simple approach to living my life in meaning falls on what I will not do. I never have owned a car, a home, or a credit/debit card. With these “American Way” aspects out of my life, simplicty is attained and my life is thus meaningful. I live a comfortable life together with my family, which is another example of simplicity instead to separating myself far from family that our society encourages to develop independence. Honestly, I am independent, in thought! No one tells me to believe a certain way just because society wants to tease us with lies that, for example, using a credit card is easy and convenient when in truth, it is morally inexcusable and very INconvenient with all the fees and penalties attached to its use.

No one ever said life was easy, but I say life is simple. My simple life requires much work and effort. In truth, anything easy requires no work or effort. So why do it? Work yourself and you will feel a whole lot better in the end. I absolutely cherish simplicity because it is the bridge between my life and my faith. With simplicity being the synapsis between life and faith, deep meaning to felt and life is thus manageable, stress-free, and peaceful. If you want to be at peace in life, then live by simplicity and you will carry greater meaning and hope for better life to come! Amen!
Brian B.
Dec 19 08, 10:21 pm PST

63
For most of us, ’simple life’ simply means a life free of problems. So we look to avoid troubles instead of fix them as they come. ‘Better to have a petty problem than a real one’ it seems most of us think.
Donald R.
Dec 21 08, 6:21 pm PST

64
Interesting Brian, but here’s the problem, problems arise whether you like it or not. Life is anything but perfect. Most people, from your statement, seem to want a perfect world without “real” problems to handle. But that is completely unrealistic and foolish. I live in reality and reality states that problems were meant to arrise for each of us to be tested, as God Planned, so He can see how we handle them when they do arrive. I know how to handle “real” problems when they happen because I am experienced! I spread peace and calmness as problems arise and this works every time, especially since my peace and calmness come from Jesus Christ!

If most people don’t know how to handle real problems when they come because they want to avoid them all, then how can they possibly grow in maturity and in experience from their problems to learn and understand their situation? In their ideal world, they will never grow to understand through experience how to manage their problems as they occur. What kind life on earth is that? No one goes through life without “real” problems. That is obvious to me.

Experience is the second best teacher behind Jesus Christ, who had problems too from Roman soldiers torturing, hulmiliating, and later crucifing Him. All of us played a part in the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ from our sins. But in the end, it was all worth it because all of us have a bright eternal future if we believe and trust in Him to confess our sins, be forgiven, and walk with Jesus through every “real” problem that each of us faces in life. This is beautiful and very meaningful.

Also, “real” problems are signs of human suffering, which each of us faces to one degree or another. Jesus Christ suffered the most, and He Knew we would all suffer too through our earthy problems. That is why He redeemed all suffering and made it meaningful for all of us as children of God. Just lift up your problems and burdens to Jesus and He will carry them and help you greatly to live in peace and harmony. Peace Be With You Brian! Amen.

Donald
Brian B.
Dec 21 08, 11:56 pm PST

65
Donald,

I’m glad to hear all this from someone. It is quite true that problems come up whether we want/expect them. This is kinda my point. Most of the people I get really depressed if their favorite quarterback for their favorite football team does not throw a touchdown in every game. Or even worse, if they cant find their favorite pair of shoes in their favorite store in their size. You spoke of maturity. This is the level of maturity that I see in almost all humanity right now. This itself is a problem .. like you said. We do have the capability to rise from this yes .. But we dont want to even admit that we are this much denial.

-BB
Donald R.
Dec 22 08, 12:43 pm PST

66
@Brian B.

I’m glad to respond on this issue. The first example you used is fanaticalism. I use to be a hard-core Skins fan, but overtime, I have dramatically mellowed out. Now whether the Skins win or lose (or whether Campbell throws a touchdown in every game or not), does not get me emotionally charged as much anymore. And I love this new reality in my life because there is so much more to living in meaning than whether the Skins win or lose.

The second example you mentioned sounds like envy, which is a mortal sin. I pick shoes that look nice, but I have no particular favorite shoes. They are my walking shoes. They eventually get old and are soon thrown away. Life goes on…

Denial is a interesting word because I live by denying myself to The Lord, but at the same time, expressing myself as honestly as I can in prayer. I use to keep my feelings bottled up not willing to express the hurt and pain inside and being in denial of my realities in life. But that changed completely around roughly seven years ago. Today, I am very much in peace within Jesus Christ and within myself. I have no problem express myself now. This is one form of security I hold because by expressing my realities, I live content and at peace since there is nothing more important I need to speak about. The key is how I express myself that spreads peace and harmony to the those around me. Being very honest, as long as it is done out of respect, is important in life for anyone to live secure and disciplined. This, of course, is simple, but it takes a lot of work. Anything simple takes significant work and effort. However, it is well worth it in the end when they are at peace within Jesus and within themselves in life. Maturity then becomes a gradual growing process when boys become men, girls become women and immaturity becomes maturity for everyone who is respectfully honest in faithfulness. Amen.

God Bless you, BB

DonaldR
Katrina Wogoman

Jan 03 09, 11:59 am PST

67
I happened to catch a link to your site on Zen Habits and thought I would check you out. I am not disappointed. You have a wonderful blog, very informative and I can’t wait to dive deeper in your knowledge.

Simple, FREE, pleasures;

Letting the sun shine on your face, feeling the breeze upon your skin, the grass beneath your bare feet. The feeling of your pets fur between your fingers as you pet him/her, the beautiful song of a happy bird, watching a plant grow from seed knowing you assisted in it’s existence (and enjoying it’s fruits, if a fruit/vegetable plant). Meditation.

We are provided so many excellent ways to enjoy life for free. Even if it’s a stroll through the park or sitting on a blanket allowing the sun to shine on us. Unfortunately we want things that make us unhappy, even if we don’t know it. The happiest day of my life was when we completed our last 15 minute session with decluttering our home. As the last box was taken from the home, I turned as looked back and sighed. The effects of visual stress was immediately known as it melted away. Since, there is not only less stress in my home but my husband and I argue less, and we never have to say “Where is …?”. Simple pleasures
Donald R.
Jan 03 09, 6:52 pm PST

68
Hi Katrina Wogoman,

That was a beautiful message of living in simplicity. I have loved simplicity since I was born. I love walking outside whether the weather is sunny, snowing, or raining. I love de-stressing my life as much as I can within reason such as never using a personal credit/debit cards (saving money on penalties and silly fees), never using a personal car (saving money on gas, maintenance, and insurance), never using a personal cell phone (saving money on monthly bills, and avoiding possible health issues from radiation exposure), and being with my family daily without owning a home of my own. And of course, not taking out wasteful loans that means nothing to me, just like my credit rating, it means absolutely nothing! Of course, it is impossible to live truly stress-free. We need some measure of stress to be motivated in doing something. But I don’t believe in the American Way because, to me, The American Way is the Deficit Way by being under from all the loans society encourages its citizens to take out. I follow God’s Way and my way in my simplistic life and that is very beautiful and meaningful to me.

Donald
Tonya

Apr 13 09, 6:44 am PDT

69
I can tell that you are “living it to give it” by your writing style. It is simple, to the point, and highly effective. I believe our physical space, along with our writing, is a direct reflection of our inner being. As a weight loss coach, I also believe that our physical bodies is a manifestation of our mental clarity, or lack thereof.

Thanks for such a great post.
Mystic Madness

Apr 15 09, 10:37 pm PDT

70
very interesting article. I have subscribed to the feed. Internally I know the hectic schedule wont permit many things but then I have to try……
Gyasiman
Jun 19 09, 11:48 am PDT

71
Thanks so much.

You are appreciated.

Your Thoughts?

Add A Comment

We'd love to hear them! Please share:

Trackbacks (29)

Everybody Loves Your Money - Living for today - Planning for Tomorrow » You Should Really Read This Article: Simplicity - Jan 21 08
The Simple Life at memoirs on a rainy day - Jan 21 08
kwoff.com - Jan 21 08
My diigo daily 01/23/2008 « Rock Town - Jan 22 08
misc - 2k8jan26 « Ristorante Mystica - Jan 26 08
Live a Simple Life [Clutter] · TechBlogger - Jan 26 08
Pseudo-Intellectual Ramblings - Jan 26 08
Glass-cap | Blog » The Simple Life - Jan 26 08
We’re All Wrong » Blog Archive » Awesome Article on “Less is More” - Jan 26 08
xoxoANP! » links for 2008-01-27 - Jan 27 08
Teach yourself to slow down time | winnie tong dot net - Jan 27 08
Another Geek Blog » Blog Archive » Vivendo uma vida mais simples - Jan 29 08
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch Break | Life. Defined. - Jan 31 08
??.? » Blog Archive » ???? 01/23/2008 - Jan 31 08
blatternet.ch » Links der Woche - 2. Februar 2008 - Feb 01 08
Less is More, Making and Saving Money | Frugal For Life - Feb 04 08
the waiting room » Blog Archive » minimalist, not manimal-ist - Feb 06 08
Simplicidad en la vida » makememinimal - Feb 14 08
Zath Links - Volume 8 - Feb 17 08
The world according to Chris » Blog Archive » Live a Simple Life … more like a lil reminder to myself! - Feb 23 08
The Simple Life « memoirs on a rainy day - Feb 24 08
Man Push Cart (DVD Review) | Rex Baxter Dot Com - Feb 25 08
Simplicidad en la vida - Mar 09 08
Personal Development Carnival: Issue 34 | The Next 45 Years - Mar 16 08
Why Not Lime? » Blog Archive » 5 Simple Ways to Start Feeling Great - Apr 04 08
Stuff-onomics: Hidden Side of What You Own | ThinkSimpleNow.com - May 07 08
28 Unique Bits of Financial Brilliance | Marc and Angel Hack Life - Jul 17 08
Links der Woche - 2. Februar 2008 - Feb 01 09
A-Z guide for frugal living: linked and pinned « It’s Alright!! - Mar 21 09

Think Simple Now. A Blog on Creativity, Productivity, and Happiness.

The Simple Life

100 Comments

Is Less Really More?

How to Have More With Less?

100 Responses (71 Comments, 29 Trackbacks ):

Comments

Your Thoughts?

Add A Comment

Trackbacks (29)

Reader Favorites

Latest Posts

Categories

My Sites

Other Featured Sites

Top Commentators

What I'm Reading Now

Recently Read

Must Read Books