Sometimes simplicity is too simple. Some situations require complicated means to achieve the best result. However, generally speaking, simple is best. As we age life often feels increasingly complicated. There is more information in our heads, we have more responsibilities, more dependents, and we may have more possessions to maintain. All this translates into greater worries about gain and loss. Maybe this is why some choose to uncomplicate life by living simply.
A minimalist lifestyle attempts to create simplicity, through reducing excesses, like that frying pan we haven’t used in five years, to the clothing and shoes that overflow our closet. The minimalist approach reduces the human footprint on planet earth while attempting to unclutter our minds along the way.
Living within our means while taking only what we need, frees us from life’s hamster wheel of wanting more. Unnecessary purchases initially makes us feel better. The human brain releases dopamine, nor epinephrine, and other chemical rewards when we hunt down and slay our next possession. This behavior creates change within us psychologically which temporarily distracts us from our doubts and fears. Instead of facing our demons we flee from our worries on a carousel of consumerism. The opposite of excessive consumerism is prudence, with less impulsive and more thoughtful choices which creates sustainability and helps protect our environment.
Giving away surplus stuff to those that need it makes sense. Fixing things rather than dragging its carcass to the landfill tempers our desires to buy the latest and greatest. This action of practicality can help with our mental health as well. Perhaps a mind at ease cannot be solely attributed to less clutter and adopting a thrifty lifestyle. Some credit for mental peace is a result of challenging beliefs that causes us to live in excess in the first place.
Sometimes wanting more is a response to anxiety when we feel people are judging us. We may feel judged on so many levels, and the fear of being judged inhibits our confidence. We are resistant to being ourselves for fear of not blending in with our peers or not conforming to popular practices. For those individuals that fear rejection, nonconformity is too risky, mental health wise. For those who have lived with a lifetime of rejection, nonconformity is a negative way, but still a way, of receiving attention. For those that are at peace with themselves, being authentic is preferable to dancing to someone else’s tune.
Uncluttering our homes is an important move, yet uncluttering our minds is even more pivotal. If we clean up our thinking by weeding out negative thoughts, we begin focusing on what we prefer while avoiding ruminating on what we don’t want. This too is an act of simplicity.
Nothing complicates our minds and troubles our hearts more than the lies we sell to ourselves and therefore others. Being honest with ourselves creates self-trust, which enhances confidence. Honesty and vulnerability builds trust, appreciation, and love for who we really are. This simplifies life as we let go of pretense and the need to gain approval from others. Simplicity encourages us to give ourselves permission to be unique, to be judged and to not take it personally. The truth is that we can still care for those who do not care for us, or our opinions. This is possibly the greatest simplicity of all, as we cease to clutter our minds with resentments and bitterness.
A powerful way to simplify our existence is letting go of attachments to the things we own and the people we love. Typically, our attachments cause us fear around not being able to control or safeguard the things and people that we care about most. It is a wonderful realization, that we can enjoy life’s pleasures and all relationships with greater peace, when we do not fear losing them. The opposite of fear is love, and when we love others without neediness and without conditions, we learn to love ourselves without reservation. This is a profound gift, as we gain emotional freedom and peace of mind by keeping things simple.
Namaste,
Chris Leigh-Smith