*SIMPLE/*SIMPLICITY
Rudi used to say, "Life is profound only in its simplicity." What we are physically, biologically, and even psychologically has little to do with the true nature of the source behind the whole creative process. At a deeper level within this whole event, a pure, vital energy pulsates. (Stillness, p38)
Alvin Toffler coined the term "future shock" to describe our disorientation when we experience too much change too often [and too many choices?]. Seeking simplicity and scaling down creates greater peace. Modern life assaults our senses with noise, color, and ceaseless appeals to appetite. Chasing desire can drive us mad. Excess causes sensory overload, imbalance, disease. Peace is staying close to what's close to what's natural and simple. "When seeking knowledge, much is acquired. When seeking Tao, much is discarded (Tao 48)." Much of what passes in the world for knowledge is intellectual clutter. (Tao Peace, p78-84)
Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the whole world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes. (Wisdom, Hinduism, p47)
Simplicity of life is not frugality: it is life unencumbered, life free of things we own so that they do not own us. (Sr. Joan Chittister)
It's so simple. The central insight which arranges all of the details into a single pattern. The insight is the love of God, experienced and lived. The experience of God's love is a religious experience. It is an experience of grace, of overwhelming beauty, of unbelievable mercy. It is a gift of forgiveness, of approval, of acceptance despite our sins, despite our guilt, despite our nonacceptance of ourselves. (ThemesOT, p82)
We should live simply, so others may simply live. (???)
Ways to live more simply:
1. buy things for usefulness rather than status
2. reject anything you find addictive
3. develop a habit of giving things away
4. refuse propaganda from custodians of modern gadgetry
5. enjoy things without owning them
6. appreciate all Creation
7. be skeptical about all "buy now, pay later" schemes
8. obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech
9. reject anything that oppresses others
10. shun distractions from seeking the Kingdom of God.
(Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline)