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How the Discipline of Simplicity Can Change Your Life

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” – John Maeda

simplicity
(Photo taken of Zen-like koi pond in Chinese Swimming Club, Singapore)

Editor’s Note: Guest article submitted by Rita Schulte.

Stop for a moment and take a good look at your life. It’s a mess. You’re over- committed; don’t know how to say no, you have way too much stuff, too little time, and no idea how to organize all the things that are complicating your life. If that sounds like you, take heart, you’re not alone.

The problem isn’t that you don’t want to simplify your life. You do, you just don’t know what next steps to take. The truth is, most of us don’t know much about the whole concept of simplicity. Here’s why:

* We live in a culture where people always want more;
* We are never satisfied;
* We have an insane attachment to “stuff”;
* We worship affluence.

What can we do about it? A couple things: first, learn about the discipline of simplicity, and second, learn some next steps to de-clutter your life.

Simplicity is an attitude or mindset that begins inwardly and is reflected in an outward life-style. We can say we want a simpler life, but unless we experience a heart change, cultivating a more simplistic life will elude us. We’ll find ourselves following a bunch of rules and resenting them, or we’ll become prideful that we’re better than others that chase after wealth and prestige.

A simple life is a free life. It set’s possessions in the proper place with the proper perspective. It keeps “things,” or the drive for worldly pursuits from ruling over us. It enlarges our capacity for gratefulness and sharing.

How can we begin the practice of simplicity? Here are a few ideas that may change your life:

Develop a habit of giving things away

When you give, give your best. It’s easy to give away things we don’t have much use for anymore, but try giving away something you value to someone in need. It will make you feel awesome

Recognize the difference between a need and a want

Needs are essential for life, but wants and desires aren’t. Recognize the difference and see if you can do with less

De-Clutter

The more you have the more you have to maintain. Things complicate life. Most of us could get rid of half the stuff we have hanging around without missing a beat. Simply being aware can help you. Find your incentives for change

Learn to say no

We all want to help others, but sometimes it’s at our own expense. We worry about what others will think of us and so we over extend ourselves. Weigh your decisions to commit carefully. Count the cost to yourself and those closest to you before you agree to add something to your plate

Set boundaries with your time and be intentional about protecting it

Time is the most precious thing we have and most of us are trying to do way too much. Learn to be intentional about how much time you will work, and how much time you need for refreshment. Then stick to it

Set aside time each week to be refreshed

A simple life is a peaceful life. In order to reduce stress, set aside time to personally rejuvenate yourself

Cultivate a grateful spirit

Gratitude is a gift worth cultivating. Stop comparing yourself to others who have more, and focus on the blessings you do have. Start by making a list of three things each day you are grateful for and see what happens

Cultivating a simpler life can remind us of how much we really have. We can become so absorbed in comparing ourselves to those who have more than we do, that we forget about others who have so much less. We forget to be grateful.

How about you, what are your thoughts on living a simpler life and what steps have you taken to clear out the clutter in your life?

About the Author

Rita A Schulte is a licensed professional counselor, author and host of Heartline Podcast. Follow her at http://www.ritaschulte.com.

Editor’s Note: Share Your Thoughts

Let’s take Rita’s cue. What are your thoughts on living simply? Do you see it as a form of discipline? Share your steps and tips in the comments below.

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Anna - October 19, 2012 Reply

Life is kind of simple if you have the right attitude:

– Do only one thing at a time.
– Realize that all that exists is this one present moment.

If you live with this awareness it’s much easier to deal with the mess of a modern life: You will just not feel like it’s messy anymore. Everything becomes more manageable.

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Evelyn Reply:

Hello Anna,

I resonate with the tips that you have shared. Many people believe in multi-tasking but often, multi-tasking and trying to do too many things in the same moment dilutes our attention and focus. We end up being less effective.

Yes, life becomes more manageable when we can become more present.

Love and abundance always,
Evelyn

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Anna, you hit the nail on the head with the word “attitude” it’s everything. The other key thing is awareness. Thx for your comment.

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Beverly Lewis - October 19, 2012 Reply

Your message is very timely for me. I’m going to start with your first suggestion and cultivate the habit of giving things away. Starting today!
Great article. Thanks.

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Evelyn Reply:

Great going, Beverly!

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Thank you Beverly. You blessed my day!

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Linda Lochridge Hoenigsberg - October 19, 2012 Reply

Rita,
I have read so many books on “simplicity” over the years…and during those same years have collected more and more “stuff.” I have stuff from ancestors, stuff from grown children, stuff from garage sales that others wanted to get rid of themselves. Right now I am desperately attempting to hold to my self-made boundaries of working three-days a week at a time when I seem to get a new referral every day (it’s tempting!). I remember visiting a new friend’s home recently. She was putting it up on the market because it was too large. But it was so decluttered that I wondered what they did with their spare time! It looked like a model home…like all it contained was their furniture and clothing. I was envious! But it was a reminder. I need to get started…and a long Montana winter is just the time to start. Living with and on less is a goal I strive for.

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Boy do I get it Linda! Good for you for being aware and for holding yourself accountable.

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Dixie Diamanti - October 19, 2012 Reply

I had to learn this the hard way, Rita. Everything was stripped from my life to wake me up to what is really important in my life. I heard it said once that how we maintain our surroundings is in direct correlation to what we feel inside. Thanks for the great post!!

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Boy are you right. When we experience loss, it really shows us what our priorities are! tnx for the note

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Heather Sabin - October 20, 2012 Reply

Rita, a very good message. A few years ago some friends took my husband and I for a week end to the Shaker Village outside of Lexington KY. It was a time for refreshing but, also an educational time studying how the simple life was what the Shakers strived for. I think we all battle in different areas for that simple life. For me the material is not as much a battle as is the helping others area. With the holidays coming up it is a good time to decide what boundries I need to set. Thanks again for the timely word.

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Love you sis!

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Florence Achama - October 20, 2012 Reply

A great message Rita, with lots of practical advice. God has definitely been working on me in quite a few of these areas and it is paying off. xxx

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Rita Schulte Reply:

Thank you Florence. We all need to be mindful of this.

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Carolynn - October 21, 2012 Reply

As the daughter of a hoarder, I tend toward a clean, clutter-free environment. That said, I have a lot of possessions and would still like to reduce even more. One of my strategies is to invoke the 24 Hour Rule. If I happen upon something I want to buy, I first ask myself if I really need it. If the answer is no, but I really want it, I walk away and give myself 24 hours before purchasing it. If, after that time, I still want it, I’ll go get it. Usually though, the thrill passes pretty quickly and I find that I can go on without it quite nicely.

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Rita Schulte Reply:

What a great idea Carolynn. You are so right about the thrill passing. Sutff carries with it such an illusion of filling us doesn’t it? It rarely does. Tnx for your comment.

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Henry - November 2, 2012 Reply

Thanks Evelyn
lovely one.

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