Simplify Everything

Grace C. Leal, M.S.

Simplify, simplify, simplify.   Webster's dictionary defines simplify as "to make easier," versus "to make complicated."   Makes a whole lot of sense; unless of course, you prefer living in a state of constant confusion, tension and undue stress. 

I suspect most people want to experience more freedom and flexibility in their lives.  They want to have high-quality time to spend with family or friends, enjoy doing more of their heart's desire - to travel, exercise, get involved in their community or nourish their interests and hobbies. Be honest, who wouldn't want more peace and time just for themselves?

As a former college administrator, I came to realize that teaching the fundamental skills of managing life, of giving individuals the basic tools & systems to create balance and harmony in everyday life was missing from our curriculum.  

As far as I know, there are essentially five basic needs we demand:  food, shelter, a sense of belonging & recognition and a life purpose.   Plain and simple.   But somehow, things accumulate over time and many have wrapped themselves up in this complication, believing that all the extras of modern life are actually necessities.   But evidence shows that people are not as happy as they'd like to be, nor are they feeling as productive and effective given our technological innovations and sources of opportunities.  

Living life simply means sweeping away life's clutters so you can get on with yourself.  It's about looking within and reflecting on what's working around you and what's not working; about letting go and creating supportive spaces among the complexities - physical, relational, occupational, mental - that will give you more happiness, productivity and inner peace.

From a heart-centered perspective in managing the critical aspects of your life, you can make easy but essential changes in the way you think, organize your space and develop a deeper awareness of how your physical world affects you.  Call it Living Life Simply 101.