In our complex modern society, we are craving the simple life. We want less interactions, less obligations, less financial worries and less noise. There is just too much going on in the modern world for us to keep up and the majority of us are feeling overwhelmed more often than not. Our ideal, has become a cabin in the woods. Simple. Slow. Lovely.
A simpler life – written by ‘The School of life’ holds some simple yet appropriate wisdom for our times. Here are the bits that I enjoyed.
Cincinnatus was a Roman public figure in 458 BC, and after years fighting to make the stage better, he choose to move from the city to a small farm with his family. When Rome was invaded, they sent an envoy to beg him to come back and run the defense of the city with all the power and authority he required. He took the post and kept the city from invasion, and afterwards, declined the gold, prestige and power that was offered in favor of returning to his farm and his family. He reminds us that while we may be capable of many things, the truly wise will focus on the things that bring personal joy and meaning. Cincinnatus was craving the simple life.
News was originally designed to inform those in positions of power about issues and concerns over which they would need to make decisions. Presidents were required to keep abreast of international unrest to ready their military and be assertive in their policies. News was not designed for the layperson who had no control over the outcomes of such foreign affairs. Now, it is the layperson who soaks up the dysfunction of the world. While we have no power or control to influence, we are sent into despair and depression about the state of things.
In its current form, the news is a fast track to worry, anxiety and depression. We would be best to eliminate it entirely, or censor it heavily from our minds.
The pleasure we derive from a journey is entirely down to our mindset. When we delight in the small moments and incremental changes, we can fully embrace any trip. Even a walk around the block can be filled with wonder and awe. A flower ready to bloom; A whisp of pink cloud; The delightful waft of a roast dinner; Laughter of little kids. These are the things that make our journey enjoyable, and they are also part of our everyday life, when we have the mindset to notice them.
If we follow the trend of modernity and earn more, acquire more, do more and try to become more – there is a good chance we’ll end up overwhelmed, exhausted and discontent.
If, however, we learn to question how and why we do things, we can become discerning about where we place our time, energy and money.
This is the heart of living more simply.
