A simple life has a different meaning and a different value for every person. It means eliminating all but the essential, finding peace within yourself and spending your time doing what’s important to you. It means getting rid of the clutter so you are left with only that which you value most. However, getting to simplicity is not always a simple process. It’s a journey, not a destination and it can often be a journey of two steps forward and one backward. Clearing the clutter from your home and from your life is easier said than done. We are often emotionally attached to our possessions. This attachment goes beyond our needs and we find it difficult to let go of nostalgia. When we are free of physical clutter, it frees our minds as well. The less we have, the more attention we can give to those things we own and truly need on a regular basis. It is pretty amazing how little we actually need. We only need abundance of the mind and the soul.
Nothing external can give us permanent and true happiness. We actually have all we need to be truly happy, within us. The art of having less but enjoying our lives more, involves a few simple changes in perspective. First we must understand where our true values lie and focus on them. Then, we must take time to enjoy the simple things and slow down and see what’s right in front of us.
There is a saying, “The best things in life are free”. Spending time with family and friends, laughing, enjoying the antics of a pet, seeing a child smile, experiencing intimate and heart-felt moments with a loved one – these times are precious and free. Money brings comfort and there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying that comfort but we should ensure to spend money only on things that matter to us. If you focus on enjoying the simple things you do every day, you can find so much happiness. In order to live the life you love, you have to love the life you have. Take time to be grateful for what you have and be content with all the small gifts in your life. It’s easy to speed through your day and not notice the little things. Slow down and fully immerse yourself in the subtle joys of this moment. Life is so precious, yet we spend our most valuable resource – time, on things that are not important to us. Go outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature, read a good book.
Our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. By cleaning out and simplifying our outer space, our inner space will open up like a flower. When we open up physical space in our environment, a tremendous feeling of peace can dwell within us and we can find true happiness.
