Mention simple living and we conjure up images like Buddhist monks, a zen garden or ascetics meditating in the mountains. And, because the imagery is so powerful we immediately think this can’t be for us. After all, we are just ordinary people, not renunciates who are detached from the world and can live for years in two outfits. We need to wear pretty clothes, drive fast cars and go to fancy restaurants.
So, the first question you might ask is what’s the point of a simpler life? What’s there to be gained from simplifying one’s life?
The short answer is, almost everyone can gain from a more simplified life. Okay, maybe if you are rolling in wealth and not overly concerned about making your dollar go that extra mile - you could ignore this blog. But most of us are in the category that tries to get more bang from their buck. So, if that’s you - then listen up.
Simplifying your life means fewer things on your to-do list, fewer stresses, less objects to spend your money on, fewer attachments, and more space. Doesn’t just the mention of ‘more space’ make you feel lighter? Imagine if you could actually create more space in your life. What would you do with it? Perhaps spend more time with family and friends, more time enjoying life rather than working to make a living, and spend more time on what you “want to” rather than what you feel compelled to do. This would bring in more peace and joy in your life.
By simplifying your life, you’ll be able to spread your time and energy on fewer tasks, so the result will naturally be more productive and satisfying. The extra space will of course allow you room for enjoyment and spontaneity. Simplifying your life can be pretty liberating and fun!
So these are some quick tips on how ordinary people, like us, can simplify our regular day.
The magic word here is declutter. This refers to both the physical and mental clutter. Make no mistake, taking care of mental clutter is as important, if not more important. But first, let's see how we can easily tackle physical clutter.
Declutter Physically
Because it is apparent and right in front of our eyes - physical clutter is easier to handle. Clothes on the floor - no problem. Pick it up and put it in the laundry basket. right? But physical decluttering is not only about picking up after ourselves or putting things in the right place. Yes, it’s important to have neat and tidy surroundings - things kept in the right place, books on the shelves, ample open space for free movement of air and ventilation; but it’s also about having fewer things to take care of.
Go Minimalistic
Picture this, a room stuffed full of furniture, heavy drapes, carpets, cushions, and bric-a-brac. Such an overcrowded room may have its appeal for some, but even for those people, it wouldn’t be a place they would go to find peace or clarity. Imagine the dust that would accumulate and the time and effort required in cleaning such a full room to keep it in pristine condition. Time that few of us in this busy day and age have.
On the other hand, think of how you feel when you step into a small traditional Japanese restaurant just past the plain cotton half-curtains - you are transported to a world of peaceful joy. The simplicity of the shoji paper walls, clean lines, light cedar wood furniture, minimalist design and quiet are what help evoke this feeling. Minimalism is the effect they go for, much like the avant garde Danish furniture designers who are sought after for their sleek straight lines and narrow silhouettes.
Minimalism in Home, Closet and Kitchen Too
Minimalism is possible in your home too. Fit your furniture according to the size of the house. So, if you are yet to settle into your first apartment, buy the furniture sensibly and buy only what you need. If you already have a furnished apartment then get rid of things that don’t spark joy for you anymore. This phrase was popularised by professional organiser Marie Kondo who trademarked her KonMari method of organising, and is so appropriate for simplified living. You don’t need to throw anything away, you can donate them to charity, give them to a friend or neighbour or sell them on eBay or other resale websites.
The same method can be applied to clothing. Buy a few statement pieces and some casual wear and then wear them in different combinations. When you tire of an outfit, maybe it’s time to retire it, give it away or sell it and invest in some trendier pieces. The fewer pieces of clothes you have in your wardrobe, the easier it will be for you to keep them clean and to keep your wardrobe looking tidy. Decide to buy a new piece of clothing only when you retire another one. This way your wardrobe won’t be bulging at the sides and deciding what to wear will become a breeze.
This strategy can be extended to almost anything even with things in the kitchen and food and drinks. Keeping a smaller stock of edibles will ensure you don’t waste food by throwing out huge amounts because it was at the back of your cupboard and you forgot about it. How many of us are guilty of doing just that? Today, with delivery apps at our fingertips it’s never too hard to access anything. So in modern day living, stocking up for a rainy day is outdated and unnecessary.
Declutter Mentally
Decluttering mentally is much like physical decluttering, as the idea is to make space for yourself - only this time it is in your mind. Mental decluttering is much harder to do, but it gives longer lasting joy. Why is that? Because it is subtle and anything that is subtle stays with us much longer. Remember that first kiss, or that feeling of achievement after winning a medal or cracking an exam? These are feelings that we experienced long ago, but they stay with us emblazoned in our minds and hearts for years after.
So, the first step to mental decluttering is to untangle the mental mess that is clouding your clarity and weighing you down. Emotions that drain you could be resentments, grudges, jealousies, anger, frustrations and any other which may be robbing you of happy energy. You may say that’s easier said than done. And you are right in a sense, you can’t magically syphon off emotions or energy. But, as a Core Energy Coach I can say that while energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can be transformed from one form to another.
You Have the Power
What I’m really saying is that you have the power to convert this heavy destructive energy into a lighter constructive happy energy.
The most important thing is to bring awareness to the fact that you are holding on to some emotions that you want to let go off. Then consciously start choosing to go to places that evoke the opposite of those emotions - so go to places that bring you happiness and peace; seek out friends who make you feel good about yourself, with whom you feel comfortable or with whom you can share a hearty laugh; read books or watch movies that have joyful heartfelt messages or that are just feel good and leave you smiling long after that last page is turned or that last credit is rolled.
While you are imbuing yourself with positive thoughts, try to also weed out negative thoughts in whatever way you can. Start with what you can control, maybe make that one commitment to yourself, and you’ll be surprised how that can have a positive cascading effect on other thoughts.
Gossiping is something I find easier to control than other things. I just refuse to indulge in gossiping. If my friends are gossiping either I move away or say something factual without indulging in story mongering. See what works for you and then go out there and put it in practice.
Another way to simplify your life and declutter mentally - is to be honest. When you start saying what you mean and meaning what you say, there will be no need to play games or create stories, you are free to just ‘be’. There is so much joy in being yourself when you know you have nothing to hide.
Give Yourself a Headstart
I’m also a big believer in waking up a little early every morning to start your day on a peaceful note. Wake up at least half an hour earlier every morning and make that your ‘me’ time. You can spend that time enriching yourself with fresh energy from observing nature, doing some meditation, deep breathing or chanting, or studying scriptures and sitting in quiet contemplation.
The key is to consciously dedicate that half hour to contemplating the glory around you, thinking about something bigger than yourself, and specifically choosing not to think about work, your to-do list or family issues. Remember you have the rest of the day to worry about those things, but this half an hour is your precious time dedicated to your peace and happiness, don’t sacrifice it.
Robin Sharma popularised waking up at 5:00 am with his 5 AM Club book, which helped many CEOs and high powered executives get perspective and some sense of calm. They say it helped them become more successful at their jobs. I totally agree. Waking up a few hours earlier can be life changing, but, I have also seen that even a 30-minute earlier start to your day can be a game changer. It can help you become calmer, maintain clarity and stay more focused through the day.
These 30 minutes can also be a great anchor during the rest of the day. When heavy destructive energy threatens to invade your mind, remembering the peaceful thoughts of that first half hour can help to calm you down and take that pause to rest and respond, rather than reacting impulsively to whatever situation is facing you.
So simplifying your life requires a little effort to get started but it can give long term benefits in terms of quality of life, joy and satisfaction that can outweigh any difficulty it takes to get started. Why not start the mental decluttering right away? You can enlist a buddy and hold each other accountable and make it more fun. Once you put in that effort, you’ll see the magic unfold within, which will be all the motivation you need to keep going. Best of all, you’ll still get to wear the pretty clothes, drive the fast cars and eat in fancy restaurants and do anything else that gives you maximum joy.
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