Live Simply

Posted on July 28, 2010

Mahatma Gandhi said: “Live simply so that others may simply live.”  To live simply was the way for many cultures in the past, both in the East and West; to live in harmony with nature and its cycles and to take only from the earth that which was absolutely necessary.  In a society where there is over consumption and very little recycling, many of us are recognizing this truth but don’t know how or where to start.Before we delve into the wisdom of living simply perhaps it is appropriate to define waste.  Waste is a relative term and what may be considered waste to one person, for example daily exercise and meditation, may be termed a requisite for another.  Waste normally is defined as that which is in excess – that extra pair of shoes or handbag.  Did I really need them?  Waste is greed – that extra slice of chocolate cake or portion of french fries.  Did they really add to the fullness of my appetite or to my already growing flab?Waste can also be applicable to immaterial things such as time, breath and thought; our most precious assets.  How much energy did I waste on the phone gossiping, or shopping for that perfect outfit because the ego was not quite satiated?To live simply is about learning the true meaning of contentment, humility and self-respect.  Although the Mahatma was mocked for his simple lifestyle and appearance, for in their eyes it represented impoverishment, he looked them straight in the eyes with a smile and confidence that made them redefine poverty.It’s time… to realize… is the surplus really serving me i.e. adding to my peace and happiness?  Then a realignment of my values; is it a greed or a need?  And then a redefinition of my measure of success and accomplishments; more is not necessarily better.  The irony of this theory is that the less I consume, the less I expend, the less I think etc., the more abundant my life becomes!

Share these thoughts! ‘It’s Time…’ is spreading far and wide! Feel free to forward this wisdom, but to avoid any karmic rebound, please acknowledge its source –
‘It’s Time…’ by Aruna Ladva, BK Publications London

 

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