“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”  – Socrates

I’m a fan of trying to keep things as simple as they can be.  For others who share this want to keep life simple it can feel like we’re swimming against a very strong tide of people that seem to enjoy doing the polar opposite.  Busyness is indeed a modern disease.

Simpler and more mindful living is a lifetime’s pursuit for monks and many others.  However, we don’t need to turn our lives upside down to start reaping some of the benefits of simpler living.

So why should we even want to keep life simple?

A Focus on Less 

Simplifying means different things to different people but at the core of any simplifying exercise is reducing.  This can take many forms.  Reducing what is on our plate, reducing our wants, reducing our needs.  Reduction is key to allowing us to focus on less. To focus on the vital few things in our lives that really matter to us and that give us most joy.

Reduce Noise 

Simplifying means you turn the noise down on things that are not so important to you.  These things don’t come into focus and no longer become a potential stressor for you.  You tune them out.

Streamline 

Simplifying and streamlining your life, routines or work gives you a further sense of control over life in general.  Life becomes less hectic but more meaningful.  You can fill your days with what matters to you.  You can fill your days with things that get you closer to your goals and aspirations.  You are freer to live a life that is more in line with your own beliefs and wants.

Live simpler and start reaping the many benefits.

“It is not the daily increase, but the daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”  – Bruce Lee