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The Value of Simplicity

Dr. Aihan Kuhn

It took me a long time to learn the value of simplicity. I thought I was doing pretty well, but I realized I still have a long way to go. Therefore, I started my journey of “reaching simplicity.” The more I practice simplicity, the better I feel, and my mind is clearer.

We are so programmed that being rich is equated with success, and having a bigger house is considered status; having more possessions is equated with wealth. We are controlled from so many directions that we lose what we truly cherish and appreciate, and what is good for our health, mind, emotions, and spiritual life.

What is truly essential for success: a balanced mind, balanced emotions, optimized health, and a sense of contentment and happiness.

How can we reach this? This is why I want to write this article: to achieve true happiness and health, I believe we must start with “Simplicity”.

There are so many benefits of practicing Simplicity. But I know it is not easy, and it is totally against this society and modern culture: “the more the merrier”. Another tricky part is that we have accumulated a lot of stuff, which has cost us a lot of money. To let go of the stuff is definitely a challenge. We have to remind ourselves all the time, “one door closes, another door opens.”

To practice simplicity, we must start with our minds and simplify them.  This doesn't mean we need to stop thinking; instead, it means we need to think more efficiently and effectively for our lives and health. Next, we aim to declutter our space to create more room for wellness exercises, an efficient workspace, and less housework, allowing us to work more productively. And, we feel calm and peaceful.

 Let's explore the numerous benefits we gain from practicing “Simplicity”.

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety:

When we have less on our minds, it reduces stress immediately, and we have fewer distractions. It helps improve focus and clarity for increased productivity. It leads to better mental and physical well-being.

Simplicity also helps our financial well-being. We buy what we need and what is meaningful to our lives. We will no longer have compulsive purchasing. We don’t let the commercial world control us; we control ourselves. We let go of what we don’t need in both our minds and our possessions. We have more space to move around, to breathe, to exercise; we have more mental space to think about what is more logical, what is better for our health, and what we can do to improve our health physically, mentally, and spiritually.

That is such a relief from our mental stress.And we end up having more money in our bank.

1. Better Clarity:

A simpler approach to life helps us understand the meaningful aspects of our lives and focus on what truly matters, reducing distractions and leading to a clear mind and logical thinking. We make better decisions, form meaningful habits and friendships, and identify what things waste our time and what things enrich our lives, allowing us to use time wisely.

We will be able to say no to things that look good but are not practical. Whenever we make a purchase, we should consider the amount of trash we have produced over the years, where it goes, and whether it's biodegradable.  We need to think of the bigger picture, not just our momentary pleasure from “stuff”. Saving this planet for the next generation is not one person’s job.

1. More Time for Ourselves:

One thing that is most valuable in life is time. I don’t know how old you are or how many years you plan to live. If you do a little calculation, you will know how many years are left in your life.  From now on, every minute is precious, valuable, and we need to use it for our health mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We should take time to learn and to experience, which is necessary to maintain a healthy brain; we take time to do things we always want to do, which is great for our emotional health; we need to do wellness exercises, which helps us to maintain good physical health; we need time to read, appreciate solitude, eating healthy foods, practice letting go, being mindful, and find a purpose in our life, which nurtures our spirit.

1. Feeling Lighter and a Great Sense of Satisfaction

Thinking that we carry 100 pounds on our shoulders, we feel heavy and put too much effort into every step. When we remove 90 pounds, we feel much lighter, we can breathe, and we can do things effortlessly. We then realize that we don’t need to carry such weight. We don’t need a lot of stuff or a bigger house; we can be happy just being ourselves and enjoying what we do. It is a mindset and lifestyle. My own experience is that the more we have, the more dust on everything, the more time we spend cleaning, the less time we have to rest and to enjoy life.

Our lifestyle doesn’t have to be judged by others, and we don’t care what other people judge either. This satisfaction really brings you to the next level: we have it all in our hearts, and we have Peace and Happiness.

1. Life Has Purpose:

Life has purpose; discover your passion, what makes you happy and healthy, and follow your heart. Use your time for these things. Possessions can give you temporary joy, but the true joy is from your heart, your “space.”

Action:

First, we need to clean our mental junk and remove anything in our mind that is not useful, or is harmful, or negative. Remember, negative energy affects our health and makes us sick.

Second, let’s clean our space and make room for happiness and peace. Let go of anything you haven't used in many years. We can do it in baby steps: little by little, month by month, year by year. This way, we can feel the benefits every time you let go of things.

Third, let go of unnecessary activities and focus on those that are meaningful, useful, and helpful. We then have more time in life. Remember this, time is the most valuable thing in our lives. Many people have regrets in later years, which can be detrimental.

 

We are in charge of our lives; we can be happy if we choose to be satisfied, not controlled by others. We can make changes to benefit our lives and health, and we will live in fulfillment regardless of what is happening.

Happy Simplicity!

Please share this article with others if you like it. Thank you!

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Feedback:

Dear Dr. K........ thank you for this wonderful letter and sound advice. I am going to print this and keep it in my mindfulness diary which I started this year. Changing some old habits into new ones little by little.... We are up in Bar Harbor cycling on Mount Desert Island this week. The stars are amazing up here and so peaceful. 

See you in Qi Gong zoom class next week. Your teachings and advice keep me grounded in an ever complex world.

Jennifer 🙏🏻