The simple and pure joy of being content with your own life and owning the life that is yours is one of the greatest rewards any of us can ever receive. It comes from acceptance. From being wherever you are.
Here is where it get's complicated. Most people fear the simplicity or contentment with simplicity. They fear that they will lose who they think they are or have become by letting go of mental constructs, titles and accomplishment versus just being who they are!
"Happiness is not having much and being content with little." Marguarite Gardiner
I feel that many people cannot accept that living in such a way is a lifestyle choice. It does not mean living in squalor or poverty, although poverty is open to interpretation. We're talking about simplicity by choice and not poverty by oppression or circumstance. I can say however, that I have lived among people who were very poor, economically yet, were very happy and joyful in life as they did not see their economic standing as a burden or oppression. To them it is as it is. They do not fight against it, instead they live the life they have they best they can!
Is that so very hard? For many of us, yes. In the west, here we are raised believing that we have to have "more". More stuff, more accomplishment, more than our ancestors, more house, more money and always be working towards "more". Instead we could teach that the ultimate goal would be to live "well". Meaning that living to fullest our situation, our life versus accumulating more than we need or will ever be able to use effectively.
Here is my challenge today. Look at the day and what it offers to the humble and simple. Do you need more than that? Can you take just a moment to sit back, breathe deeply and feel at ease. Does stuff make a difference in such a moment? How can you simplify and by so doing, slow down and live better?
Peace, simplicity and joy be yours. May you find greater life in living.
Billy B