Simplicity
is an advanced course.((Unsourced))

This saying from Sri Chinmoy encapsulates the paradox of simplicity: To enjoy the fruits of simplicity, we need to work hard to overcome our mind’s tendency to complicate, confuse and misunderstand.

Simplicity should come easily, naturally and spontaneously. But over the years, most of us have generated habits of thought and action that have caused us to forget this wonderful quality.

Real simplicity can have a liberating and calming effect on our life; simplicity has the power to overcome mental tension and create a climate of inner peace. A child can know and understand simplicity; it hasn’t yet developed the habit of complication and suspicion. If we are weighed down by the stresses and strains of life, how can we remember and re-vitalise our capacity to enjoy simplicity? Here are some tips to enjoy the fruits of simplicity.

Value simplicity

If we wish to achieve anything worthwhile in life, we need to value it. Because we value eating so much, we never miss a meal. If we value simplicity, we will always keep it in the forefront of our mind; and then when a choice presents itself between complication and simplicity, we will remember to pursue simplicity.

The power of the heart and spontaneity

If you have a train of thoughts going around in your mind, it can be confusing and difficult to come to a conclusion. But there is another part of us that can transcend the confusion of the mind. If we use the power of the heart, our intuition can come to the fore. Even though intuition is usually ignored until after the fact, it somehow knows what we should do. We need to learn to trust this part of ourselves and follow the quiet voice of our intuition. The heart, which opens the door to intuition, embodies a wonderful simplicity in contrast to our mind, which usually embodies complexity and uncertainty. Sometimes, we just need to think a little less and listen a lot more to our inner intuition.

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