Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Simply.

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” - Cicero

And I would add loving people, Cicero. People you love who love you intertwined with your passionate purpose is sheer bliss. So simple. So good.

Here are a few words from simple living expert, Leo Babauta:

Count your blessings. When you find yourself unhappy with something, or with what you don’t have, take a moment to count all the good things in your life. And I would bet there are many. It puts the focus on what you do have rather than what you don’t.
Stop, and remind yourself. When you find yourself unhappy with someone, or trying to change them, stop yourself. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you should try to be happy with that person for who he/she is. Take a moment to think about the good things about that person, the reasons you love that person. Then accept their faults as part of their entire package.
Stop, and consider why you want something. When you feel the urge to buy something, think about whether it’s a need or a want. If it’s a want, take a pause. It’s good to wait 30 days — keep a 30-day list … when you want something, put it on the list with the date, and if you still want it in 30 days, you can buy it). Consider why you want something. Are you not content with what you already have? Why not?
Take time to appreciate your life! I like to reflect on my life, and all the good things in it, on a regular basis. I do this when I run, or when I watch the sunset or sunrise, or when I’m out in nature. Another great method is a morning gratitude session — think of all the things and people you’re thankful for, and thank them silently.
Show people you appreciate them. It’s good to appreciate people, but it’s even better to show them. Give them a hug, smile, spend time with them, thank them out loud, thank them publicly.
Breathe, and smile. Once again, advice from one of my favorite monks, but it works in this context. Sometimes when we take the time to breathe, and smile, it can change our outlook on life.
Learn to enjoy the simple things. Instead of wanting to buy expensive things, and spend money on doing things like eating out or entertainment, learn to enjoy stuff that’s free. Conversations and walks with other people. Spending time outdoors. Watching a DVD or playing board games. Going to the beach. Playing sports. Running. These things don’t cost much, and they are awesome.

6 comments:

Shanda said...

I look to your site everyday for inspiration. It re-focuses me on what is important- my family, my blessings and my faith. Especially today, I want to thank you for that. You will never know just how grateful I am. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

motherof2 said...

I watched a documentary last night on PBS entitled, "The Truth About Cancer." It was difficult to watch. Mnay times I wanted to change the channel to something more light-hearted, but something compelled me to keep watching. One by one new people and their personal struggles with cancer were introduced. Each one with so much promise and love in their future and all of it threatened by cancer. It was a heartache to see how much pain this one disease can cause. A heartache to see the way they suffered in hopes of killing the cancer. Each one of them taken in the end. Something that the narrator said really struck me. She said cancer doesn't play fair. It doesn't care how loved you are, how much money you have, your lifestyle, your faith. It is a lottery and no one is excluded. Cancer is on the rise and much needs to be done to research the causes and cures. It made me feel very glad to be here supporting a foundation dedicated to helping the fight of this type of cancer in honor of Kyrie.

humblepie said...

Thank you, Shanda, for being here everyday! So glad to know that these thoughts and ideas are providing value to special someones like you.

And I know what you mean motherof2. Cancer is all too common, and in my humble opinion, it should be the exception not the norm, you know? All of us together reading here are part of a fighting surge, a wave of awareness and funding that is going to be the David to cancer's Goliath.

Melissa said...

Megan,

I love you...and I love how you allow God to speak through you each day...

So amazingly blessed to call you friend.

Big Love,
Melissa

Clarkers said...

Thank you for this post!! I have been so encouraged by reading the last two posts.... can't even begin to thank you enough.... so inspring. I feel like God really wanted me to hear these things. : )

ksfaith said...

I just returned from a retreat with the other staff members from my church. We were encouraged to have quiet time and silence each morning until 11:00.
I am constantly yearning for time like this, yet when it was before me I had a difficult time being silent and still ~ simply BEING, being with God. It took time not to want the ipod, or the internet, or work to do, or a conversation to engage in.

It's hard to practice simplicity but it's very worth it in the end. Less is more. The less distractions we have the more engaged we become in life ~ in living right here, right now! We have time and energy to do relationship with those we love.
Life is a blessing!!

Thanks Megan for your inspiring words! You are always encouraging me!!