Written for GBE2 Week #41 "Simplicity"
Many times I've found that trying to "keep it simple" has made things more complex. Sure everything starts out simply enough, say for instance playing the piano. You start with the basic C scale, no flats, no sharps, no chords, just one note at a time. However, if the point is to play the piano decently you need to learn all the scales with sharps, flats etc. and chords and different timing and many other things that then make it a complex pursuit.
When simplifying one's life, does it not really lead to more complexity? How many politicians have left office saying that they want to get back to the basics; time with their families. Now, when has time with anyone's family, particularly your own relatives, been particularly simple. Family relationships are beyond complex and spending more time in them may enrich them, but will never make it simple.
There are those people who want to simplify their lives by getting rid of the "clutter". In many cases, such as my husband's, this means to literally get rid of junk accumulating around the homestead. Usually, in his case, this means getting rid of MY "junk" from around the homestead. Nonetheless, does removing clutter simplify things? Certainly you may have to hold an annoying and amazingly complex yard sale to rid yourself of these items, also you may find you actually did need one of the items and end up buying it again.
Is my whole thesis in this post that we can never simplify our lives? No, but it may not be as simple as it first appears.
You've inspired me! I'm starting a new philosophy. If I haven't used it in a year, it's going. Do you think that will work? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a plan.
DeleteGetting rid of clutter does generally help me to simplify things... but then my outside world is an extension of my inside world ;-) Nice post.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't work for me.I'm a terminal clutterer. One would think, having moved twice in two years, that we wouldn't have any clutter left, but in spite of all the huge (I mean huge) piles of stuff we threw out or gave away, there still isn't room for everything. But then I never did feel comfortable in stark surroundings, so I guess you get what you really want, even if it's frustrating sometimes. And I love your line about how you find out you really needed something you got rid of--happens to me all the time!
ReplyDeleteI love the piano analogy - I used to play the piano so it really hits home. What I found though, after it moved from simple to complex, was that it moved back to simple again. Once I learned the modes and the key and time signatures and the structure of the various chords it all fell together and made the making of music a "whole" thing instead of a collection of individual notes and sharps and flats. So maybe the thesis is simplifying is a two step process that starts with complicating things first?
ReplyDeleteI think you're absolutely right about that.
DeleteI think you're correct, maybe we're really searching to enrich our lives, not just toss stuff. I gotta lot a stuff.
ReplyDeleteFor me, personally, getting rid of stuff that is crowding my living area also clears my mind. Clean and clear surroundings help me think cleanly and clearly. Maybe I need help, but it works for me. I am a pretty simple person, btw. ♥
ReplyDeleteI could chuck almost everything I own and never miss it. The hubs would keep it all and buy more. Somehow, it works.
ReplyDeleteThis post makes so much sense to me!! I feel like once something is "simplified," it can't stay that way for long. Life is hardly, if ever, simple. Our attempts to simplify, often lead to new complications. But, I love change and so I'm a bit like your husband, in an endless pursuit of making things simpler and easier. It may never happen, but most of life is an uphill climb anyway.
ReplyDeleteFinally, glad you got the drift, come back anytime. We pirate love new contacts.
DeleteSimplifying gets complicated. Isn't that an oxymoron?! Great thought provoking post. I am still getting around to blogs I missed in the a to z challenge. Interesting way for you to get through the alphabet! Congratulations!
ReplyDelete