The Zen of Simplicity to Focus and Clarity.
I had a time-lapse today of sitting outdoors at Trevarefabrikken amid Henningsvær in the Norwegian arctic circle. I remember appreciating the midnight colours and the intense light emanating from the Sun.
In that fraction of time, it was impressive how this place emanates so many good vibes during the never-setting Sun time of the year. That strong golden light gave me a strange feeling of comprising a timeless visual landscape where I could connect past, present and future.
This fraction of time made me reflect on the word Simplicity. For many of us, it has become a word filled with longing and desire. We long to unburden ourselves of excess, have more straightforward relationships, declutter our homes, and avoid noise, complexity and fuss.
Simplicity has grown central to our vision of happiness. However, it is notable in historical terms this thirst is very new. Traditionally, whenever the chance arose, people’s instincts ran towards enrichment and complexity; humans wanted to embellish the environment, demonstrate increasing sophistication and live with more sumptuosity, formality, and display.
However, many examples exist where complex systems or ideas have been simplified over time, making our lives easier.
To name a few, the history of mathematics is full of simplification cases. Ancient civilisations used complex geometrical methods to calculate areas and volumes, whereas modern mathematics relies on simpler algebraic formulas and functions.
Writing systems are another example and have evolved from pictographic systems. This evolution has made writing much simpler and easier to learn.
Technology has also advanced from complex and bulky machines to smaller and simpler devices that are easier to use. Early computers took up entire rooms and required specialised knowledge, whereas modern smartphones are compact and intuitive.
The same applies to material trends, for example, in clothing. From the beginning, anyone with status and wealth tried to convey their position via the richness and splendour of what they wore.
The journey from complexity to simplicity has become a way to aspire. As our contemporary time is so troublingly, infinitely noisy and abundant, we are exposed to various services and products available anytime.
We are washed in options, surrounded by too much information and competing visions. We long for simplicity because we are drawing in complexity.
The question of purpose is one our society at large shies away from. Millions of possibilities are offered to us, encouraging no headspace to stop and reflect on what they might be for what we need.
But how might we build a simpler life? How might we achieve inner simplicity?
A simpler life can be hard to achieve, and it takes time to create habits towards it. However, it’s a sane aspiration we shall listen to and honour for our physical, mental and emotional well-being.
I am sharing my humble reflection on the simpler life we long for.
Simpler kinds of people
What makes simple people gratifying to me to be around it’s we know what those intentions are from the start. They speak plainly about what they want and who they are.
Around straightforward people, there is no need to guess second, decode, untangle or translate. They will politely and in good time explain.
Human interaction always carries a risk of conflict. We are always close to having misaligned objectives and different perspectives on life. Simple people know the risks of love and acceptance from an early age. They focus on diplomatically communicating their truths instead of awkwardly disguising their facts beneath transient sugary smiles.
Simpler relationships and friendships are the reflex of fellow mature interactions between humans who have more straightforward approaches to life.
Also, sharing kindness, as being gentle with imperfections, with some good humour, tolerating us as we are. By simplifying and clarifying, we release ourselves from excessively complex conflicts and focus on our pressing needs to be understood, seen, and sympathised with.
Once we prioritise the people and experiences most important to us, we can strengthen our relationships and create deeper connections with others.
Simpler Lifestyle
A simpler life can also be healthier, as it often involves more time for self-care, exercise, and healthy habits. Moreover, reducing stress and overwhelm may make you less likely to experience physical or mental health problems.
By cutting back on commitments and possessions, you can free up mental and physical space and create a more peaceful environment.
When we simplify our lives, we can focus on the things that truly matter to us, whether spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies or interests, or enjoying downtime.
Work and Simplicity
Minimalism in interior design is known for its simplicity, clean lines, and lack of clutter. A limited colour palette, simple shapes, and a focus on function over form characterise it. The minimalistic approach to interior design can positively affect the mind.
It can help reduce distractions and promote a sense of calm. When fewer objects are in space, the eye has fewer places to focus, and the mind is less likely to become overwhelmed. It can lead to a feeling of serenity and help to clear the mind.
When fewer objects are in space, each object becomes more meaningful and can be appreciated more fully. It can encourage people to be more mindful of their surroundings, focus on the present moment, and be more aware of their thoughts and feelings.
It can promote productivity. When there are fewer distractions in a space, it is easier to focus on the task at hand. It can lead to more efficient time use, better concentration, and increased productivity. It creates a space that is peaceful, functional, and conducive to mental well-being.
Culture and Simplicity
To construct a relationship to the news and to simplify how much of it we might need, we should focus on a much-neglected yet essential question: what information do we require — and what do we require it for? We need the proper information to flourish as individuals. We need to be more ambitious about what well-informed honestly means.
It might involve setting boundaries and focusing on quality over quantity. Rather than trying to keep up with every trend or cultural phenomenon, we can centre our energy on experiences that bring us joy, fulfilment and expansion, aligned with our values.
Filtering and simplifying culture is about prioritising what truly matters to us. We can create a life without unnecessary distractions and clutter by embracing thoughtful actions and simplicity.
Purpose and Simplicity
It is a vital area I am working towards, and it has been worthwhile to avoid burnout.
Simplifying our lives often involves identifying our priorities and letting go of things that don’t serve our purpose. When we have a clear sense of our goal, it’s easier to prioritise our time and energy on the things that matter most.
As our lives grow more complicated, we should stop to ask what things are for, why we are doing them and how we feel about them. Secure knowledge of our purpose is our guide to editing down the complexity of our lives.
Simplifying our lives often involves deciding what to keep and let go of. When we have a clear sense of our purpose, we can make these decisions easier because we know what’s important.
Simplicity isn’t so much of a life with few things and commitments as a life with the right, necessary things, attuned to our flourishing. Our lives will feel — and be — simpler when we have probed our minds to yield their most personal and precious insight: the knowledge of what we truly want.
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