In Search of... "Simple Living" - Part 2

Continuing my thoughts from my blog a little over a week ago (Sat, 11/12/11), I realized that a Simple Life was more of a picture to me - of material things or activities. And I realized I have most of those things. So why don't I feel like I am living a simple life?   What is wrong? - is my 'stuff' the wrong colors? - is my house not plain enough? - is it not in the right location?  - or the right style? - or the right size? - do I need to spend my time differently? - go different places? - do different things? - bring home different items? - redesign all the rooms? - buy a different car? ........." Jeepers !!!!

But, it is not just material things that make a Simple Life, it is the way life is lived - that is what I have been forgetting much of the time lately! So, what does a Simple Life "feel" like? I took some time to ruminate on that concept - to try and determine how living a Simple Life would make me feel - what are the thoughts or moods those pictures and words evoke in me?

• Nice, long sigh - contentment - maybe not happiness, but definitely feeling OK in my skin
• Unhurried - not feeling that pressure that is so palpable to me today, like another external force acting on my mind and body
• Calm mind leading to a calm body (this is a big one!) - allowing my mind to pick what it wants to think about and block out or ignore all the chaos that typically overwhelms it - thus helping my body to respond in kind
• A deeper, more loving relationship with Keven and a closer relationship to others I care about.
• Truly being at one with the Earth and at peace with God

Art by Kat, saying by Thich Nhat Hanh

OK - so now I know what my goal is - I have a target.  I don't identify with these "spiritual" things much right now. So, while I continue my search for true contentment through simple living, I realize I need to work on both sides of my world - the material and the spiritual.

Blessings,
Kat