Simplicity: A Vital Key to Happiness

Often times nature provides the greatest examples of simplicity.

The tree does not live as we live, restless and running, worried about work and money, resenting people or events, tossing and turning with fears.

It is aloof from thoughts and instincts; it responds, but only to the sun and the wind, the rocks and the stream.

Never, even if you shout yourself hoarse, use intense propaganda, temptation, reproach, or promises, can you preach to a tree about how it shall attain the kingdom of heaven.

It is already closer to it, up there, than you will grow to be. If you burn it, cut it, hack through it with a blade, it simply repairs the green leaves again, toiling, adjusting, and breathing... forgetting you.

A life of simplicity dissolves any barrier between you and God. It ensures abundance and bliss. Happiness, after all, is found in the simplest of things.

The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.

Attachment is the still water in which the mosquitoes of stress grow. The reason many people in our society are miserable, sick, and highly stressed is because of an unhealthy attachment to things they have no control over.

"Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, God's voice thunders and the earth trembles...

'Be still and know that I'm God!'" - Psalm 46

You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.

Start by letting go of:

The past
Your false self, old self, and ego
Fear, especially the fear of letting go
Guilt
Blame
Shame
Useless labels (all labels are useless)
Doubt
False ideas of security
Other people's opinions
Judgments
Social conditioning and false perceptions
The need to be defensive 
The unknown future

Free yourself from the complexities of your life! A life of simplicity and happiness awaits you. Do it today.

Today is a new day!

© Steve Maraboli