On Simplicity

In my automatic writing practice, I asked the question "What is simplicity?" (Plus, 4 questions to ask yourself)

Below I share a question I posed recently when I sat down to do automatic writing. I was thinking of the word simplicity, as it relates to peace, and I wanted to know: What is it, and where can we find it?

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What is simplicity?

Simplicity is the sound of a baby softly breathing; it is holding hands with someone you love deeply; it is calling a friend or loved one to tell them you love them, for absolutely no reason at all.

It is the feeling you get when you look into the night sky full of stars; it is the feeling you have when you witness the sun setting on an ocean.

Simplicity is the sound of laughter — yours, when something delights you. It is holding space when a dear one is sad, and letting them know with a nod of your head or your kind eyes that you see them and they are safe.

Simplicity is laying down the sword of judgment, especially judging yourself. There is nothing sustainable in living a life where you wake everyday in shame or judgment of yourself.

Simplicity is the deep knowing that you are of the fabric of this Universe. It is the connection to the trees when you are surrounded in a forest. It is the smile of a stranger when you walk past them. A smile, a nod, perhaps a gesture to let them go before you, in generosity.

Simplicity is not found in the cars you drive, the clothes you wear, the jobs you have — or don’t have; it is not found in the things you amass, things that create clutter in your life.

Simplicity is a clean drawer; a pocket full of pens ready to write. Simplicity is a moment with your dog or cat; simplicity is a group hug. It is a shared experience.

Simplicity is sitting. A warm blanket upon your lap. A candle. A cup of tea or coffee. It is the sound of beautiful music filling your ears and soul. It is a book of poems. It is the sound of a bird, or a dog barking far, far away. For it is life. There is life all around you. Things grow, die, change, morph.

Simplicity is simply holding space for yourself to evolve and expand into and through the light that you are.

Simplicity will never be found in your wanting — it is found in your being.

Who are you being today?

Who do you want to be tomorrow, next year, or 20 years from now?

What legacy do you want to leave?

Let it be a legacy of love. Tell your people you love them.

Lay down your worry about them or any imagined scenarios of what the future might be.

Simplicity is allowing for what is yours to be yours — and that is a life led by love. It’s peace, it’s balance.

Do the things that bring you this every day. Write, play an instrument, go for a walk. Laugh, reach out, take a nap.

Notice the abundance all around you.

When you notice — when you breathe and allow yourself to be here in this present moment — simplicity will come to you with such ease.

ASK YOURSELF…

Ask, reflect, and write.

1. What ghost stories (imaginary stories) are you telling yourself that keep in you fear and worry?

2. What feels burdensome in your life right now? What or who disturbs your peace? (A commitment, how you speak to yourself, money worries…)

3. What systems in your life feel chaotic or complicated?

4. What do you keep putting off? Where are you procrastinating?

TAKE ONE SMALL STEP…

Take one step towards bringing more simplicity into your life.

1. What chore or thing on your to-do list can you let go of this week? Can you delegate it to someone else?

2. What day or evening will you commit to watching the sunrise or sunset, or to going out into nature?

3. Can you create one small boundary around a person in your life who disturbs your peace?

4. What area in your home could use decluttering? Even if you start with a drawer, closet, or corner.

5. What commitment needs to be re-negotiated?

For more on simplicity, listen to this episode on Hold the Light podcast.

Also — join us Thursday for this live interactive event:

Thanks for reading — keep holding the light. xo, Laurie