What’s Your Definition of Simplicity?
photo credit: Satoru Kikuchi
Yesterday’s conversation about simplicity myths sparked reader Marelisa to write,
“For some people simplicity is practically synonymous with minimalism, while for others it’s about priorities and purchasing items because they genuinely please you instead of trying to impress someone else. I think we should each come up with our own definition of simplicity and apply it to our lives…”
I absolutely agree. There’s no standard for simplicity; it’s a concept that’s entirely up to you. It’s also a concept that deserves some serious thought.
So what’s your definition of simplicity?
Here’s mine (at the moment):
Simplicity is stripping everything away from our lives: assumptions, preconceptions, fears and dreams, and then keeping only the things that we truly value. It’s about being happy with enough, and finding contentment from within.
(If you’re interested in reading a bit more about my perspective, check out one of my earlier posts, Am I Just Faking It?)
In the meantime, what’s your definition? It doesn’t have to be perfect or complete. I’d just love to hear about what components of simplicity are valuable in your life. Please glide on into the comments and share your thoughts!
And if you’re interested in hearing some awesome insights on time, values, and living the best life for you, head over to Marelisa’s home at Abundance Blog!
This post has 26 comments
August 15th, 2008
I think that definition of simplicity should be simple: “just do not complicate”
August 15th, 2008
Very good question, Sara… How to sum up an approach to life.
To me simplicity is:
“Aiming to live a life without distraction or complication”.
It’s kind of simple in itself
I think the ‘aim’ part is helpful because it suggests simple living is an undermining goal to everything we do. We may not fully achieve it but, at least, we try!
August 15th, 2008
Good question, Sara.
I’d say “relieving myself of stress”. That’s it. I do that by limiting the time I spend with people who put me under undue pressure, by making my home as easy as possible for me to live in and keeping my goals realistic. I don’t see the point in planting roses if you don’t have the time to smell them.
August 15th, 2008
Simplicity, for me, is having enough margin to cope with the unexpected. I’ve simplified my life to have enough time to be able to take advantage of serendipitous moments. I have extra food and beverages to be able to spontaneously have someone over (not that I DO all that often, but I COULD ;)). Having enough allows me to live more in the moments as they come along, instead of worrying how I will fit in all in. Shedding acquisitions and activities is not deprivation, its allowed me to enjoy and cherish the things that truly make me happy.
An analogy- since I’m a professional organizer- a half empty cabinet is pleasing to the eye and allows you to both find what you are looking for and take advantage of sales that come along (since you’ll have a place to put things). A full cabinet usually inhibits you from finding what you need at the moment, is stressful to look at, and does not allow you to bring new things into your life. I like my life to be like that 1/2 empty cabinet: I can find what I need and as new things come along I can take advantage of them instead of saying sorry too busy.
August 15th, 2008
I once read this from a guitar teacher:
“Once you see the complexity in what is simple, you will see the simplicity of what is complex”.
While not a definition in itself it is more important to me than any definition.
August 15th, 2008
Hmmm…I can’t say this is a real definition of simplicity as it is synonymous with contentment. But this is how I live my life: being happy with what I have right now.
August 15th, 2008
Being content.
It’s a process though and I am struggling at the moment to feel like life isn’t complicated. I find that the two go hand in hand. When I am content, I feel my life is simple. When I am feeling unhappy, I find the first thought that creeps in is how complicated everything is.
August 15th, 2008
ProductivityScience: I love it. Well said!
Scott: I also like the “aim” verb. I also like that your definition is focused on living, not “having” or “not having.”
Sharon: You always find a way to put a witty spin on things!
Chris: Thanks so much for adding your thoughts! It’s really nice to get some perspective from a simplicity professional. I think the concept of margin is a huge part of simplicity for me, but I’m not sure I would’ve put my finger on it if you hadn’t mentioned it. Thanks!
Jarrod: How beautiful! I’m going to be chewing on that one all day…
Faye: I don’t think you can live a simple life until you’re happy with what you have. Great definition!
Emily: So true! I wonder if it’s cause and effect, or if that’s just a pattern of thought that can changed.
August 15th, 2008
Simplicity is knowing what you want to live for, and living it.
August 15th, 2008
Sara,
I like your description of simplicity. I also concur with “Here’s mine (at the moment)” and elaborate by saying simplicity is an evolving, lifelong process that requires constant review and adjustment as you learn more about yourself each day. Identifying your needs and charting a course requires being open to change and adjusting your lifestyle as your life changes.
I remember seeing your moniker ‘Simple Sara’, reading some of your posts prior to subscribing to your blog, and then LOL about how there’s nothing simple about this girl or the topic she’s writing about. You do challenge yourself and your readers!
August 15th, 2008
to me simplicity means considering the needs and desires that are MY OWN and doing without the things i should want and have because society thinks I should want and have these things. Stuff (or the absence thereof) has a has a central place in my definition of simplicity, and being discerning about it (do I really WANT it? am I surrounded only by objects I love?) - and not having it clutter up and complicate my life- is one of my central goals in my downshifting. But there are lots of other things that are thoroughly worth doing without: a number of ‘conveniences’ that rob us of the simple pleasures, senses of justice or balance that fill us with feelings of righteous indignation, a certain socially acceptable level of self-involvement…. these things are also worth shucking away…
simplicity is a happy doing without: without that which I do not, first-hand, embrace, desire, appreciate, use, or send into the world for others’ benefit.
August 15th, 2008
To me, it’s about realizing that happiness comes from within and cannot - should not - be “bought” with stuff.
August 15th, 2008
simplicity = low maintenance
August 15th, 2008
Like many, I would start with reducing the extraneous ’stuff’ in your life.
More importantly, to me simplicity is concentrating on what makes you happy and content. It will be different for each of us. The rest is clutter.
August 15th, 2008
Simplicity to me is about taking the time to know who you are and what you want, and then taking away anything that is extraneous to that. And thank you for the link
August 15th, 2008
I once asked my Scout Leader what time it was, he looked at his watch and said, “It’s right about now.”
I said, “What?”
He said, “You missed it.”
This has really stuck with me and became an in-joke with all my friends. But I think it hits the nail on the head with simplicity. We need to just be in the moment. Live for now. Don’t live for tomorrow and what might happen or yesterday and what did happen.
Just remember, “Right About Now”
August 15th, 2008
For me simplicity is concentrating on what makes you happy and content. The rest is clutter.
August 15th, 2008
Wonderful definition Sara!
So, here goes:
Simplicity: At the core, what is it you desire? Deep down, not on the surface. What is it that truly makes you happy, brings you joy, makes our heart sing?
I say simplicity is a set of questions. In that we need to question what it is we’re doing. Is it in alignment with our goals and desires (I like that word). Our true desires, not superficial ones.
So, then - simplicity is complex. It is complex in that we are complex beings living in a complex world. Sure, we can say we are simple. But we have relationships, work, basic needs, accidents, criminals, … To get to the core of simplicity we have to really take a hard look at our complex selves - and determine deep down what it is that we desire. And then, we can strip away everything else and live a life of simplicity and abundance.
August 16th, 2008
Simplicity = Peace. Peace of mind. Peace of Spirit. The calm that comes from walking a life of peaceful contemplation and service to another.
August 16th, 2008
Hi Sara. It’s a catch 22 for me. I complicate my life by thinking too much, and then I over compensate by organizing and creating lists to simplify things. I’m a complicated individual.
August 17th, 2008
Simplicity = be more happy with less.
August 17th, 2008
Sometimes I do fake living a simple life, but I really don’t live a simple life. In fact it’s more complicated than ever. Here’s my gauge, if I can go to sleep at night without worrying about anything, then at that moment, my day was simple, which means that it could easily change the following morning.
One thing for sure though is that I don’t sweat the small stuff. I guess this helps with my simple life.
August 17th, 2008
Hi Sara - I’m not a great person to answer this question. My life is far from simple - I’m relying on people like you and Mare to teach me.
But simplicity to me would be stripping my life of clutter and meaningless things, so I can focus on what is important.
August 17th, 2008
My definition is quite utilitarian.
It’s what I can comfortably lug around, mentally and physically. It’s a suitcase and a rucksack of possessions, things I need to function as the person I’m working towards being.
I have a goal - and getting simplified is part of that. The goal is moving round Europe as a self-sustaining freelance writer for a few years. (Start date, pencilled in, is early 2010). For that, my possessions, finances and, well, my *head* - they all need to be simplified.
So it’s my basic needs (clothes, food, somewhere to live, a little entertainment) plus the needs of my job (somewhere with a ‘Net connection, my laptop, my phone, paper, pens etc.). And the rest I can make up as I go, and find on the way.
That’s simplicity for me right now. Later, when I settle down, it’ll all change, but right now, that’s my plan.
August 18th, 2008
Hi Sara,
To me, simplicity is about letting go of that which is in the past, trying to live in the moment (whenever I can), having a plan for the future, and not being controlled by material possessions.
August 18th, 2008
Bamboo Forest: Knowing what you want is definitely part of it–good call!
Mark: You always leave the nicest comments! Having room to change is important; there’s nothing worse than feeling trapped.
NeimanMarxist: “Discerning”–absolutely. Fantastic term for it.
Vered: I’m so with you. I get sidetracked now and then, but that’s what it really comes down to.
Natural: You win the “Simplest Answer” award!
Schnauzer: I like your idea that’s important to focus on what’s important to you, and not on what’s wrong or extraneous.
Marelisa: You’re so welcome! Thanks for the inspiration.
Chase: I love it! I hadn’t considered living in the moment in my definition, but I love that addition.
David Y: Are you and Schnauzer one and the same? Either way, I love your simple answer.
Lance: I absolutely agree that simplicity is complex. It’s kind of freeing once you wrap your mind around it. Living simply doesn’t have to be a magic bullet, but it can be a great tool.
Cindi: What an inspiring answer!
Davina: I think your complications suit you well.
FP: Ooh, and you’re tied with Natural for the Simplest Answer award!
Chris: I think a certain level of simplicity goes out the window when kids are in the picture, whether in your home or at work (or both for you!). I hope at the end of day you have more simple days than otherwise.
Cath: When life is far from simple, that’s a good excuse to simplify in the places that aren’t as important. Your definition really speaks to that.
Mike: “And the rest I can make up as I go, and find on the way.” Now that’s a simple way to look at things.
Barbara: Letting go. Yes! Letting go (fully and sincerely) is so vital to actually enjoying a simpler life.
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