On Simplicity

This week’s quote comes to me from reader Kale, and it’s one of my personal favorites of all that I’ve come across. There’s not much to add or ask about this one, so please, simply enjoy:

Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more;
love more, and all good things will be yours.

-Swedish proverb

photo credit: visulogik

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring; these are some of the rewards of the simple life.  —John Burroughs

What are the universal elements we can turn to and enjoy? I imagine most readers will find this quote hard to disagree with on any level, but let’s go a little deeper. How can we stay focused on these elemental pleasures in a world filled with distractions?

photo credit: atomicpuppy68

“A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life.” – Winston Churchill

I love this quote, and in respect to it, I don’t want to say to much. I’d love to hear your takes on what the term vocabulary encompasses, and in what ways can that vocabulary serve you?

Have a truly fantastic Sunday!
photo credit: ryanrocketship

Today’s food for thought comes from jazz musician Charles Mingus.

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”

Does simplifying help you tap into your creativity? Is creativity required for simplicity?

I’d love to hear your take on this quote, so jam on into the comments drop a note!

photo credit: heyjoewhereyougoinwiththatguninyourhand

photo credit: geishaboy500

Welcome to another Simple Sunday, where we mull over ideas for the coming week. This week’s quote comes from a very different source than the last two: Erykah Badu.

From the song, “Bag Lady”:

Bag lady, you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that
I guess nobody ever told you
All you must hold on to
Is you
One day all them bags gone get in your way
So pack light

I know I’ve had bag lady moments (in the Baduist sense). Someone hurts you, so you drag it around, first as a reminder, then as a badge of honor, then simply because somewhere along the way, you forgot to drop it.

Does emotional baggage contribute to the clutter in your life? What are some strategies to dump this kind of heavy, loaded baggage?

If you’ve got any thoughts on the subject, please stop by the comments and unload. Have a wonderful Sunday, and thanks for reading!

photo credit: nosha

As it turns out, I actually miss posting on the weekends (though I do love taking Saturdays off). In response, I’ll be trying out Simple Sundays, where I give you some food for thought for the coming week. You know, something to ponder during brunch or in a quiet moment. If you enjoy it, let me know. If it wasn’t something you cared for, I’d also be interested in hearing that.

Today’s quote comes from a woman who is one of my absolute favorites: Eleanor Roosevelt.

“A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think.”

Is simplicity rational? In my case, I’d have to agree.