“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” - Confucius
While one could argue that life today might be more dynamic or loud or layered than during the time of Confucius (although we'll never really know), it's probably not anymore complicated. As he wrote, life, in its essence, is really quite simple.
We wake up. We tend to our needs – water, food, whatever else. If we choose to, we tend to our duties, responsibilities, and relationships, as well. And, over the course of a lifetime, we each have our own unique sets of challenges to take on. But at the end of each day, we go to sleep, and if we're lucky, we wake up and do it all over again.
Pretty simple, right? But let's note that simple doesn't always equal easy.
Leonardo da Vinci was credited as stating that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and I believe this to be true. A simple, meaningful life is something that I crave and something I am striving for. But once again, simple doesn’t always mean easy.
When I reflect on the qualities of my favorite teachers, a common thread seems to be their ability to make complex information easily tangible; Simple to understand. I notice that they each carry such a solid understanding of both the information and experience (and remain dedicated to learning), that they are all able to easily cut away any of the unnecessary layers in order to share the fruit at its core. A skill that I am constantly refining and working towards in my teaching as well. Simple yet impactful – definitely not easy.
In the theme of simplicity, I’ve dedicated my practice to returning to the simple, as well. Returning to the foundations, the tried and the true. The maybe-not-so-sparkly or Instagram-worthy, but the simple-yet-potent techniques that support me in coming back to myself time and time again.
Mindful movement and deep breathing. Space for stillness, observation, and reflection. Consistency and dedication matched with the grace of meeting myself exactly where I’m at each day.
Simple, but not always easy…
Now don't get me wrong, sometimes simple can be easy. And that's great. And sometimes there is a place for complexity as well. When incorporated intentionally, complexity can support us in expansion and growth. But the simple, the simple is available. The simple is accessible. And the simple is sacred. And, when noticed and practiced regularly, the simple can support us in staying connected to what’s true — like a continuous peeling back of all the unnecessary layers, shining and sharing the fruit at our core.
So here's some food for thought: What's one simple-yet-meaningful practice that you could commit to daily? A few minutes of journaling. A short walk in the morning. Five minutes of breathwork. Three sun salutations. Ten minutes of meditation. Calling someone you love to check in.
Pick one. And commit to a few minutes each day. It doesn't have to be flashy, fancy, or Instagram-worthy. And if you have time for other practices great, but have one tried-&-true practice that helps to peel back the layers and reconnect you with yourself. You may not always feel like doing it, but see if you can follow through with that commitment. I'm recommitting, too. A few intentional minutes for yourself each day.
Simple, not always easy.
But we've got this. You've got this! So keep showing up.