Life is complicated. Love is complicated. The world is complicated. That's part of what makes it beautiful.
But when there is so much chaos that we can't be present, can't identify our feelings, much less FEEL them, we often feel split, spread thin, like we aren't really participating in life, just existing.
We want to simplify.
For me, what that really means, is I want peace, serenity, quiet -- in my heart and in my mind.
I ran across this quote: "People say "I want peace." If you remove I (ego), and your want (desire), you are left with peace." - Satya Sai Baba
It's hard for me to admit and accept that in order to get what I really want -- peace -- that I need to let go of ego and desire. Don't ego and desire define a person? Well, no, they don't have to. What if I allow this very moment to define me instead?
Whenever I'm feeling particularly attached to ego and desire, it helps me to look at the wall above my writing desk and read another quote:
"I you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down." - Toni Morrison
In other words: SIMPLIFY. Which brings us full circle, doesn't it?
Wishing everyone PEACE today!
Full circle. I had a hard time thinking about simplify for the very reasons you state here, life is complicated. Maybe peace is simple if we take away our selves and be present. Thanks for writing today. Hope your trip is going well.
ReplyDeleteHello there in Bismark & good wishes, dear Irene.
ReplyDeleteAppreciations the Toni Morrison quote. This lovely post helps me remember the Jane Yolen saying in
the poetry collection, AMONG ANGELS, with Nancy Willard -
"Angels fly -
because they take themselves lightly."
"People say "I want peace." If you remove I (ego), and your want (desire), you are left with peace." - Satya Sai Baba ...Thank you so much for including that powerful quote within your wise words today. More than ever after reading your post, I am convinced that simplify and detach are a powerful duo. One question: which comes first: detachment leads to simplification, or simplification leads to detachment? As you pointed out at the end of your post, we've come full circle. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteWishing you peace in this journey.
ReplyDeleteYES! To everything in your post. Wishing you a safe journey, and please tell your dad that I think he's covered in awesome sauce!
ReplyDeleteYES! To everything in your post. Wishing you a safe journey, and please tell your dad that I think he's covered in awesome sauce!
ReplyDeleteAs you stated Irene, life is complicated and the world is complicated. I am seeing this more and more as projects both personal and professional pile in front of me but there is the I word again. Maybe you are right, take the I out of the equation to find a way to balance, to simplify life, and move on. Give up the things that weigh me down-sound advice. Happy Travels!
ReplyDeleteYes, Toni Morrison! What a great thought for the simplify theme. Enjoy your book travels, Irene!
ReplyDeleteOh, Irene, you beautifully described the reason I chose "simplify" as my OLW. Sometimes my mind feels so cluttered by the "must dos" that I can't even dream of the things I "want to do". I'm hoping I can simplify enough to find peace and a quiet mind. Thank your for the reminder to give up the things that weigh me down, like worry. If only... xo
ReplyDeleteIt took me many years to realize you cannot do everything.... now I have friends that say my family comes first... really? I know I raised my kids to be independent thinkers and they don’t need much outside help... of course family comes first but what about all those days family doesn't need or want your help... I help who needs it in the moment. Family, friend, or stranger --- whoever needs my help and I'm able to give it ... that's who gets it... it's that simple.
ReplyDeleteI love the quotes you shared. I want to peacefully, simply FLY!
ReplyDeleteI love the quotes too especially: "People say "I want peace." If you remove I (ego), and your want (desire), you are left with peace." - Satya Sai Baba
ReplyDeleteI am left with peace tonight and a strong desire to fly too. Thanks for reminding us to shed all the obstacles that keep us grounded.