Simplicity in a messy world

I recently read a quote : “ the only thing in our lives that we can control is our perspective”. This was stated as a mantra (possibly Buddhist in origin) that a known person uses ever since he went through a serious life altering event and survived. He is now more appreciative, more receptive, and more aware. He appreciates the simple things and is more keenly aware of excess.

I recently embarked on a major move across the USA and I had to let go of many things and downsize. It was actually very freeing . I have now established a business called: Less is more -360 llc.

The world has become more chaotic than ever, more messy, more disordered, and more to navigate on all fronts.

Simplifying has many meanings. It can mean simplifying your physical space, your environment, and it can mean simplifying your head space.

What you feed yourself matters.

Be selective about news sources, let go of more digital tethers, engage in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you, and stick with commitments that align with your priorities.

There is nothing that compares to the sanctuary of nature. It is a very special connectivity to the world around you.

Minimalism is a philosophy that cultivates contentment with less. We can then shift from materialism to meaningful experiences.

They say that morning rituals set the tone for the day.. how significant is that in Judaism? Very. “Modeh ani…..” – cognizance of  a Divine- G-d and an appreciation for all that is.

Savoring is a part of simplifying. Cherishing a meal with family, friends or a program with your community.

Our mother, a Holocaust survivor t’zl, told us that after the Shoah, as a young orphaned teen in Israel, she said there was such joy in eating an ice cream.. she never took anything for granted and savored in finding  simple joys.

Joy in the simple things elevates.

The things that really change the world according to the Chaos theory, are the tiny things: “A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian jungle and subsequently a storm ravages half of Europe” – small shifts in your thinking, and small changes in your energy can lead to massive changes in your end result.

Often it is the simple things that are the most revolutionary.

In a chaotic world we see both beauty and peril.

We desire shalom-peace, where the beauty can become the greater.

Trimming excess allows us to focus on the essentials. By simplifying we live for what matters. We can focus on the good. We can set up a  welcome  and safe tent akin to Abraham Avinu- our forefather .

Simplifying may look different for each individual, but we can  concur that we need to  not overlook the simple layers of life.;

”for the only things we can control is our perspective.”