So I'm sitting in the computer lab on campus with a million different ideas running through my mind but all being overshadowed by a woman out in the hallway on her cellphone. Nevermind that she is in the hallway to adhere to the policy of no cellphone usage in the actual lab, for we can hear every word of her side of the conversation through the open door. She is upset because a box is not where it is supposed to be and is demanding to know where it is currently located on its shipping path. Funny that 100 years ago, we never would have expected to demand down to the minute details of much of life at all. Why has life become so detail driven?
In the big scheme of things, does it really matter if a box arrives, a call is completed, or any other minute details? How does our emphasis of life become so constrained?
Really I want to go out in the hallway and talk to her about what is truly important in life, yet I do not know that she is much in the mood to hear my ideas nor to think about her own ideas. It makes me again aware of the constant time/money pressure that so much of our society is focused on, and that has me a bit apprehensive about being here again. When so much of one's environment is rushing, how does one remain authentically simple?
I have signed up to do a presentation on the simplicity movement as an alternative lifestyle philosophy for one of my classes. Hopefully in so doing, I may remind others that the pace of life can be slow and still be satisfying, while also incorporating into my presentation the positive findings of living due to this "altered" lifestyle.
I am also finding how important it is to create my own surroundings of simplicity and to create an environment which is conducive to a simplistic lifestyle. In the midst of all the commotion, I am finding that my apartment with my pictures on the walls, my favorite personal items, and my trusty furniture surrounds me with reminders of myself, where I have come from, and what I represent. It is amazing how much more settled I feel just by having my comfortable (and organized) surroundings without much additional money or energy invested.
Small steps toward remaining simple, but some that ultimately will allow for continued happiness, capability, and peace of mind.
In the big scheme of things, does it really matter if a box arrives, a call is completed, or any other minute details? How does our emphasis of life become so constrained?
Really I want to go out in the hallway and talk to her about what is truly important in life, yet I do not know that she is much in the mood to hear my ideas nor to think about her own ideas. It makes me again aware of the constant time/money pressure that so much of our society is focused on, and that has me a bit apprehensive about being here again. When so much of one's environment is rushing, how does one remain authentically simple?
I have signed up to do a presentation on the simplicity movement as an alternative lifestyle philosophy for one of my classes. Hopefully in so doing, I may remind others that the pace of life can be slow and still be satisfying, while also incorporating into my presentation the positive findings of living due to this "altered" lifestyle.
I am also finding how important it is to create my own surroundings of simplicity and to create an environment which is conducive to a simplistic lifestyle. In the midst of all the commotion, I am finding that my apartment with my pictures on the walls, my favorite personal items, and my trusty furniture surrounds me with reminders of myself, where I have come from, and what I represent. It is amazing how much more settled I feel just by having my comfortable (and organized) surroundings without much additional money or energy invested.
Small steps toward remaining simple, but some that ultimately will allow for continued happiness, capability, and peace of mind.
3 comments:
that's great that you're going to do a presentation on the simplicity movement!!
People talking loudly on cell phones is one of my pet hates....gr......
I'm glad you are happily settled in your apartment :)
I look forward to hearing about your presentation, if you share some of it here!
Excellent post and well said. Modern lifestyle can sweep us away --- or we can choose, deliberately, to take time out to be authentically ourselves and live according to what really matters in life.
I enjoy your blog and the thoughts you share.
LaTeaDah from Gracious Hospitality
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