by Dona Hastie
It is not all that hard to live the simple life and nearly everyone senses just what it could be. Our craving to drug ourselves comes from this sensing of the simple life, however it is not necessary to use artificial means to achieve a peaceful existence. The popularity of Oriental thinking, like Zen, Tao, even Feng Shui is just a symptom of our need and recognition of the life that is available to us with only a few changes. In our society, with the competitive spirit running high, and which is ingrained in us from early on, one has to figure out a way to not let winning matter so much.

It will always be there, (given our natures) but does not need to take precedence over all else. I figure it is really not so important to be the top dog so to speak and more important to live every minute in the most enjoyable state possible. All one needs to see is television commercials to notice that sleep aids are a must for our society. Why has normal sleep evaded us? It has not. We have avoided sleep in favor of late night TV. Just turn the sound off and watch the faces of the performers and you can easily see the crazy expressions on the faces of so-called entertainers. You would probably not let one into your house if he happened to knock on your door.

Examining our cultural societal pressures is an important way to begin to live simply. Eliminate as many advertisements as possible and as many distractions too. Toss all ads. Only watch TV for a few hours a week. Yes, get a book on Feng Shui and enjoy your furniture more and toss a lot of unnecessary stuff out. Keep whimsical remembrances like funny things that make you smile.

A simple lifestyle can free one up considerably and can be achieved with very little fuss. Make a list of those items you can do without around the house. Magazines stacked up for no reason at all. Old clothes you will probably never wear. Paperwork that is obsolete. You know the stuff you can toss. A pruned down living space gives one room to really breathe. Speaking of breathing, sitting quietly and taking deep breaths is very relaxing and also good for one’s health. It is a simple exercise with no sore muscles as a result. A good walk around the town or even at the local High School track is not a bad idea either. In winter the schools are usually open some off hours for walking in the halls. Walking and breathing are cheap and invigorating ways to give one’s body a simple refresher.