Our world today seems overwhelmingly complicated for most of us, especially when we are trying to balance sobriety and its demand for spiritual growth with our social needs in an ego-driven society. At some point all of us have experienced ‘burn-out’ with our lives. It happened to me many years ago when my burnout coincided with chairing an AA meeting. I suggested that very issue as the meeting’s topic of discussion. Not many in the group participated and I soon realized it was a negativity which was not good fodder for a spiritual conversation.
Living simply, of course, applies to our physical presence on this earth in many ways. Our consumer habits, our use of natural resources, our food preferences all contribute to the footprint we leave behind as humans. We are urged by ad councils and corporate America to buy, buy, buy. Buy this item and you will be beautiful. Buy our brand and you will be keeping up with the Joneses. Buy a shiny, new automobile and, baby, you have arrived.
“We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” A PROVEN PLAN FOR FINANCIAL FITNESS by Dave Ramsey
As important as these issues are, it is the inner application of “live simply, so that others may simply live” that is extremely challenging. How do I bring my mind to a place which embraces all humanity as a brotherhood? How do I simplify and refine my ethics code to a common denominator of tolerance and inclusion? My inner simplicity determines my outward display of compassion and acceptance. When my mind analyzes and rationalizes it is not maintaining a core of simplicity. I am my best self when I become one with you and with all humanity, when I am in solidarity with brothers and sisters worldwide.
lpb quest - the twilight dance 