PAX: Simplicity

In spite of my overall complexity as an INFJ, over the years I have found myself adopting more and more little ways of embracing simplicity in my life. It's funny thing how tiny steps here and there have allowed me to remove some of the inner clutter/noise and thereby find room within...room for silence, for mystery, or for being more present/open to others. So do any of you folks have any thoughts on this?

I remember reading something years ago....the idea that "God was simple, but not simplistic." An interesting differentiation. I think the idea of simplicity as a type of unalloyed, pure type of clarity is what attracted me. I continue to find that the dynamics of the spiritual, inner life are anything but simplistic (people often try to over-simplify these matters but they are incredibly complex and nuanced), but there is something of this pure, clear, simple vision that does indeed flow through it all.

Anyway, in the process taking little practical steps to symplify....paring down my living needs, riding mass trasit, being content with simple things...I found that I still was inevitably left, beyond all the externals, to face up to my own need for simplicity on the inside, in my heart. Really, that is the real goal...and trying to face this is much, much more challenging.

Still, what keeps me going is that I find inner simplicity carries unique rewards that I think we might never find were we not to pursue this path. They are paradoxes. For example: by simplifying my material needs I find I always have more than enough....by symplifying my requirements for input and entertainment, I find that I am always and prepetually amused by things close at hand...the good stuff isn't "out there somewhere"...usually it is right in front of me! How cool!

I'm still trying to allow the dynamic of simplicity to wash over me...I realize that for me this is more of an infusion process rather than a singular act of the will. It seems more about contemplating aspects of the Divine Simplicity....and then reflecting that. That seems the truest form...and I admit the idea of an infinite complexity melting into a single, unified simplicity to be totally intoxicating!!! That makes perfect sense to this INFJ anyway.

 

Wonderful!!!

I love that!!

I find that "certain place in life" I wanted to reach was never what I thought it was initially but something very, very different, much more profound, and much more beautiful. I think one very much does have to do some "giving up" to even realize what it is we seek!!

Paradox is almost comical in nature, depending how you look at it. Certainly it's a delight!

 

I think silence has played a big part in inviting simplicity into my inner self. That can happen through many means...chant or a "sacred word" is frequently employed. With me it was just silence...and time.

I admit I borrowed a lot from monastic practice/tradition over the years...the boundaries between that life and the life of a layperson tend to be over-inflated by our assumptions. At the core we are all on a journey...some on one path, some on another...same destination. Those on the path know this. Sure, some differences between expressions do exist, but the similarities are truly overwhelming. I enjoy crossing back and forth...if only to give my assumptions a good jolt.

 

So true. I love this about the deeper, inner workings of religion*....there is so much to share and so much common vision.


*I use the word "religion" intentionally. Many prefer the term spirituality or wisdom, and that is fine. However, many of the systems we have become disenchanted with (in some cases rightly) do contain major paths of human enlightenment. If we can work past the structures, or see them for the limited purposes they rightfully serve, we can move into the core...the place of wisdom, of truth, of paradox. It is an amazing world.

 

Wow....excellent!!!!!

 

Yes, this is a concept I have seen expressed in other traditions, too. Wonderful!! This definitely shines a light on the path...a beacon inviting us into enlightenment and peace and connection.