Simplicity is typically associated with something being plain, clear, or easy to understand. It is not flashy and seeking attention, but rather remains still and basic. When we think of simplicity as a virtue the first thing to come to mind is seeking a lifestyle that is simplified and less chaotic. Yet the virtue of simplicity is so much more than choosing to slow your routine down or eliminate a few extra things in your life. Simplicity is when a person makes sure the way they act, speak, and dress aligns with their real self, their interior self and motives. They are an authentic representation of who they are. In other words, they are what they seem. A person who lives the virtue of simplicity is one that is not just truly genuine to who they are, but a person who is truly open to receiving God into their hearts and allowing themselves to continuously grow within.
Simplicity allows us to be known for what is within our heart; it allows us to give an accurate and consistent reflection of what we put out there for others to see and what we safeguard within. Letting our true self be known to others can be a scary thing because we feel vulnerable and are afraid to reveal too much to others. However, while simplicity is revealing some intimate part of our inner self, it is through prudence that we decide what is right or not when revealing these things to others. For example, revealing an emotional struggle we are dealing with to a spouse and choosing to refrain from sharing that with a co-worker is not a lack of simplicity, but rather a difference in the type of relationship and intimacy that is shared. The level of intimacy, or how much we reveal about yourself, is dependent on the type of relationship one has with an individual. It would be wrong to disclose personal family affairs to friends or co-workers if that information is very private and could damage how others perceive a person, not to mention some family matters should remain solely within the family. Revealing what is in our hearts doesn’t always mean we let our emotions show when we react to situations. Taking into account that we are still human and have the natural instinct to react to our surroundings, at times our reactions, though pure, can be more damaging to ourselves and how we treat others. Learning to control our emotions in a mature and prudent manner is important to not only how our reaction can affect others, but how we stay true to our interior self. Perhaps a family member tells you about a decision they made for their next vacation destination and your first reaction is to frown because you would never travel there, or spend that much on a trip. You know in your heart showing your dislike of their decision would be hurtful and rude, so rather than show your personal emotional response, you act in a way that shows excitement and support. This action is not being inauthentic to yourself, it is an authentic reflection of your heart. You care about this person and wouldn’t want to upset them knowing this trip is something they are looking forward to. You know in your heart it would be wrong to criticize their choice when it has nothing to do with you, and that if you were on the receiving end you would be hurt. It’s important to express ourselves in a respectful way when we are around others, also bearing in mind now might not be the time to express my personal opinion or thoughts.
Our life experiences can also at times guide us to seek a life that is rooted in simplicity. St. Augustine once said, “Seek what suffices, seek what is enough, and don’t desire more. Whatever goes beyond what suffices produces anxiety not relief: it will weigh you down instead of lifting you up.” As Christians we should be seeking to live a life that chooses to grow closer to God, to develop an intimate relationship with Him where we allow ourselves to be fulfilled by His never ending love. We should be detached from all things that keep us from God, yet so many become attached to their personal desires, wants, and aspirations. We are all on a spiritual journey that is seeking fulfillment and purpose, we are looking to fill our cup. However, so many struggle to see that their thirst could be quenched by what is right in front of them. Christ teaches to be simple and lead a life that is not constantly seeking more recognition, more money, more status, more luxuries. Throughout the course of human history so many have led a life that is more focused on personal aspirations or goals rather than truly embracing the most important things in life. Obtaining a certain position in their career, a six-digit income, living luxuriously, frequently traveling, retiring by 50, sending kids to ivy-league schools, owning multiple cars, and countless other things drive so many people to live a life that never stops and is never fulfilled. These goals and aspirations have caused so many individuals to prioritize materials, status, or wealth all in exchange for sacrificing precious time with family and friends. More than one has looked back to see they missed soccer games, dances, or birthdays. For others, lack of time and attention pushed away that one great love. It’s suddenly too late to start a family or friends have moved on. So many become blind to what is right in front of them; they become blind to recognizing all the fulfillment and purpose they seek is within reach.
These obstacles to simplicity have a large effect on our mentality, scruples, attitude, and attention. They take us away from living a life that is truly reflective of what is in our hearts. They can also negatively affect the choices we make, how we act, see things, and how we treat others. These obstacles not only negatively affect how we reveal ourselves to others, but also how we reveal ourselves to God. They hinder us from living a life filled with spiritual and mental peace. Those who aspire for greatness, wealth, or a life of luxury are typically plagued with stress, anxiety, doubt, fear, lack of confidence, loneliness, and accompanying health issues. The majority of those who open their eyes realize their goals and achievements never brought the expected satisfaction they sought, but rather left them unsatisfied; there was a feeling that something is still missing. More than one has woken up to find that the pent-house suite wasn’t worth the cost, or that the corner office in the big city is draining and consuming their life. When they wake up, they finally realize that all they were seeking was the things around them that they once thought weren’t enough. Why? The answer to that is we are human and we have the tendency to want more than what we are given. Yet, despite that human frailty, we are all seeking truth, simplicity, we are seeking genuineness within ourselves and our relationships. If we allow ourselves to become slaves to our passions, personal aspirations, and wants, we will live a life that is never fully satisfied. With that dissatisfaction, we will constantly be seeking for something new to quench that thirst, and for many, those alternatives can only lead us down a path of sadness, bitterness, and loneliness. It is when we find satisfaction in what is enough, what God has placed before us, and when we seek to strengthen our relationship with Christ that we begin to live a life rooted in simplicity.
Living a life that is truly simplistic requires slowly setting into motion new habits. At first those new habits are simple changes to how we react to something, our attitude towards others, our perception, detachment to ourselves and wants, and our openness to change. Despite the chaos or the struggle around us, when we manage the situations that come our way with this virtue we will see a ripple effect occur throughout our other habits and way of living.
Simplicity is a virtue that feeds into all other virtues, making the other virtues more attractive to us and motivating us to implement more of them into our way of living. That smile despite it's been a hard day, the act of kindness towards the person who annoys you, or that positivity in the midst of a tough situation can be some of the ways simplicity aids other virtues to grow. As we slowly create these new habits that allow other virtues to grow within us, we will discover more satisfaction and joy along the way. We will begin radiating with peace, and that will show to those around us. It is contagious and it brings not just more peace into our hearts but into our relationship with others, particularly in our trust and relationship with God. At the end of each day we are all trying to be the best version of ourselves. We all want to be good people and the majority of us have some basic foundation of what it means to be good. We all want to be our authentic self, which is perhaps one of the scariest things to do, but if we do not allow ourselves to grow in simplicity then we will neve be able to reflect our genuine self to others. Our lives will feel like a facade and so many of us will continue to wear a mask. Others may fall prey that their negative attitude, loneliness, or lack of satisfaction is a result of bad luck or that they aren’t enough. These lies can keep so many away from a life that is truly happy, but with valuing what God has placed before us and finding satisfaction within those gifts, and within Him, we can allow ourselves to finally quench that thirst.
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