<commit_before>---
layout: post
title: Simplify&#58; Why and Why Not?
author: <NAME>
categories:
tags:
---

![Simple food](/images/simplify.jpg)

As much as I’ve simplified my life in the past ten years, I still crave more simplicity. It feels like I can’t simplify enough. At certain points though I realized I was overdoing it. Unknowingly, in simplifying certain activities I caused myself more pain.

Before we start simplifying, it’s best to look at both sides of the decision to ensure we’re okay with not only the advantages but the difficulties that may come with our choice.

##The upside of simplicity

The following are the advantages I’ve experienced so far.

**Peace of mind**

When you reduce your possessions, you’ll have less stuff that needs to be fixed and maintained. Less worry means more peace.

**Contentment**

When we simplify, we let go of the excess, and focus on fewer things. We become satisfied with the life, and the things, we have. We learn to let go of compulsive wanting and the never-ending cycle of buying and accumulating.

**Freedom**

What’s more valuable than feeling free from worry, excessive wanting and longing, or the need to compare and have more?

When we simplify physical possessions, activities and commitments, and even our thought process, we free ourselves to just be—light, focused, and at peace.

**Intention**

To simplify is to look at our lives with purpose and intention. We examine the troublesome areas and face reality. We step out of avoidance and distractions, and make conscious choices.

**Attention**

With less stuff and simpler choices, we can easily focus on what matters and give it our best effort.

**Beauty**

Simpler living leaves lots of empty space for life’s beauty to shine through.

Imagine you have a masterpiece painting, but it’s hanging with countless other paintings and prints on the wall, with hardly any room. How’s that masterpiece going to standout? 

If you have an empty wall with just one painting, or a few, you’ll have more space for that painting to be seen and enjoyed.

**Appreciation**

The less we own, the more we use what we have. And the more we value and appreciate these things as we get to know them intimately.

**Financial gain**

Choosing less stuff, not wanting to buy new stuff, or not engaging in ego activities will keep more money in our pockets.

All of the above benefits can be a strong motivation to choose simplicity. But before making a decision, we need to examine the perceived costs that come with simplifying.

## The downside of simplicity

Every choice we make has potential risks and drawbacks. In most situations, they won’t be a big deal. But they’re worth taking into consideration before making a final decision.<commit_msg>Update 2016-01-28-simplify.md<commit_after>---
layout: post
title: Simplify&#58; Why and Why Not?
author: <NAME>
categories:
tags:
---

![Simple food](/images/simplify.jpg)

As much as I’ve simplified my life in the past ten years, I still crave more simplicity. It feels like I can’t simplify enough. At certain points though I realized I was overdoing it. Unknowingly, in simplifying certain activities I caused myself more pain.

Before we start simplifying, it’s best to look at both sides of the decision to ensure we’re okay with not only the advantages but the difficulties that may come with our choice.

##The upside of simplicity

The following are the advantages I’ve experienced so far.

**Peace of mind**

When you reduce your possessions, you’ll have less stuff that needs to be fixed and maintained. Less worry means more peace.

**Contentment**

When we simplify, we let go of the excess, and focus on fewer things. We become satisfied with the life, and the things, we have. We learn to let go of compulsive wanting and the never-ending cycle of buying and accumulating.

**Freedom**

What’s more valuable than feeling free from worry, excessive wanting and longing, or the need to compare and have more?

When we simplify physical possessions, activities and commitments, and even our thought process, we free ourselves to just be—light, focused, and at peace.

**Intention**

To simplify is to look at our lives with purpose and intention. We examine the troublesome areas and face reality. We step out of avoidance and distractions, and make conscious choices.

**Attention**

With less stuff and simpler choices, we can easily focus on what matters and give it our best effort.

**Beauty**

Simpler living leaves lots of empty space for life’s beauty to shine through.

Imagine you have a masterpiece painting, but it’s hanging with countless other paintings and prints on the wall, with hardly any room. How’s that masterpiece going to standout? 

If you have an empty wall with just one painting, or a few, you’ll have more space for that painting to be seen and enjoyed.

**Appreciation**

The less we own, the more we use what we have. And the more we value and appreciate these things as we get to know them intimately.

**Financial gain**

Choosing less stuff, not wanting to buy new stuff, or not engaging in ego activities will keep more money in our pockets.

All of the above benefits can be a strong motivation to choose simplicity. But before making a decision, we need to examine the perceived costs that come with simplifying.

##The downside of simplicity

Every choice we make has potential risks and drawbacks. In most situations, they won’t be a big deal. But they’re worth taking into consideration before making a final decision.
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