These directions can be applied to projects or to living. To live simply is a constant struggle. These questions and directions will not be easy to follow all the time. They require great faith, patience, and modesty. They are also extremely freeing. Ask yourself the bold questions often.
What is Important?
Let this question constantly float in your mind. Always look for the more basic, essential answer. Any situation can be put in perspective if you ponder this question often.
What Do I Need?
You must first decide what the word "need" means. This should also be answerable in the most basic, essential way possible. To reduce clutter, you can see the many uses of the few objects. Use is key. Anything that serves no purpose must be evicted from your life. This includes that which might serve a purpose later. I guarantee, if you do not use it on a Regular basis, it is not worth keeping. Get rid of it. I have separated needs into the following four categories:
Protection from the Elements
Ask yourself these questions: - What do I need for my torso, my legs, feet, etc.?
- How many shirts/pants/shoes/etc. to get through two weeks?
- What is the bare minimum that I need for what I do?
- What are my needs fora house?
Keep your questions basic, so that you can apply them to any
objects in your life. Nourishment for the Body and Soul
Am I fully enjoying/processing this nourishment? Make food from
scratch. Eat only what grows. Your body will thank you.
Take your time to rest and breathe. It's a meal for the soul. Freedom from the Objects
Give up every object, even especially the sentimental ones. What value
do our valuables have after we're dead? Now compare that with the
memories of the experiences we shared with other people. Which is the
greater wealth? Fewer belongings, fewer worries, more freedom. Get rid
of everything you own, and you will discover how little you actually need.
Vision for the Future
What do I want to do? How do I want to live? Begin the projects
that feed directly into the very first question: What is important?
e.g. Writing a book, seeing your family, photography, yoga, etc.
If you can do the first three, you will be able to focus on the last. It takes constant struggle, reevaluation, patience, planning, flexibility, faith, and other attributes you possess. And, oh yeah, courage - because the best way to do it is all at once.
