A little while ago, I borrowed a book called “The One Hundred - A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman should Own“. I loved the book - the matter, the presentation and the timelessness. Inspired by that book, today I introduce “The One Hundred” on ThinkMaya - A Series that will explore one happiness/balance accessory at a time. These posts will be easy to read (unlike my other posts) and I plan to alternate these with my more lengthier/heavier posts. These posts are meant to be thought provoking without being heavy on the mind - and hopefully promote some fun discussion!
” Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication ” - Leonardo Da Vinci
implicity, is to me, in many many ways, the most complex of concepts I have come across. Let me explain. Until a few years ago, simplifying my life was one of the most complex of challenges I came across. And then, amidst all that struggle I discovered that, simplicity for me, is a journey. It is about being in the flow. About making the choices that keeps me authentic. About living the life that fill me with energy - not the one that saps me off my energy and passion. As complex as my life might seem to many people, it couldn’t be simpler and I couldn’t be happier. Simplicity, to me is a light garb - almost invisible, yet powerful. As paradoxical as it might seem, it is this garb of simplicity that lets me shine through with my authenticity and yet shields me from the complexities of outside world.
photo credit: craigCloutier
- Simplicity is a timeless piece and best worn any way you like it.
- Just as with anything else, trying too hard will take away from the beauty of simplicity. So just wear it!
- Simplicity is best paired with authenticity - and do not ever worry if they seem like they are in conflict. Simplicity has a way of blending in.
- Don’t ever spend a LOT of money on Simplicity. The best Simplicity veils are the homemade ones.
- NEVER ever be ashamed of your Simplicity garb. It gets better with age - just like the best wines!
- Wear Simplicity like it is a part of you and you will love the life and experiences it brings along!
The internet is a great way to find a dose of Simplicity - a little here and a little there. I will list some of the best resources I have come across:
- Simply Sara has her “storefront” at On Simplicity. I love her little space since she gives me wonderful ways of wearing the Simplicity garb with every post of hers. I think of her space as a celebration of Simplicity! Sara keeps it inspirational yet very real - she even talks about the complexities we all choose to embrace - Simplicity is useless if it is not real.
- Tina has her space at ThinkSimpleNow. Tina is gifted with a wonderful talent - she takes the most complex of emotions and issues and simplifies it beautifully.
- Marelisa’s Abundance Blog always amazes me! She has the most resourceful posts - teaching her readers how to be creative and productive while wearing Simplicity. I loved her recent post about the Yin-yang of Creativity
- SimpleMom’s blog is just what she calls it - a cross between a mommy blog and a productivity blog. True, no nonsense tips to aid the complex world of busy parents. (And guess what - I am a monthly columnist out there!! ) Self promo aside, Tsh’s blog is a great space to get your double dose of inspiration and actionable pointers (in less than 5 minutes) and get back to work.
- The Laws of Simplicity is a blog by John Maeda. John has a book by the same name.In the video below ( from TED talks), John gives a most entertaining talk about Simplicity. Be sure to check out his Laws of Simplicity on the blog. Bookmark it and go back to it often!
If you have a couple of more minutes, enjoy this (seemingly) complex picture of Simplicity:
A quick explanation of the numbers on the graph above -
- Simplicity consumes a lot of energy and effort - but only until a certain point. Reducing material posessions, producing lesser garbage, eating healthier, buying less stuff is all hard - really hard only until Simplicity becomes a part of us. So hang in there and it will happen. The tipping point WILL come!
- Reaching that tipping point suddenly makes us wiser - since we can stop spending time and energy on trying to be simple. All of a sudden we are just living a Simple Life - having embodied ad internalized Simplicity. And then we have all this time and energy to focus on learning and getting better!
- This is where life gets easier and we have mastered the art of Simplicity.
- This is where we have all attained Simplicity Nirvana
Honestly, I have no idea where I am in this picture …but everyday Simplicity seems to come more naturally to me - and for that I am grateful
Hope you have enjoyed reading the post. Do take a minute to share your thoughts on Simplicity. How do YOU wear your Simplicity veil? Where do you find your inspiration?
