As Simple As Possible

A way to live more fully into Ikigai.

Photo by Drew Gilliam on Unsplash

As Simple as Possible but No Simpler

Einstein purportedly said, "Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler."

Some take it to mean making things simple though that is not what he meant. Make them as simple as possible and still do what we need.

Photo by Oli Dale on Unsplash

A pencil is simple; a laptop is complex. I can do things with a laptop I can't do with a pencil.

Sometimes we need complex systems.

Not complexity for complexity's sake and not complexity at the start but built on functioning systems and practices.

🌱 Simplicity is often misunderstood.

We need systems and processes that can do many things, some of which are complex. They should be as elegant and simple as possible while delivering all we need.

🍃 Growing the 'complexity' from simply working systems is a way to ensure just such an outcome. This goes for our own lives.

Start small and simple.

🌿 Grow your understanding, establish working systems of habit and behavior, and only then add things in.

One final point, I don't mean complicated. That is a whole other category.

---

Reflection:

🌀What is one small step I could take today to simplify my life?

🌀What are my circumstances summoning me to simplify?

🌀How might I make it as simple as possible and no simpler?

🌀What is needed in the lives of those nearest to me, and how might I support them in making it simpler?