Ikigai Thought for Today: As Simple As Possible
A way to live more fully into Ikigai.
Audio narration by David Marlow
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. The idea is to make things as simple as possible and still do what we need them to do.
🌱 Simplicity is often misunderstood in that way.
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.
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 lives as well.
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?
Quest well.
One way I could make today simpler is to apply Day 6 of Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." ~ William James
I don't have to do everything or solve everything or say everything or even care about everything.
Just the 1 or 2 or 3 things that I can focus on - well.
Great points David....make all things simple, especially the complex. It is said > how do you eat an elephant (if we were inclined to do so). A bit at a time. You had also recently referred to how does one take the path to 10,000 (or 1000) miles. With the first step...of course in the right direction. I would also say of storytelling....why did Jesus (and others in history) tell parables. They last a long time....keep the message relevant and simple so all will understand it...at least those that have ears...or are listening to understand not to just respond....yes another lesson on that! Quest well!