Simplicity

  After reading the packet on simplicity it seems to me that the last thing it is simple. Simplicity according to one of the definitions in the packet is a choice or attitude a person must make on how to live their life.  It requires a clear focus to decide between a need and want.   In the section, “A Garden of Simplicity” the author tells us that they believe Simplicity has ”eight different flowerings” that overlap each other with each having equal importance.(1)  The ideas listed in the Compassionate Simplicity section is the topic I am going to write about for this assignment.       TV has given all of us a chance to see what is happening in all parts of the world.   Some parts are scary like in Afghanistan and some parts tragic like in Darfur.  In each case TV shows us that the world needs our compassion.    Even here in the United States there are families that face life and death problems.  Homelessness, hunger, and illness are just some of the problems millions of Americans face every day.  Add to this the millions of people that are facing death, starvation, and illnesses all over the world and you can see just how much compassion is needed.   At school we hold different events to help people in Darfur and Japan but there are so many other places that need the world’s compassion.   The problem seems big because it is big.   We each need to stand up and say “What can I do to solve the problem?” Gandhi said, “Choose to live simply so that others may simply live” had a strong effect on me.(2)   Simplicity is a choice we should all take seriously and it wouldn’t really be that painful.   Compassionate Simplicity is feeling a connection with those that need our love and support just to have basic needs.   Each of us has been very lucky to be born into a family that love, supports and spoil us.  Compassionate Simplicity is a choice that is easy to make because of the love we get from home.   When you see the face of a starving kid on TV, how can you not feel compassion?  Now think about the millions of other kids you don’t see who cry themselves to sleep with hunger pains.  We now know we can make a difference if we choose to live a simpler life and share with those that are in need of our Compassionate Simplicity.   (1) Sophisticated Simplicity – A Garden of Simplicity (2) A Garden of Simplicity – Compassionate Simplicity