#7: A Call to Simplicity

Understanding #7 calls members of the community to a life of simplicity, "to enjoy beauty without owning or possessing," and to release the culturally induced craving for possession and accumulation of material objects.  On one occasion, at least, I remember this Understanding leading to a discussion regarding the possession and use of technological "toys," iphones, tablets, and the like.  For those of us with the means to purchase and the ability to utilize these implements, it would seem that they are becoming the norm for daily life.  

I do remember, however, my trip to the electronics store to purchase the laptop on which I am writing this blog post.  While my dissertation was progressing well, its original computer was fading, and I needed to keep going on a machine I could count on.  The sales clerk took me around to the machines that met most of my requirements, but most also had "bells and whistles" that I didn't need, and didn't want to pay for.  Then I noticed a row of laptops on the far side of the display area.  Plain, black boxes, no frills, just the ability to do basic writing and computational functions, and get out to the internet.  SOLD!  Staying focused on needs, not wants, and persisting until I found what I needed, and no more, seemed to win the day.  

The line in this Understanding that I truly love, though, is this one: "There is a beauty in space, in openness, in solitude."  Therein lies my deepest sense of simplicity.  To be willing to have nothing, do nothing, fret about nothing, simply be present to the moment, in solitude and appreciation, to offer lovingkindness to myself and others, that is the great gift of simplicity at the hermitage.  I suspect the idea of simplicity means  different things to different people -- I would love to hear comments from others on what this means to you.