Recapturing Simplicity by John Cali and Spirit

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, not even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Walden_Pond_(63)Sign at Henry David Thoreau’s cabin
Walden Pond, Concord, Massachusetts

Copyright © 2010
Alex88

Shortly before I moved to Wyoming many years ago, I made a conscious choice to simplify my life. I got rid of anything I did not need. In deciding what to throw out or give away, my rule was if I hadn’t seen it for a year or more, I probably didn’t need it. And I had plenty of “stuff” I’d accumulated, and had not seen in years!

I was amazed at how little I needed to live a good life, the life I really wanted to live. While my simple lifestyle wouldn’t be everyone’s choice, I’m happy with it.

I know many folks who prefer big fancy houses, lavishly landscaped yards, multiple cars, etc. That suits them better than a simple life. I’m not criticizing or judging them. After all, I was one of them for many years.

Here are some words from Spirit

Most of you yearn for more simplicity in your lives. But you don’t know how to create it.

Your world has become cluttered in many ways. Your technology, wonderful and powerful as it is, can clutter up your life. It can take you away from what’s most important in your lives—your relationships, your health, your spiritual well-being.

We have occasionally spoken with John on ways he can simplify his life. Here are some ideas for you to help simplify your lives.

Remember how simple and joyful life was when you were a little child. Most of you have those memories, even if your childhood was less than ideal.

You would wake up every morning with joyful anticipation of what the day held in store.

You would immerse yourselves in the pure pleasure of being in the present moment, with no thought or care for yesterday or tomorrow.

You would run and play with joyous abandon.

You would accept love, and give it to all—your family, your pets, your friends, all living creatures around you.

You loved being outside, in nature, marveling at all the earth’s wonder and beauty surrounding you—all the abundant gifts Spirit had given you.

A child’s life is simple, uncluttered, uncomplicated. We don’t expect you to return to your childhood. But you could certainly benefit from the lessons your little wise, unworldly child selves have to teach you.

You could easily bring some of those memories and experiences into your adult lives. Then practice them every day.

You will recapture the simplicity and wisdom you knew as children. You will allow that simplicity and wisdom to transform you back into the joyous beings you were meant to be.

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Here’s writer and designer Graham Hill talking about downsizing and simplifying our lives. As he says in the video, not everyone will want to simplify their lives as much as he did. But I think we can all make our lives at least a little simpler and less cluttered.

Related links:
Simplicity and Silence
Simplifying Your Life
The Simple Life


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Is your life as simple as you’d like it to be? If not, what can you do about it? Please share your thoughts and comments with us below.

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What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali

John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Conversations With Spirit: Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming.Sign up for his newsletter here.

Personal readings with John and Spirit

4 Responses

  1. Martha

    ‘Tis the gift to be simple,
    ’tis the gift to be free,
    ’tis the gift to come down
    where we ought to be,
    and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
    ’twill be in the valley of love and delight.
    When true simplicity is gained
    to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
    to turn, turn, will be our delight
    till by turning, turning we come round right.

    – Shaker Song, 18th c.

    Thank You, John.

    Love,
    Martha

    xxx ooo

  2. Sarah d

    Hi John,
    This article really hit the mark for me. I have spent the last couple of weeks fervently decluttering ready for my house move this coming Monday. The house I’ve been living in has been too large and I have accumulated so much stuff!! So I decided to downsize considerably and am moving into a really small property but with a lovely garden. It’ll cut down on heating bills and cleaning, haha!!! 🙂
    The decluttering has been beneficial for the local charity shop who’ve had my furniture and clothes etc. it also feels much better and freer.
    It’s interesting what spirit says about children and simplicity. Milo has several boxes of toys which he hardly ever touches yet for the past day has been most amused playing with a large packing box!!! So far it’s been used as a car, boat, house and for acrobatics! 🙂
    Take care and blessings.

    • John Cali

      Hi Sarah,

      I know what you’re feeling, having been through the same experience, albeit some years ago.

      That’s interesting about Milo. Children are masters of simplicity. 🙂

      The best of luck to you and Milo on your move Monday!

      Many blessings to you both,
      John

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