by Fiona, Mells, Somerset, UK
One of the main focuses in my life is simplicity, whilst still being fully engaged and active in the world! Sometimes, when faced with multiple things to do, time limitations or even just new or personally challenging situations, it can be easy to slip into complication or worrying ‘mode’. I’ve found that taking a moment to re-assess how I can fulfill what’s truly needed in the simplest way possible can open up avenues that I hadn’t previously seen and change the quality in the way I get things done.
I often find that even just stopping to write down a list of everything that I need or would like to get done helps. This way I find it easier to prioritise what to do first, where to begin, and what could be moved to another day. And, I stop worrying about forgetting something because I have it written down to come back to later.
Simplicity allows me to open up and have more space to connect with and support the people around me. It’s also a much more enjoyable way to be with myself whilst I go about my day!
At a time in my life where I felt quite lost I remember my mother passing to me something that her father used to say to her – ‘to keep things simple’. It helped me a lot at the time but then gradually I let things slip back into complication! Serge Benhayon and the Universal Medicine team reminded me in the most loving way that it is possible to bring simplicity to life, practically and consistently (but without perfection!), for which I am deeply appreciative. It wasn’t a theory that Serge shared with me, but his way of living as a true inspiration.
The Truth about Serge Benhayon 
I have found that simplicity is whatever supports me to honor my connection to my essence, allowing the space for me to bring my presence to wherever I am and whatever I am doing. And I am loving exploring how there is a flow to life already which intrinsically supports our connection, to love, we simply need to allow it to guide us.
We could say that simplicity creates space and complexity shrinks it by way of filling it with a whole heap of stuff (ideals, beliefs and images etc.) that is not true to the love that we are.
In order to bring more simplicity back into our lives we first have to renounce the drama and complexity we have invited our way in order to not live the absolute magnificence we are.
It’s amazing what we have as ‘sayings’ in the world but we don’t apply them physically to ourselves. Like the saying, ‘keep it simple’, growing up it was like a mantra and yet I didn’t call on it when it was needed and in other words I didn’t live it strong enough for it to be there when it was needed. We react or reinterpret what these things mean as well and so some may say ‘I can’t do simple because I have so many things to do’. Seeing simple as meaning to do nothing and yet we can use simple everywhere. Like the article is saying simple could be just writing down what you need to do in a day or keeping a diary so you can see what is coming up and have reminders. As life gets more complicated it’s then time for us to move deeper into simplicity otherwise you will find yourself being washed away.
For years others have often described me as laid back. I have just chosen not to get involved or sucked into another’s complications of poor or over planned actions. Simple allows us the freedom to make changes as needed. We are the ones that are at the helm of our ship, so why do insist on sailing into the storm?
Simplicity is the language of the body when it is guiding our choices in life – complication arises in the mind from not being in flow with the body and it’s movements.
I love simplifying my life. It’s an ongoing process that supports me to feel light and joyful in life.
I like to write thing down as you describe, in order of their importance for the day, helping me prioritise what order is needed for that day, then I can focus on what I am doing.
Taking a moment to feel and check in with my body is the simplest way to approach absolutely everything. Without this choice before the next step can default to a thought from the mind, and time and time again this turns out to lead down the path of complication – making something bigger etc. than what is truly called for. The body only offers what is simply true and needed
I love simplicity and my intention is to bring more into my life, so love what you share here, ‘I’ve found that taking a moment to re-assess how I can fulfill what’s truly needed in the simplest way possible can open up avenues that I hadn’t previously seen and change the quality in the way I get things done.’
Keeping things simple has a lot to do with completion for me, things get complicated when I delay working at tasks that ask for completion and start new things instead.
I too am loving simplicity Fiona. Each day I’m enjoying finding ways to make things simpler. One thing I have recently embarked on is a house de-clutter, which is another way of living simply. It feels great to get rid of the excess, unused possessions that have been taking up space in our home.
When things get complicated I know that I have gone off track – it is a simple as that.
It is so easy to go into over thinking something or building a story around what ever is happening and this just complicates everything – This is a very ‘simple’ reminder to keep things simple and by keeping things simple we have more love in our day.
Reading this blog I can see that when life gets complicated it is with while stopping and considering the elements that need attention so that the whole returns to simplicity and a flow that supports everyone equally. Thank you for the inspiration.
In a world that seems to be getting more and more complicated simplicity is like a breath of fresh air.
I totally agree Fiona, after creating complication for most of my life it has been refreshing to let go of this destructive pattern and to allow the space for simplicity to flow.
I love coming back to your blog Fiona as it is such a simple, succinct and true reminder to keep life and living simple, in a complex pressured world.
When someone offers such wisdom – true wisdom due to the fact that it is actually lived – we are blessed (if we so choose) with the deepest inspiration possible. Simplicity is something I am yet to bring to every quarter of my life, but the process of restoring its grace has already changed my life enormously.
We are the makers of our own complication, and it is great mastery to actually undo and unravel all of that which has held us back from living in the true light of simplicity – thus allowing our light to shine in all of its magnificent capacity.
“Worry mode” is definitely complication, I wonder if simplicity is actually a quality that leads to a way of doing things, rather than just a way of doing things. If I ask myself how can I make today as simple as possible, first I choose the quality I want my day to be in, then everything else becomes a natural part of the rhythm of the day.
I love how simplicity allows a flow in life where time and space open up to support whatever is needed.
Its true isn’t it! Our bodies really love the simplicity… Our minds love the complexity… And we know what truly serves us… The answer is all around us
At the end of each day at work I write a list of to dos and share it out during the week. I’ve learnt to not be attached to doing things as they are written because things come up and I’ve let go of putting strict times allocations as this stressed me out if I didn’t keep to them or saw they took so much time. But it helps me know that what needs to be done is there and not floating around in my head to possibly get forgotten.
I’ve also noticed how I can complicate things by doing 4 things at once so now it’s no, not now, that email can be put to one side while I finish this write up or whatever. This one job gets completed and onto the next one, not 4 things half done and more things coming which my body immediately reacts to and stresses.It’s a work in progress but worth choosing simplicity.
‘I’ve found that taking a moment to re-assess how I can fulfill what’s truly needed in the simplest way possible can open up avenues that I hadn’t previously seen and change the quality in the way I get things done.’ I’m so going to be putting this into far more focused practice in life. The world thrives on the drama of complication. I could ask myself what purpose does complication serve? why is it that I create complication where there needn’t be any? This includes any reactions – especially reacting to other’s complications. Complications distract me from the fact that I’ve created my hurts and I don’t want to take responsibility for this or the harm I’ve caused. Complications show my individualism – ‘hey look at me and how much mess I can create!’ Complications can be used to prove life is a mess and God isn’t powerful and doesn’t love me – but this is rubbish. God observes all my goings on knowing what is created will only create suffering and at some point I will accept this and choose to return to love.
Life is simple – we make it difficult and complex by choosing struggle, creating problems and choosing not to be who we truly are.
A beautiful and simple blog, bringing a great reminder that to simplify and live life from simplicity is far preferable to the stress caused living with complexity. Thank you Fiona.
Simplicity does create space…that I can attest to. Sometimes though, like in this very moment…I’m doing so much rushing that I then become a magnet for complication. It’s frustrating knowing this…and then continuing with the rushing anyway. Boy, sometimes we are weird, aren’t we!
Simplicity allows for space to be, and in that unnecessary complication naturally unravels. There is an endless depth within space, a fullness that we can connect to and access all that is within.
We are multidimensional beings with access to a far greater intelligence than our human mind can fathom. Yet here we are, down here on Earth, moving is a way that ensures that we cannot access such wisdom even though it lives deep within us all, no exceptions. Reduced to this lesser intelligence that we champion as superior over all other life forms here, we parade about as if the mess we have created on this planet is something to be proud about. We as a humanity have brought upon ourselves unfathomable degrees of abuse, misery, indulgence and general recklessness.
Here in the 21st century we are fatter, thinner, sicker, more miserable, greedier and more grief stricken than ever before yet still we keep choosing the mess and all the complication and confusion that it comes with when all the while there lives within us a living truth that speaks to us of our origins, our God and of the Universe in which we are held. This truth is in essence very simple to live but first we have to be willing to let go of all we have called into place to not live such majesty through our physical form.
I agree and like to add from my point of view: simplicity brings so much enjoyable space into life. Space in which I can be more easily aware of my glory and sacredness.
Living simpler and wise takes constant moments of appreciation for what we already have and how to develop that quality in our lives.
Yep, I like to keep things simple, then what happens is everything seems to flow, and what needs done gets done….. with no trying or pushing or with no drive. Now that is what I all simple living and being in the flow of life.
It’s amazing how much we can indulge in complication and deny ourselves the space that simplicity offers us. When we choose the latter, there is just no comparison.
We have a tendency as a society to complicate things, we like to worry and think things over and over of what can go wrong in different circumstances and this is the trap, as living this way keeps us away and disconnected from the simplicity of what life truly is and all that is needed is for us to take responsibility to reconnect to the quality within us and build a solid relationship with it through our movements. It is only then that we will get to experience that living connected to our hearts voids any complexity and creates spaciousness and a settlement in our body making simplicity a normal way of living.
And what a gorgeous focus to have. I have discovered when simplicity is at hand so too is our love, through which our wisdom is known and we are effortlessly moved by the impulses of our Soul.
Keep Things Simple – a great motto to start the day with thank you, there’s definitely an art both to complexity and simplicity and the two leave you feeling very different at the end of the day. I like your link between simplicity and spaciousness, the more simple the day is the more space there is in it, and the more you can actually get done.
Thank you Fiona. There is no doubt about it simplicity allows space and the more space, the more clarity.
Your blog is to the point and shows how simple it can be to live our lives without the complexity our mind wants us to live with which causes the stress and anxiousness. Making things and life simple is our natural way of being.
As you have said, a way of living i.e livingness is what true inspiration is drawn to
Your blog is a perfect example of simplicity Fiona – it clearly shows that you ‘practise what you preach’.
I love simplicity it gives me a feeling of openness and easefullness with more clarity, where as complication does my head in with anxiety and the trying to get it right.
Our complex world need simplicity as it seems to me that simplicity is a lost quality.
Finding the time to simply stop is the simplest of ways I have found that gives me a clear indication of where to go or what to do next!
The word simplicity to me brings a sense of 360 degree awareness of the All, rather than the complications that occur in the separation of only looking at self
I love simplicity. Simplicity brings spaciousness and rhythm and allows me to settle deep within me.
Simplicity is a joyful expansion of our soul’s natural living way. Awesome thanks Fiona.
There is no question Fiona that simplicity brings with it a lightness and joy into life. Enter complication, and these essential ingredients for life evaporate faster than we can blink.
I love simplicity, it allows a flow in time and space with an ease fullness in life. Complication on the other hand creates drama anxiety and anxiousness.
Today I felt just how simple life truly can be. I feel that to keep things simple the most needed quality is that of presence and trust. Being present and responding in every moment and trusting myself in the response.
I know when I start to feel overwhelm that I am making things complicated. Coming back to my body – which I have left by that point – helps hugely. I like the mnemonic KISS – keep it simple sweetheart.
Maybe a reinterpretation Sue – KISS has always been keep it simple student?
Keep it simple is a golden rule for me. It creates a space and a flow and order.
If life does not feel simple and flow, then the first thing I know immediately is that I have lost a connection to my innermost self… it’s that simple!
Simplicity does allow for more space, and that is a quality that is very much needed in the rather complex world we live in. The body loves simplicity.
When we keep things simple we are able to be aware of so much more without getting caught up in the busyness of the doing.
Such a great early morning reminder to keep things simple. I find that when life is simple and there is an order to it and when you remove all the complications and clutter it’s like you can see the whole universe and when there are no complications to hide it, suddenly you can see the whole bigger picture.
Our purpose and we are amazingly simple yet we have created complexity to hide this from ourselves in avoidance.
I love this simple blog Fiona. Complication versus simplicity, give me simplicity every time. I also sometimes find it very beneficial to make myself a list as long as I don’t let it rule me.
Simplicity is our greatest weapon against complexity. It creates a wonderful sense of spaciousness just by being in it. That’s why it’s the thing to go to when we need an answer to a problem. Spaciousness in simplicity – nothing quite like it.
Complication and overwhelm are two of life’s biggest energy depleters, so the idea of making things simple is entirely sensible when we acknowledge that nervous exhaustion has reached epidemic proportions in the world. Simple is also quite tough to master, because it doesn’t work well with anxiety and tends to get engulfed by it. So, crucial for me is to remain in the moment and not look so far ahead that I feel I have Everest to climb before bed. If I remain focused on that moment, what I’ve planned to do, then I do it fully, to my best, rather than expending energy on what could be, might be, ought to be and why can’t it be.
Let’s keep it simple… The mind loves complexity… The body and the heart love simplicity, and it is the simple connection that opens up the inner wisdom and truth that truly sustains us.
I really appreciate what you have shared Fiona and can easily relate to your story. I have found it useful to remind myself that if I am really grappling with a problem then it means that I have already allowed in complication and so I need to pause and return to simplicity and work from there. It makes a huge difference to the outcome.
It is like there’s never a moment we cannot bring simplicity to. Thank you Fiona for this elegant reminder that no matter the trouble or difficulty we face simplicity always brings space and ease.
Definitely true Joseph. The reality is that sometimes we like to add the drama of ‘complication’ into situations but that says more about where we are at than it does about the complexity of the actual situation at hand.
The simplicity of the size and spaciousness of your blog says it all, just as much as your words. Thank you for this Fiona.
I think there is an intelligence in simplicity, I’m pretty sure thats how the Soul likes things.
Simplicity has a true power to it. It disentangles,clears, clarifies and expands. Living in a way that embraces simplicity brings a steadiness and strength of foundation that supports you when one of life’s knocks comes your way. It’s like a low level, gentle vibration rather than loud, beat-ridden music. You can hear yourself think and feel yourself breathe. Yes, our bodies as well as our minds love simplicity. So it’s a win:win all round.
Reading this blog again Fiona I love being reminded that we have the power to chose simplicity each and every day.
I loved reading this blog again, thank you Fiona, even saying the word simple or simplicity gives me a feeling of letting go, no more trying, just simply be.
Wisely said Fiona.
If it’s not simple it’s not worth doing.
However if it’s difficulty it doesn’t determine whether it is worth doing or not.
We have seemed to have interlaced complexcity with difficulty, however true in many cases, they should not carry the same meaning.
For sure I can relate to how being attached to an image of how I think things should be or striving for perfection always makes things complicated. And I love how you said that looking after the seemingly small tasks adds up to a greater clarity overall.
Thank you Fiona for your beautifully expressed blog which reflects your dedication to simplicity. In the past I have hidden in complication but thanks to the inspiration of the practicality that Serge so lovingly shares I am finding the joy in keeping things simple which has transformed the quality of my life.
‘Simplicity’ can’t be over rated in my books. The less I get caught in emotional dramas, the greater the simplicity in my life and the more life flows relatively effortlessly.
Complication is frown/wrinkle inducing – Simplicity is a joy and an inner smile.
Love this Harry – It is much more fun and joyful to keep things ‘simple’. While working there is a lightness about the jobs at hand and as you share the ‘quality’ of the end result changes.
“Simplicity allows me to open up and have more space”. Love how simple you put this Fiona, and it’s so true. And the space then offers more clarity, it’s more energising and less stressful.
I totally agree Elizabeth – “And the space then offers more clarity, it’s more energising and less stressful.” And also in that sense of greater space I actually feel more truly connected with everyone.
Absolutely Rachael, the exquisite beauty that can be found in the simplest of movements and tasks when our mind and body are aligned in the moment is nothing short of astounding. Even more so is the feeling that space has been expanded very specifically to allow for the magnification of the simplicity. In the complication created by a mind running ahead of itself we are lost, precious moments are lost and spaciousness is squeezed out by a future that hasn’t happened. A simple life is a simple choice.
Great simple blog on simplicity, it is such an important thing in my life, to keep it simple and don’t complicate for the sake of it, because that actually never really improves the quality of what I am doing.
It is really essential for me to remember what you say. Making things simple. When I let the excesses of life get at me I am at risk of feeling overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once, I can then stop and breathe and as you say, choose which things I can leave for tomorrow and prioritize.
Great article Fiona, it is interesting how we are able to make simplicity complicated when all we really need to do is keep it simple.
Simplicity does indeed literally ‘re-mind’ us and is ‘like opening a window and letting in the fresh air and sunshine’ – this is an awesome revelation for me Barbara – love it!
Such a lovely reminder for me to keep things ‘simple’ and to not allow ‘perfection’ to take over. Which is a great signal for me to take a ‘stop moment’ and to be honest with how easily I’ve slipped into a familiar old pattern of pushing myself too hard. Simplicity does seem to bring an openness and more space into my day and keep complication at bay. A great sharing Fiona thank you.
Just the word simplicity gives my body permission to expand and to be at ease within myself.
Mmmm…I agree Marcia, it does.
Choosing simplicity over complexity has been a gradual process for me, but a most enjoyable one that I will continue to unfold. I will allow unnecessary obstacles that I place in my way to simply fall away.
Leonardo da Vinci wrote ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. I must say its certainly not something I have mastered as I have a habit of making things more complicated than they need to be. It actually requires effort and intention – to keep choosing the simple way forward (no matter how attractive the complicated one may look!), and again, and again. I’m working on it at the moment and slowly but surely tidying up all those loose ends that can become a complicated knot if I’m not careful.
True Simon sometimes you have to complete the messy complicated things to get back to the simplicity you need.
I love this quote too Simon. Simple yet profound.
Simplicity, simply shared and deeply felt, thank you Fiona.
Simplicity is what makes life flow. So many of the systems and processes in the world and that we take into our homes are complex – unnecessarily so. Complexity is active on such a large scale throughout the world that when we are presented with simplicity, we are often unable to accept it.
I can feel the truth in what you have presented here, Kate. Complication seems to be inherent in our society and we easily accept this as being normal even though it is not supporting us in how we are living. It does not need to be this way and when we choose simplicity life flows.
I loved the simplicity in your blog Fiona, simplicity has a beautiful easefullness to it, and a joy in doing.
Easefullness, great new adjective to simplicity 🙂
I used to complicate my life most of the time making my days stressful and exhausting. These days as I commit more to life, simplicity is becoming part of it and I am loving it… I am always looking to how I can make things more simple especially within the home.
I too love the simplicity with which this blog is written and I can also relate to Fiona in making a shopping list as it supports me to not go into the anxiousness and then further complicate things.
Great article thank you Fiona. My question is why is simplicity so difficult? Its like we, as humans love to complicate things and then having to deal with the impacts of this added drama and stress later on?
Yes Ariana. I hear what you are saying. A deeper quality of presence is being lived.
‘Simplicity allows me to open up and have more space to connect with and support the people around me. It’s also a much more enjoyable way to be with myself whilst I go about my day!’
Simply Divine Fiona. Thank YOU. 🙂
Whenever complication comes at me – I am learning not to go into reaction but have those stop moments and really feel into what my next ‘movement’ is to be. Absolutely ‘keeping it simple’ great words of wisdom. A great sharing Fiona thank you.
Thanks Fiona for your blog. I have heard of the saying ‘keep it simple’ and it is so true. The depth of it’s meaning never became clear until Serge Benhayon talked about how we complicate our lives. We can choose how we want to live and the quality we live in. It’s simple really 🙂
Totally agree with you Fiona. After recognising a few years ago that I have lived most of my life in a state of anxiousness, I started to see the benefit of stepping back, taking a breath and looking at how I can simply everyday tasks without getting overwhelmed and running around like a headless chook. It’s an easy momentum to get sucked into, and I catch myself often. But over time, my awareness has become greater and I can no longer stand the ‘rushing’ feeling and so I’m much better these days at organising myself, writing lists and allowing more time to get what needs to be done done. The most surprising thing I have found, is that when I am not attached to getting every single thing on the list done, all of a sudden there is more room, more time, because my energy is not being wasted on worry and stress, which sucks more time that you can imagine.
So true Fiona, about how simplicity opens up more space in the day – what a great reminder to look at what complications have snuck in when the day starts feeling crowded and difficult.
I have always wanted the simple life, but would wonder “how do you do it without isolating yourself from what can be a very complex world?” I am astounded at what is possible and where I am at in my life … It really is possible to walk through the masses and the complex layers of stuff and bring simplicity in every moment … Thanks Serge Benhayon for being a living example of this way of being and the inspiration you have brought to many who now know they can live this way (without perfection) also. It is a joy to feel the equality … I am that I am.
Thanks Fiona for your sharing. Its a great reminder that when we keep things simple and uncomplicated, there seems to be an expansion with more space to do things and connect with those around us.
Simplicity allows me to open up and have more space to connect with and support the people around me. It’s also a much more enjoyable way to be with myself whilst I go about my day!
This way of looking at life is very earthing. It is the only way to stop a busy mind.
With it being so easy to get lost in complication, this is a beautiful reminder of the power of simplicity, simply said. Thank you.
I agree Matts. The Gentle Breath Meditation is my first stop when things get complicated. Very Supportive 🙂
Beautiful and simple and love what you say here “It wasn’t a theory that Serge shared with me, but his way of living as a true inspiration.” Very true – thank you Fiona.
Living with simplicity is such a beautiful way to live. I am also adding all the things I need to do in my calendar so I am constantly thinking of EVERYTHING I need to do in one day but bringing my full attention to the project I am working on the time I have allocated. It feels awesome and I have a realistic idea of how long everything will take, hence how much of the day is taken up by it, instead of getting to the end of the day disappointed that all I needed to do took so much longer then I desired.
Thank you Fiona for sharing your wisdom on simplicity. I used to love complexity and complication. I used to reject people because were simple. I smelled trouble and went for it. It had to be challenging. Otherwise, it just was not it. Because I deeply know this, I have moved away from it (to a really great extent). What I have discovered in the way is how natural is to keep it simple and how spacious it is.
I love simplicity: by being connected to my inner heart I have noticed that things are becoming more simple. Things that would once upon a time have stressed me to the max are not affecting me any more. Instead, as things arise I feel them coming and I can feel how to proceed through them. Of course I still drop the ball sometimes, and I am no longer striving to do things perfectly. Instead my focus is the simplicity of loving myself deeply, living this love, holding myself tenderly, and in so doing I find that I enjoy the tasks that I set out to do. This is a true miracle.
I love your supportive, simplicity based approach to list making. Really gorgeous.
Not letting the world rule me is super important to me. Everything should be done in a hurry and there is a demand to always be available. To set limits and really stop and feel into what is right in this moment is super important. I still struggle every now and then, but I get better in caring for me in the situations necessary.
What I am still learning to live with is that small word ‘No’ which needs to be used from time to time to keep things simple, no matter how exciting, or enticing the extra thing, or the added complexity. As someone else observed – so often simple is easy…
“That small word ‘No’ which needs to be used from time to time to keep things simple” – this is so true. Gosh, how many times I had to be inventive with excuses and justification to convince myself.
Fiona thank you – I really understand about making things complicated -its so tiring and I used to feel that I had the world on my shoulders. My list is very short now – its to go for a walk. This simple act reconnects me then I can focus on the present and on my return I feel ready for what lies ahead.
I used to live with complication everyday – since attending Universal Medicine presentations I have learnt as well to let go of complications and to simplify my life. “Simplicity allows me to open up and have more space to connect with and support the people around me.” – Very true, thank you Fiona.
I love the simplicity of what you present here Fiona, to ease the complications we bring to life by keeping it simple. I find the more I live in the moment, the more life just naturally flows and as you say the space opens up for more to be done without the complication and stress. It is lovely to feel the difference.
Hi Fiona. You have explained here in an accessible way how it is possible to keep things simple and not get caught up in the complications of everyday situations we are faced with in life.
Thanks, Fiona, for this great piece on simplicity. I’m inspired to write lists to keep things simple.
I love a good list too Natalie. Out of the head and onto the paper. Priorities are made and things don’t get complicated.
I find that keeping things simple allows more space in the day.
I worked with a great Chef once, who once said that the best food in the world is ‘simple and elegant’. This blog very much resonates with me, across the board, not just in the kitchen :).
Thank you Fiona, this simple and brilliant blog is a perfect reflection of the ease and clarity that simplicity brings.
I love the ease of simplicity – it feels like clean sheets on the bed – so wonderful to be in that flow.
The power of stopping in that moment is truly underestimated. Stopping allows us to no longer be in the push or drive to achieve something. I have certainly found that taking those moments to stop has brought about a simplicity to my days. In that simplicity I am able to see clearer what is ahead of me without the complications.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Mick – taking a moment to stop and reconnect within is priceless. And Serge Benhayon has showed me how it doesn’t have to take a long time or be a big deal – no need to retreat to a cave or perform convoluted rituals!
I recognise what you describe in the power of keeping life simple. I have been putting that into practice as well. The lovely thing is that as soon as I start feeling complication, I just stop. I ask myself, how can I make it simple again? I can feel my body relaxing just by that question and then answer pops up. So yes, let’s keep it simple.
Thank you Fiona for the timely reminder to not make life complicated, for that just entertains my head and keeps it busy – and to keep everything simple which allows all of my body to feel unburdened and expanded.
Just re-reading your blog Fiona reminds me to keep things simple and focus on what I am doing rather than trying to do everything at once. I find easily that I can go into overwhelm especially at work with everything which needs to be done. I have started to write lists of bits I need to do and then I can focus on each one of them at the time, they then get done and I do not have the stress that would have built up if I had not written the list. Amazingly by writing the list it is as if I am creating space for what needs to be done to be done – quite extraordinary when I see how much I can then do when the stress or anxiety is not present.
Thank you for the reminder to keep things simple and that complication only brings stress and anxiety. For me to keep things simple, stopping does help as does feeling my body. My body feels what it feels and no more, whereas my head can come up with millions of topics all at once – not simple. This isn’t perfect but I know I can build on this as I have already started, and appreciating having started means I am less willing to slip back into the complication spiral and stay there.
I agree Alison, ‘as soon as I allow complications into my life they become all consuming and I no longer allow the space to see the bigger picture’.
Bring on simplicity! I find that it is often me, or how I am looking at things that makes them seem hard, or overwhelming, and if I return to the same situation, or say work task, but in a different frame of mind, or more correctly put, state of being, it isn’t in fact so hard or complex , and I can move through it quite quickly.
Yes indeed Catherine bring on simplicity!
Thank you Fiona for presented simply yet so powerfully.
Thank you Fiona, and I often feel inspired by the simplicity you bring. I know when I create and allow simplicity in my life there is a natural flow through the day and it changes my relationship with time as my relationship with myself feels more spacious.
I so love this. Stunning and revelatory.
Simplicity for me brings clarity of thought. It brings me focus, which is what helps me to do what I’m doing quicker than if I’m thinking about what’s going on next week or yesterday at the same time. I get more done in a short amount of time when I make things simple, which is simply awesome 🙂
Thank you, yes, a great reminder to keep it simple. Complication does not lead anywhere, but to delay. Simplicity can bring a lovely flow and rhythm to life which I am only just learning to fully appreciate.
I can relate to that lovely feeling flow and rhythm that you say Samantha – it’s a great marker for me when I don’t feel this to be more aware of how I’m doing things.
Love this part too Jane, and how powerful is the moment to re-asses a situation. We often just go and get things done, but when I take this moment to stop my decisions have more clarity and complicated things no longer feel complicated.
Thanks Jane, magical is a great way to describe it!
I love what you’ve said about the bigger picture Alison, it reminds me of how we can get blinkered in a situation and overwhelmed by it and how different it can be when we open back up to feel the whole and be fully present with what we’re doing.
Thank you for sharing so simply Fiona, as Leonardo da Vinci said ‘Simplicity is the the Ultimate Sophistication’. When I find I have too much to do I get overwhelmed but then when I simply focus on one thing at a time, I create space and then I can do whatever is needed without going into the anxiousness or panic I used to and still do when I forget this simple teaching.
Serge Benhayon has been an inspiration on this subject for me too, I see a man living extremely dedicated to humanity, with people wanting his time from all angles and yet he does not get overwhelmed by it all. He simply stays fully present in each moment and gives his full attention and then moves to the next – Serge truly lives what he presents.
Beautiful words James, thank you. I’ve noticed how sometimes simplicity can be looked down on or be dismissed as it is seen as not being ‘intelligent’ enough – like things need to always be a struggle.. Or from an attitude that it’s too good to be true!
Its funny Fiona how sometimes at work when something is really simple, or easy and a manager comes along I have tried to make it look like I am extra busy doing something! The same happened when I was at school I would always find the quickest way to do something but then would have to try to make it look like I was finding it hard otherwise I felt others reacting to how easily I could do it. Instead of allowing them to feel wow maybe there is another way, we don’t have to be rushed or panicked! For me the attitude it’s ‘too good to be true’ has come in quite a lot, and it is something I am learning to accept – that life can be simple whilst living in a world full of struggle.
Fiona and James, I loved reading your comments and I can so much relate to pretending somethings are more difficult than they actually are to avoid the simplicity of them, to dismiss the simplicity of them. I agree Fiona, it’s too good to be true but complication as you mentioned above, is not fun at all!
That nails it for me – that we attach worth to the idea of struggle, while simplicity is easy and therefore, somehow, gets assessed as cheaper. Yet for me, simplicity is priceless… when I have it, and choose it, space opens up around me and I expand…
Thank you Fiona and James for the reminder that ‘life can be simple whilst living in a world full of struggle’. I have certainly fallen into the trap of feeling I needed to appear to be struggling more than I was in order to avoid others’ reactions. As Simon says ‘simplicity is priceless’ and allows for expansion and in this there is no struggle.
Beautiful Fiona, so true and as always comes with that gentle, solid loving energy so easily recognisable as you. Thank you for sharing your way and I love the last sentence – “It wasn’t a theory that Serge shared with me, but his way of living as a true inspiration” – an inspiration that has fired so many to bring simplicity into their lives too.
Thank you Rowena. I agree Serge Benhayon has inspired many people to honour what they know in their hearts is true and that it can be practically lived.
Fiona, I have also realised the joy of simplicity. When I let life get complicated I get myself into a spin and cannot see through a situation clearly, so I agree it is worth taking 5 minutes to reassess how to allow this simplicity to blossom in the situation.
Thanks Toni, I agree complication isn’t fun!