Simplicity

"I have just three things to teach:  simplicity, patience, compassion." Lao-Tzu

I like keeping things simple, and I think it is good for our human nature to do so.  Keeping things simple eliminates a lot of the drama that can be so distracting in life.  AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) even has a motto about simplicity:  KISS (Keep it simple, stupid).  I would rather not use the derogatory name calling, but the idea is the same.  So, what is keeping it simple?  Part of it is being direct.  If we are direct and people are direct with us, confusion in communication is eliminated.  How many times have you pondered what someone really meant by what they said?  That happens when people are not direct.  Some of us are taught to be indirect as children.  We are taught that our needs are not important (which, of course, means that we are not really important), and we learn not to ask directly to have our needs met.  So, we hint around, saying we sure are tired; when what we really want is someone else to do the dishes.  It takes less energy and causes less confusion to be direct.  Want help with the dishes?  Ask someone to help with the dishes. 

Practicing simplicity, along with patience and compassion, are sound ways to live our lives.