Simplicity Blog Post

By definition, simplicity is the property, condition, or quality of being simple or un-combined. In other words, simplicity is the act of leading a lifestyle without overwhelming stress or demands brought upon you by the complexities of life. There are 8 main sections paths on the journey to achieving simplicity; uncluttered simplicity, ecological simplicity, family simplicity, compassionate simplicity, soulful simplicity, business simplicity, civic simplicity, and frugal simplicity. Although uncluttered simplicity and frugal simplicity are the two branches of this mighty tree that are the most often referenced, the type of simplicity that I plan to write about in this blog entry is compassionate simplicity.

                Compassionate simplicity is in short, the act of bonding with the community around you, and is synonymous with values such as cooperation and fairness. I believe that the world around us can benefit deeply if compassionate simplicity was a principle that was stapled into the beliefs of the general public. If I were to list three benefits of this form of kindness off the top of my head, I’d note that people would probably be more charitable, often looking out for others, and less socially harmful. Mahatma Gandhi, visionary and leader once said, “Live simply so that others can simply live.” The meaning of this quote is that if we live in kindness and compassionate simplicity, others live easier and better lives as well, and thusly, you aren’t just doing yourself a favor, but you’re also contributing to the wellness of a portion of the community!

                In conclusion, the world is a less confusing, and altogether warmer place if you decided to adjust your beliefs accordingly to the spice of simplicity. Whether on a small basis, such as focusing on needs instead of wants, or taking a fuller step and looking into more difficult options, such as really looking at your life, and deciding what’s important to you. I would like to end this blog with a quote by Henry David Thoreau. “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”

This I Believe Essay

I believe in pressing the shuffle songs button on my iPod.

          I believe in variety, and the power that people have to mix things up. Everyone can be very bland and boring when everyone listens to the same pop music playlist continuously, but I believe that it takes some alternative rock, hip-hop, or country music to make people interesting. My philosophy is backed by the belief that trying new things makes people more interesting, and provides a fuller world view. Just recently, on my trip to bear creek I was asked to perform a short sketch where I had the choice of adopting the persona of four different individuals. I could’ve impersonated Dr. Phil, Lady Gaga, a proctologist, or Newtown Friends School’s very own Jody Smith. My first impulse was to make fun of Jody Smith. I had already established a repertoire satirizing her in front of my peers, and I was looking forward to mocking her newest Jody-ism, the siren detention noise. But as people remember, I did not choose to disrespect our Queen of Upper School. I decided to mimic a proctologist. My reasoning was that if I had made fun of Jody, it would have been just another time doing so, instead of trying something new and different. Just as if I am listening to my iPod and decide to listen to some new alternative rock, it would be more notable than just hearing the same Ludacris song again, even if it means taking a chance with something that I might end up regretting or not enjoying. Pressing the shuffle songs button on my iPod also takes the form of another life lesson: accepting what is. Sure, I might not really like the *NSYNC song that just started playing, but I listen to it anyway because I believe that teaches tolerance. In life, I can get annoyed at people very easily, but I learn to accept that they are how they are and that I should learn to smile and accept them, just like how I’m not a huge *NSYNC fan, but I get into the mood and dance around anyway when young Justin Timberlake and his fellow boy band members start singing. So in the end, don’t keep listening to that same old tune, mix it up! Rocking out to the same melody doesn’t build the real memories!

Simplicity Video