A Great Philosophy
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than
luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; To me that is such a rich
goal. I have come to appreciate a
life that excludes most excesses ( but not all ;) ). More than that, I've come to enjoy
simplicity. Finding ways of doing more with less is exciting. What is the
difference between elegance and luxury? Today I believe elegance would be
defined as having quality; being subtle and graceful whereas luxury would
be defined as self-indulgence. While I understand
the distinction is narrow, I comprehend the distinctions more now than ever before.
Living a valuable life, rather than a self-absorbed or an envied life is a worthy goal.
To be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich;
Wow...worthy, not respectable...a complex and sometimes scary concept, but truly
important. With continual re-examination of personal values, it's possible to make
choices and decisions which support the greatest ideals.
I want my life to reflect in both the
way I behave, as well as the way I think and feel, that my
motives are honorable and genuine; not pretense. I also want to be
generous rather than selfish in my behavior and treatment of others. There
is no gain in contributing to another persons dissatisfaction or
insecurities.
I know the value of good health. My love of the garden and growing food, the friends and
family I have, my relationship with Frank are of great value to me. Simplest is often the most
beautiful and most appealing aspect of life. I am a truly wealthy woman. Life is so amazingly good!
To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
I sometimes read this and think it would be more appropriately considered if
separated into specific parts. However, it all relates significantly.
When I read this, I instantly think, '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. Listen, listen, listen! Hear what people are saying. Don't rush to tell your story or your feelings or experiences.
Listen, hear and respond; don't react.
To 'act frankly' deserves a special note...many people for various reasons
whether good or bad, hide their true motives and behave in a manner
intended to manipulate. To 'act frankly' is an advocation to be open and honest in interacting with others. Everyone deserves the respect of making choices
or decisions based on truth. When we hide our motives, we deny others the
truth. Even if our intentions are to protect or prevent hurt, deception
damages and disadvantages people.
Listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart
It is so easy to listen with a closed heart or mind. Especially when you
think you know the meaning or significance. It is amazing what profound ideas will come from the most unlikely
places. Don't close your mind or heart to things you don't understand or
don't agree with. You have nothing to fear and perhaps something to gain. You never know when something will start to make
sense. We change all the time. Let yourself grow.
Bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await
occasions, hurry
never How does one 'bear all cheerfully'? When life gets really difficult, I can still be pleasant and kind, even if there is a sadness which lay beneath. There is never a reason to make others feel unappreciated or useless. There is so much to appreciate in life. Even in the really bad
times, there is always something unexpected that can give strength or
pleasure or a smile. When we take out our hurt or anger on others,
because of fear or loneliness or uncertainty, we shut ourselves away from
the beauty and pleasure of life. Getting what I want right now, distracts me from real life. I don't want to miss the point! The opportunity to
explore and enjoy every single aspect of life will arise for everyone...
we'll only notice if we're paying attention.
Let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through
the commonplace. What a declaration of the innate value and importance of the simplest aspects of life! Unbidden and unconscious; the very essence of
spirituality. Spirituality is not the same as religion. The term 'spiritual' means different things to
different people, but in this case to me means the gifts, challenges, and
everything else that affects me on that deeply personal level I might
call spirit or soul. You don't need to seek grand or glorious
acclaim or rewards. That which satisfies the soul is available for the
taking in everyday living.
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