The Complicated Art of Making Life Simple
Life is, and should be, simple. Unfortunately, we human beings, one by one and collectively, make it complicated and often stressful. Can we make it simpler? Unfortunately, most say no, as everyone knows how complex the world has become, and to a certain degree, most feel they lack the ability to make life simpler. Their actions prove that most believe they don't control their lives.
Applying the following four principles will be an excellent start to establishing some control over their destiny. They are different yet similar principles that apply to us, the living!
Principles to apply:
Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) keep it simple stupid
Occam's razor - the simplest solution is always the best
The world is a stage, and we are all actors on it - at any given moment, we are playing a role of some kind
The CommonSense principle - a diverse population feels the same way
Why do I quote these four principles?
Simple ideas are more likely to be used as benchmarks to measure progress or success. Typically, we use a friend, family member, or work colleague as a sounding board for our thoughts and ideas. However, in today's world, there is a tendency to use various social media channels to compare our lives. Those social media channels often superficially portray life, causing strife and tension within each of us. An alternative is to have strong personal beliefs anchored by principles that have stood the test of time. Then, we can still participate in society, read, talk, laugh, and have fun. Then, when we feel stressed, we can immediately go to our fundamental principles.
So how can you make life simpler and less stressful? Applying these principles is a good start, but I suggest there is a more straightforward approach. First, don't be dramatic; eliminate the drama while improving your communications quality. Clarify and confirm before you react. Use your friends, family, or favorite contrarian as a sounding board for clarity. Of course, eliminating the drama is easier said than done; remembering your principles will always help.
And, of course, there is a much simpler one! Find and hug an animal. Hug them as if your life depended upon them; let them feel your heartbeat. They will wait a little while to see if you are there for a quick hug or one meant as a genuine gesture of love. In particular, you can tell when the animal leans into you; you will know when it happens. Hold that hug until the drama drains from your body and some clarity begins to creep into your mind. Only then will you be able to see what's happening to you. The only drama an animal will exhibit is when it's hungry or needs to go to the bathroom!
Now you can call me a "simpleton," but when you do, you must realize I have grown up giving animals hugs.
More about the principles:
The "Kiss Principle" means "keep it simple stupid." Using this principle is tricky as you only know it's NOT simple after you have done or said something. Then it is evident that your words or actions are not simple; by then, it's too late to keep you out of trouble. Nonetheless, it is a principle to keep in mind as you live. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
In its simplest form, Occam's razor says, "the simplest solution is always the best." this reminds us that the most straightforward theory or solution to what may appear to be a complex problem or conspiracy is most often the correct solution. Investigative journalists and law enforcement detectives use it most frequently. Typically, you can use simple theories that are easier to verify and require simple solutions to make corrections. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor
In 1599 William Shakespeare said in "As You Like It," act 2, scene 7: All the world's a stage, / And all the men and women merely players. I think this should be applied whenever we hear anything from anyone! When someone makes a statement, you listen to it and have the capability to watch the speaker. Then, you can ask questions for clarity and go from there. Only then can you decode the words, eliminating the drama within you. But, unfortunately, if someone is on a talk show or Facebook, verifying what's said is very difficult, if not impossible. Actors portray dramatic situations, and that's where it should end. But, unfortunately, when it enters our daily life, it tends to interfere with the quality of our communications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_world's_a_stage
Common-sense principle - Common sense describes a thought, action, or situation a diverse population holds that crosses society's fault lines. For example, a statement like, it's hot today when the thermometers in every household measure 104 degrees. Saying it's hot out would then be a common-sense statement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sense