TAKING THE FIRST STEPS

Do the difficult things while they are easy and

 do the great things while they are small.

A journey of a thousand miles

 must begin with a single step.

`                               Lao Tzu

     “Oh, that old chestnut,” one might be inclined to comment out of modern cynicism. True, this simple quotation from the Dao De Jing (道德經), may seem trite, a cliché; however, such an adage, a truism, which dates back to the 4^th century BC, holds a truth, a simple truth, that should not be so easily dismissed. As a teacher of Japanese budō, martial arts, I have often used this quotation in order to explain to new students or frustrated, disappointed students alike, that the path that they follow, be it a long one, must be taken in small steps. So it is if one chooses the path which will lead to the simplification of one’s life. Small steps are one of the keys to studying the arts, or the use of the Japanese katana (sword), playing the piano, or even learning something new on one’s computer — one foot in front of the other. Such steps need not be great steps, long steps, gigantic leaps, but only small ones. One should never rush down a path to their destination — small steps are better.

     So to, when one begins on a resolute journey toward the simplification of their life, small steps are better. Indeed, small steps means that such a passage will take time, but isn’t the rush-dash of modern life one of the very things we hope to pull ourselves away from?

     Clichéd or not, if one is able to accept this simple admonition, then they are thus freed to begin to achieve their goal of simplicity. Remember, as Confucius said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

     The first step one must take is indeed seems a simple one; yet it is deceptive. It requires discipline. To quote the Dalai Lama, “Spend some time alone every day.” Yes, alone, with no distractions; just you and your thoughts. Once one has become able to spend time just with themselves, they can progress to the next step. In that solitude, one should list for themselves the top five or six things that are most important to them in their lives. One must ask one’s self honestly, what is most important to them? What is of the most value to them? What five or six things do they most want to do in and with their life? The process of simplification begins with the setting of such priorities. One should ask, “How can I make room for these priorities? How can I make the time?”

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SIMPLE LIVING PART I

     A very wise man has pointed out that “simplicity is the peak of civilization.” If one were to apply those words to one’s life, I am certain that they would, in one way or another, take on a different meaning and a dissimilar significance for each person. For me, “simplicity” signifies the elimination of all but what is essential in life, exchanging chaos for peace, and enabling myself to spend my time doing those things that are important to me and with those people who are most important to me.

     A simple life means getting rid of those many things that gnaw away at the time to spend with those people and to follow my passions. It means getting rid of the clutter around me, so that I am then left with only that which makes my life worthwhile.

Easy enough said; however, achieving simplicity is not always a simple process. In a sense, it is a journey rather than a destination, and it can at times, be a journey where one finds themself sliding backward a step for every two steps forward.

     If I were to sum up what attaining simplicity entails, I would be inclined to say: first of all identify everything that is important to you, and then eliminate everything else. Pick out the best and get rid of the rest. That, however, may be too simple a description of the process. One must not only identify and eliminate, but must learn how to apply “identify and eliminate” to the different facets of one’s life.

     For a while, on these pages, I will attempt to present ideas that I believe should help just about anyone who is either interested in or actually attempting to simply their lives. Not everything I will write about will be totally suited to every person. One must then decide which ones appeal to them and then apply them to their own lives. The path may seem even complicated to some who seek simplicity; yet, one should take their time, read, think, apply (if they can) and then move on.