“Simplicity is the law of nature for men as well as for flowers.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Welcome to Day 17 of the 21-Day Nature Challenge!
So much of our lives are wrapped up in looking for things or other people to make us happy.
We are always on the “hunt” for the next quick fix. And as we lose our souls in pursuit of more, we become more and more dissatisfied, and even miserable with what we do have, and especially with what we think we don’t have. It becomes an addiction, and in today’s modern culture we are encouraged to maintain the addiction through information and technology. We’ve lost the path to the simple.
For me one of the biggest draws to spending time in Nature is that it is a return to simplicity. Life can be so busy and full of difficulties, demands and daily challenges. For some reason, in our quest for variety and adventure, maybe out of boredom and the pursuit of the hunt, it seems our natural tendency at times is to make it even more burdensome and complex.
This is when it becomes important to take our cues from Mother Nature.
Simplicity can be found everywhere in the natural world. The seasons come and go with amazing regularity. You can count on it. Winter turns to spring, spring blossoms into summer, summer gives way to the fall, and fall passes into winter, as the cycle starts all over again.
You plant a seed and the seed grows, bearing fruit. Rain waters the earth giving life to its plants, and to every living creature. The wind blows through the grass on the prairies as well as through the pine boughs in the mountain forest. The tide comes in and goes out again. The sun rises and sets, and rises again. All living things are born, live, and die, and give way to more life.
If we slow down enough to notice, we will find that there is such beauty in this simplicity. If it wasn’t for the beauty we might miss the events and the lessons they bring entirely.
Today’s Nature Challenge is a call to return to simplicity. As you go about your day, take a close look at the things you do, own or are pursuing, and ask this simple question:
“How does this add value to my life and the lives of those I care about? Does it bring joy?”
If it doesn’t, get rid of it!
Simple, huh?
By the way, this goes for your thoughts and philosophy of life as well. In fact, it will definitely shape your philosophy of life.
If you find it somewhat difficult to go through this sort of clutter-cleanse, just know that you are not alone. My wife and I recently ordered a small dumpster and filled it three times before and after the holidays, trying to lighten the load in our backyard and basement. It was hard work, but it felt so good! And truth be told, we have so much more to go through and get rid of! I’m telling you, it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but it’s true!
Remember, it’s not about getting rid of stuff, it’s about getting rid of stuff that has no value to you and that is weighing you down. As you discard, your burden will be lifted, and your heart will become lighter and lighter, bringing you closer to the life you’ve always wanted… a life of simplicity.
These are just some things to keep in mind as you get outside today to enjoy your nature time. So get out there and seek and celebrate the gift of simplicity…
Checklist for Day 17!
☐ MEDITATION Day 17 – “Simplicity” active meditation. Keep in mind that you should not be substituting this active meditation for at least five minutes of mindfulness meditation, either on your own or with a guided meditation. (You can revisit a Mountain Zen Den Podcast episode for a simple “guided” meditation – Episode 3 “Be the Mountain”, Episode 6 “The Art of Slowing Down”, or Episode 61 “Just Breathe”, are all excellent choices for a simple meditation.) (Be sure to listen to this meditation on iTunes or here at Mountain Zen Den.)
☐ NATURE WALK: 20 minutes of mindful walking outdoors, with the intent to simplify your life, both externally and internally.
☐ JOURNAL: What are some ways you can simplify your life today? What can you get rid of that doesn’t add value to your life, or bring you joy?
☐ Extra Credit: Get rid of something today that does not add value or joy to your life. Celebrate the “cleanse”, and the life of simplicity that comes as a result!
That’s it! See ya again tomorrow!
You can post your pictures, experiences, observations and questions, and share them on our 21-Day Nature Challenge Facebook Community Group page. Thank you!
Photo by Brett Wilson for Mountain Zen Den
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