essay on simple living

Why the simple life is not just beautiful, it’s necessary

Detail from Interior with Two Girls by Peter Ilsted, 1904. Photo courtesy Flickr

by Emrys Westacott   + BIO

The good life is the simple life. Among philosophical ideas about how we should live, this one is a hardy perennial; from Socrates to Thoreau, from the Buddha to Wendell Berry, thinkers have been peddling it for more than two millennia. And it still has plenty of adherents. Magazines such as Real Simple call out to us from the supermarket checkout; Oprah Winfrey regularly interviews fans of simple living such as Jack Kornfield, a teacher of Buddhist mindfulness; the Slow Movement, which advocates a return to pre-industrial basics, attracts followers across continents.

Through much of human history, frugal simplicity was not a choice but a necessity – and since necessary, it was also deemed a moral virtue. But with the advent of industrial capitalism and a consumer society, a system arose that was committed to relentless growth, and with it grew a population (aka ‘the market’) that was enabled and encouraged to buy lots of stuff that, by traditional standards, was surplus to requirements. As a result, there’s a disconnect between the traditional values we have inherited and the consumerist imperatives instilled in us by contemporary culture.

In pre-modern times, the discrepancy between what the philosophers advised and how people lived was not so great. Wealth provided security, but even for the rich wealth was flimsy protection against misfortunes such as war, famine, disease, injustice and the disfavour of tyrants. The Stoic philosopher Seneca, one of the richest men in Rome, still ended up being sentenced to death by Nero. As for the vast majority – slaves, serfs, peasants and labourers – there was virtually no prospect of accumulating even modest wealth.

Before the advent of machine-based agriculture, representative democracy, civil rights, antibiotics and aspirin, just making it through a long life without too much suffering counted as doing pretty well. Today, though, at least in prosperous societies, people want and expect (and can usually have) a good deal more. Living simply now strikes many people as simply boring.

Yet there seems to be growing interest, especially among millennials, in rediscovering the benefits of simple living. Some of this might reflect a kind of nostalgia for the pre-industrial or pre-consumerist world, and also sympathy for the moral argument that says that living in a simple manner makes you a better person, by building desirable traits such as frugality, resilience and independence – or a happier person, by promoting peace of mind and good health, and keeping you close to nature.

These are plausible arguments. Yet in spite of the official respect their teachings command, the sages have proved remarkably unpersuasive. Millions of us continue to rush around getting and spending, buying lottery tickets, working long hours, racking up debt, and striving 24/7 to climb the greasy pole. Why is this?

One obvious answer is good old-fashioned hypocrisy. We applaud the frugal philosophy while ignoring its precepts in our day-to-day lives. We praise the simple lifestyle of, say, Pope Francis, seeing it as a sign of his moral integrity, while also hoping for and cheering on economic growth driven, in large part, by a demand for bigger houses, fancier cars and other luxury goods.

But the problem isn’t just that our practice conflicts with our professed beliefs. Our thinking about simplicity and luxury, frugality and extravagance, is fundamentally inconsistent. We condemn extravagance that is wasteful or tasteless and yet we tout monuments of past extravagance, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the palace at Versailles, as highly admirable. The truth is that much of what we call ‘culture’ is fuelled by forms of extravagance.

Somewhat paradoxically, then, the case for living simply was most persuasive when most people had little choice but to live that way. The traditional arguments for simple living in effect rationalise a necessity. But the same arguments have less purchase when the life of frugal simplicity is a choice, one way of living among many. Then the philosophy of frugality becomes a hard sell.

That might be about to change, under the influence of two factors: economics and environmentalism. When recession strikes, as it has done recently (revealing inherent instabilities in an economic system committed to unending growth) millions of people suddenly find themselves in circumstances where frugality once again becomes a necessity, and the value of its associated virtues is rediscovered.

In societies such as the United States, we are currently witnessing a tendency for capitalism to stretch the distance between the ‘have lots’ and the ‘have nots’. These growing inequalities invite a fresh critique of extravagance and waste. When so many people live below the poverty line, there is something unseemly about in-your-face displays of opulence and luxury. Moreover, the lopsided distribution of wealth also represents a lost opportunity. According to Epicurus and the other sages of simplicity, one can live perfectly well, provided certain basic needs are satisfied – a view endorsed in modern times by the psychologist Abraham Maslow’s ‘ hierarchy of needs ’. If correct, it’s an argument for using surplus wealth to ensure that everyone has basics such as food, housing, healthcare, education, utilities and public transport – at low cost, rather than allowing it to be funnelled into a few private pockets.

However wise the sages, it would not have occurred to Socrates or Epicurus to argue for the simple life in terms of environmentalism. Two centuries of industrialisation, population growth and frenzied economic activity has bequeathed us smog; polluted lakes, rivers and oceans; toxic waste; soil erosion; deforestation; extinction of plant and animal species, and global warming. The philosophy of frugal simplicity expresses values and advocates a lifestyle that might be our best hope for reversing these trends and preserving our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Many people are still unconvinced by this. But if our current methods of making, getting, spending and discarding prove unsustainable, then there could come a time – and it might come quite soon – when we are forced towards simplicity. In which case, a venerable tradition will turn out to contain the philosophy of the future.

The Wisdom of Frugality (2016) by Emrys Westacott is published via Princeton University Press.

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It's time to focus on the simple things in life.

Simplicity in Life: The Value of Simple Living

December 28, 2021

Happiness means different things to different people, but research has shown that simplicity in life is so much more fulfilling than all the material things.  

When simplicity is the goal in life, most of your worries will disappear. You can focus more on what’s really important and be truly happy.

Jump Through Article

What Is Simplicity in Life?

Simplicity in life is a state of mind where simplicity has been achieved. 

Living a simple life does not mean living an impoverished one, though it may seem like that to some at first. It rather means appreciating the little things in life more than the material things.

By little things, I mean more free time, your loved ones, your hobbies, nature, good food, etc. 

Basically, more experiences and less stuff.

When you achieve simplicity in life, you feel calmer in daily situations and simplicity becomes a habit. It shines through every aspect of your life.

Jump to: 10 Ways to Embrace Simplicity

Example of Simplicity in Life

You can apply simplicity to every aspect of your life but for the purpose of exemplifying simplicity let’s take a look at simplicity in nutrition . 

When you eat simple and whole foods you feel lighter and have more energy. Eating simple saves you a lot of time and is also good for your wallet.

Learn how to prepare a number of meals you love to eat and rotate them through the month. 

That way you’ll always know what to cook, you can prepare meals in advance, and you can go in and out of the grocery store exactly knowing what you need to buy.

Simple eating is easy, healthy, and economic. It might sound boring to some, but you can always treat yourself to an exotic meal at a restaurant.

Importance of Simplicity in Life

There are many benefits to simplicity in life. 

One of the most important benefits is that simplicity gives us choices in the way we spend our time, money, and energy. 

With simplicity in life, it can be easier to recognize what is truly important among all the different things fighting for your time and attention.

The biggest benefits of simple living are:

• Lower cost of living
• More free time
• Less stress
• Sustainable (smaller footprint)
• Better concentration
• Better sleep
• Stronger relationships

There are many more benefits of simple living and they are individual to each person, so it’s better to try living simply and see for yourself. 🙂

10 Ways to Embrace Simplicity

Here are ten easy ways to embrace simplicity in your life. Try them out and simplify your living.

1. Be grateful

Practice being intentional about the things you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal; nothing special just a small notebook, and write 5 things you are thankful for each day. 

Gratitude has many benefits. It makes you more humble, but also increases your long-term happiness, improves sleep and physical health, among others.

2. Notice the small things

Do you rush through life keeping busy and then wonder where the time has passed? 

Take a moment to stop and breathe. Notice the small things in life that make your experience unique. 

Take a look at the birds, flowers, people passing by, and just soak in all the wonderful little things that life has to offer. 

I’m afraid if you don’t you’ll go through life like a zombie and later regret missed adventures.

3. Spend time alone

Being around people is wonderful, but everyone needs some time for themselves. Set aside time to spend alone each day, even if for only 5 minutes.

Spend this time in silence, relaxing, and doing something you enjoy. It can be drinking tea, reading, doing a self-care routine, or something else.

4. Enjoy movement

It’s pretty simple, physical activity makes you feel good. You don’t have to do anything crazy, a nice, long walk will do the trick.

Find what type of exercise you like to do and stick to it. It will keep you healthy for a long time not only physically but also mentally.

5. Sleep enough

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health. Adults need an average of 7 hours of good sleep every night in order to feel rested and can be fully productive during the day.

Keep off the screens for at least an hour before bed, create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom, and try not to eat late at night.

6. Say I love you more often

Saying I love you more often creates a sense of security not only among couples but also in parent-child and friend relationships. 

Showing your emotions generates stronger bonds. Deeper connections in your life will make you happier and will simplify your relationships overall.

7. Keep your home clean

When your home is clean you can think more straight and relax more easily in your house. 

Take a couple of minutes every day to tidy your home. Keep the surfaces clear, take the trash out regularly, and neaten your living space.

By keeping your home tidy, you’ll spend much less time deep cleaning and you’ll always know where to find what you need. 

8. Eat at the table

When was the last time you have eaten at the table?

Living a simple life means being intentional about different aspects of life.

Try to eat your meals eat the table. You will be much more present, taste the flavor of the meal, and be aware when you’re full. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with your housemates while sharing a meal, isn’t that wonderful?

9. Be present

Being present means focusing on one thing at a time. Multitasking will only exhaust you and in the end, you won’t even be able to tell what you have done.

When you’re doing something, whether in your work or personal life, be present in the moment. Give your undivided attention to the task at hand or a person you’re talking to. 

You’ll appreciate what you did every day much more.

10. Stop comparing yourself 

Your life is yours to live. Set your own rules and stop comparing yourself to others.

You will feel much better when you focus on your own life and stop noticing what others are doing.

Only then you’ll truly be able to enjoy your daily life and be happy.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Simplicity lifestyle enables you to slow down and take it easy. 

The importance of simplicity is the beauty of living. Enjoy your life and the little things you enjoy.

Your life doesn’t have to be extraordinary in order for you to experience a wonderful life.

You can enjoy simple things and still have an amazing life but with less stress and worry.

Posted By: Rebecca · In: Simple Living

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Living a simple life: 6 science-backed benefits

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Considering escaping the consumer-driven world and living a simpler life? Calvin Holbrook is and he's not alone. Read about the 'voluntary simplicity' movement and discover six benefits of a simplistic lifestyle, including discovering your purpose, better health and increased focus.

Since hitting my 40s, the thought of voluntary choosing to live a simpler life appeals more and more. Living in large and exciting cities has provided great opportunities and entertainment, but what I once found exciting I now find challenging. My brain feels increasingly overwhelmed with noise, excess stimulation, distractions, and ever-increasing crowds, all helping to pump up my anxiety levels.

As a result, I find myself thinking about a quieter, more simplistic way of life, being closer to nature and in a more peaceful setting. However, living the simple life doesn’t have to mean shacking up alone in a log cabin in the middle of nowhere (although, actually, that sounds quite appealing). In fact, there are many practical and not-so-drastic ways to create a more simplistic lifestyle for yourself, and the benefits are proven by science.

More recently, the modern simplicity movement arose from the counterculture movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Then, in 1981, this movement gained a new moniker with the release of Duane Elgin’s book Voluntary Simplicity . In it, he explained the virtues of “a way of life that is outwardly simple, inwardly rich.” During the 90s, the concept of  minimalism , which includes elements of simple living, also became popular.

What does living a simple life involve?

While minimalism is mainly focused on reducing or giving up possessions, living a simple life often includes more elements. Choosing simplification creates a life filled with meaning, a life lived on your own terms. It helps create the time and space to pursue your true interests and passions.  

Simple living flies in the face of the common values of the Western world most of us have grown up with. Living a simple life means stripping away the nonessential stuff to focus your time and energy on the things that matter the most to you.  

How can I simplify my life?

As I mentioned at the start, moving away for a simple, quieter life in the countryside or coast is a dream for me and many others. However, the reality is, many cannot just jump and do that because of work or family commitments. But, in the meantime – and regardless of where you're living – there are many practical steps you can take to simplify your life and feel the benefits.

“Living a simple life doesn’t just mean giving up your possessions. Choosing simplification creates a life filled with meaning, a life lived on your own terms.”

Examples include reducing your possessions, being mindful of new purchases, limiting your time on social media and smartphones, stopping attending social occasions you’re indifferent about and eliminating multitasking.  Doing some or all of these things can bring you great benefits and happiness – so, l et’s take a more detailed look at these six key benefits of simplifying your life, backed up by science.  

1. Simplify your life to learn more about yourself

When you’re not distracting yourself with social media, binging on Netflix series, shopping for another gadget, or filling your diary with must-do events, you’re giving yourself the time and mental space to be grateful for what you already have, plus providing the opportunity to reflect and learn more about yourself.  

In fact, living simply can help us find meaning and grow spiritually, as it shifts the focus away from material possessions and helps us to look inwardly. It helps to create more silence – and even solitude – prime factors for spiritual reflection .

Of course, sometimes reflecting on our lives and who we are can be as uncomfortable as it is rewarding, but ultimately it helps to focus on who we are, what gives our life purpose and meaning, and what we want to do with the rest of our lives. In turn, living with purpose and a meaningful life has been to shown to increase happiness levels.  

2. A simpler lifestyle can improve relationships

Additionally, developing a more simple way of life may mean editing your friendship group. Perhaps you have lots of different friends that you spend time doing different actives with, for example, the 'party' friend, the 'shopping' friend, the 'gym buddy'. By simplifying your life and doing less, it could mean shifting your focus to having fewer, more quality friendships and closer relationships. The interaction between you may also be more sincere, as you will be free of the need to impress.

In turn, there are health benefits attached to simplifying your friendships. Various studies have found that developing strong, solid friendships can reduce your illness risk – from being less likely to get a common cold to having a lower risk of developing obesity or heart disease. A Harvard study also found that keeping close friends could promote brain health as we grow older.

3. Simple living boosts your bank balance

In many developed countries, the disparity between what we buy and what we need leads to huge overconsumption that drains the Earth’s resources and accelerates climate change. Voluntary simplicity is a lifestyle that minimizes consumption and the pursuit of wealth and material goods.

Simplifying your life by reducing consumption means you will spend (and owe) less, and the benefits of financial independence can include less stress and worry, and consequently better sleep . That could benefit a lot of people: according to a UK study from 2018 which questioned 2,000 people, money worries affect 40 per cent of the population.

“Living a simple life means stripping away the non-essential stuff to focus your time and energy on the things that matter the most to you.”

To limit your consumption, firstly, take time to look at your outgoings and consider what you need to spend your money on. Those daily takeaway coffees? Upgrades to the latest iPhone or Samsung? Netflix and apps subscriptions? That gym membership you hardly ever use? There are so many chances to minimize our spending, so cancel what you don’t need and change your habits. Additionally, you may be being charged for subscriptions for things you’ve totally forgotten about, so go through your bank statement and check.  

Secondly, aim to eliminate any existing debt you have and only live within your means. Stop using credit cards and, instead, develop a monthly budget.   Thirdly, if you’ve decided to simplify your belongings, make yourself some extra money by selling unwanted stuff on eBay (or donate it to charity, of course).

Likewise, if you decide to simplify your social life to focus on things such as connecting with nature , walking, meditation , this will also benefit your bank balance – most of these things are free or have little expenditure involved!

4. Living a simple life is great for your health

Living a simplistic lifestyle can also be beneficial to your physical and mental health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found a link between materialism (valuing possessions and money) – and poor physical health. The team, from Knox College, Illinois, also found an even stronger link between materialism and engagement in risky behaviors that could damage physical health, including drinking alcohol, smoking and drug use. So, it makes sense that the reverse – having a non-materialistic attitude – could be positive for health.

The reasons for this could be due to the fact that developing a more simplistic lifestyle often means less stress and increased rest. This benefits could come from spending more time with friends/family, getting more physical activity, and changing jobs to find something more fulfilling and less money-orientated.  

Additionally, voluntary simplifiers often make a move away from big urban hubs to the countryside or seaside, which also has potential health benefits. A 2012 study from the University of Exeter showed that coastal populations in the UK are healthier than those inland, believed to be party due to the stress relief of living by the sea and greater opportunities for physical activity. The coast also offers cleaner, healthier air which helps to promote better sleep (which we know is essential for good mental health ).

5. Simplistic living means increased focus

Reducing possessions and commitments correlates to a reduction in distractions and therefore less physical – and mental – clutter. As you simplify your life and remove distractions, you create space to breathe and focus more carefully on what remains.

RELATED: The Top 5 benefits of gratitude practice

In fact, the physical reduction of clutter in your home has been proven to boost concentration. Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute studied the effects of clutter and published the results in the Journal of Neuroscience. They concluded that clearing clutter from your home and work environments increased the ability to focus and process information effectively. Their research also showed that an uncluttered space led to people feeling less irritable, more productive and distracted less often.

“Living simply can help us find meaning and grow spiritually, as it shifts the focus away from material possessions and helps us to look inwardly.”

Simplifying your life by focusing on one job at a time, rather than multitasking, can also boost concentration. Multitasking used to be championed as effective, but Psychology Today reports that in reality it can decrease productivity levels by up to 40 per cent.  

Many of us are constantly switched on to multiple technologies: on average, we check our mobile phones every 12 minutes , causing further distractions and interruptions which affect our ability to concentrate. Choose to simplify life by limiting these interruptions: remove or reduce social media usage and switch off annoying pop-up notifications.

6. Living a simple life helps the environment

While the benefits of voluntary simplicity described here are clear for the individual, simple living also works for the wider environment. It’s been previously suggested that if everyone on Earth consumed as much as the average US citizen, four Earths would be needed to sustain them. Consuming less and having fewer possessions decreases the amount of waste a person produces.

Humans consume 400 per cent more clothes than they did just two decades ago. About 80 billion pieces of clothing are consumed annually, and the U.S.A alone produces 11 million tons of textile waste each year. So, instead of buying cheap fashions, seek out more durable outfits that will last, and if they no longer fit, place unwanted clothes in a material recycling bin; never just throw them away.  

There are many other ways cutting consumption and waste helps to protect the environment. For example, instead of buying bottled water, buy a reusable flask. Instead of updating to the latest technology, enjoy what you currently have.  

As consumers we rarely consider the context and impact when buying products, for example, considering the workers and factories that made a product, the journey to the store a product made, how the packaging was produced, etc.   Living a simple life means becoming more mindful of what you consume and thinking more about a product’s journey and environmental impact, therefore making more considered purchases.

Conclusions on simple living

According to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, “Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.” I would have to agree. For me, it's clear these science-backed benefits of living a simpler life are enormous and can only add to increased happiness too.

Simple living and sustainable living go hand-in-hand, and having a healthier environment will also lead to better health for generations to come. Rather than buying more and more possessions, consider spending more of your time and money on experiences: they leave only memories and nothing in the trash can! ●

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Written by Calvin Holbrook

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Posted August 11, 2021

The article strikes a chord in me and gives me even more ideas on the subject of "simplify my life". For me, this is a process of self-cleansing so that I can focus more on the really important things in life.  A new thought now is that it's not just about owning and buying lots of unnecessary things, but also limiting all these distractions through social media and the ever-so-touted multitasking. Whereby multitasking probably means nothing more than the ability to do several things at the same time not one hundred percent... I think that a return to a reduced life can also counteract burnouts and depression, if only because without distractions and without a consumption hangover, there is more space for one's own self. Thank you for the article and the inspiration!

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Posted February 25, 2021

I found this article looking for minimalistic living and minimalism in general. Such a long time I couldn't throw things away, but now I started a 31 challenge to throw away something every day of it (3 items per day). It gets harder every day, but the simple life feels amazing, too! I have no need for all these things and believe that I will do that for more than 31 days ;) 

Posted December 30, 2020

Great tips. Used to live in a big city and filled my time with as much activity as possible: friends, cinema, shopping, theatre etc., never had a quiet moment to myself. Gave it up a few years ago to move to the south coast here in the UK and now love living a simpler way of life. Enjoy walks, the coast, beach, and feel way calmer. Stopped buying food and expensive coffees out (every now and again is OK) and have more money. This simple living works for me and has also shown me who I am - before I was always busy doing stuff to think about self-fulfilment. 

I think part of living a simplistic lifestyle is also about giving up ego and attainment. :) Take care and all the best for 2021 everyone. 

Posted November 21, 2020

The simple used to survive

on this planet,

hunting or gathering food

or cultivating land.

They needed not read or write

to be terrorized by institutions,

nor wear wrist watches

to be terrorized by time.

They ate no processed food

to clog their arteries

nor had access to couches

to   be 'couch potatoes'.

They had nothing to control

at any distance;

Nature controlled them

from all directions,

and selected the fit

to better their race.

And for that, they respected Nature

and were content with their lot.

Posted September 16, 2020

Funny I stumble across this article at such a pivotal time! We're transitioning to living a more simple life by moving from our 140m² apartment to a 10m² 4x4 expedition truck! I must say it feels AMAZING to get rid of so much stuff  we accumulated throughout the years and thought we needed! So far we've given away most of our books and old clothes and shoes and we're happy there are so many people looking for pre-owned things instead of buying new. What's also good is that we can't buy anything for as long as we're living in our truck as we simply don't have the space! I'm very happy to know that by living a simple life, I'm not only increasing my health and well-being, but I'm also helping the environment.

Posted August 10, 2020

I wholeheartedly agree with this article on living a simple life.

One good example is my wardrobe: I haven't bought anything in years (except good hiking shoes and a high-quality winter jacket). My style is a bit rough but personal and authentic. If a piece has a hole or needs altering it goes on a pile which I work through every couple of months fixing the holes with patches or some embroidery. No of this is very professional, and yet I feel great, and I enjoy the evenings of resourceful creativity.

It's similar with items for the house. We pledged to buy no new things so whenever we "need" something "new" we either build, recycle, reuse, upcycle what we already have, or we look for it on garage sales, flea markets, second-hand websites. It's fun, cheap, sustainable and you aren't even tempted to follow and fashion trends but only your taste.

Posted July 14, 2020

Hey everybody

Calvin77 1,341

Posted March 26, 2020

On 11/27/2019 at 7:35 PM, Guest Ted_R said: Calvin, this is a wonderful article, well written and well researched. Thank You :)

Thank you so much, Ted. I hope it was inspiring for you :)

Posted November 27, 2019

Calvin, this is a wonderful article, well written and well researched. Thank You :)

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Happiness.com » Magazine » PERSONAL GROWTH » Living a simple life: 6 science-backed benefits

8 Key Lessons for Living a Simple Life

By leo babauta.

For the last dozen years, I’ve been living a (relatively) simple life. At times, the complexity of my life grows, and I renew my commitment to living simply.

Living a simple life is about paring back, so that you have space to breathe. It’s about doing with less, because you realize that having more and doing more doesn’t lead to happiness. It’s about finding joys in the simple things, and being content with solitude, quiet, contemplation and savoring the moment.

I’ve learned some key lessons for living a simple life, and I thought I’d share a few with you.

• We create our own struggles . All the stress, all the frustrations and disappointments, all the busyness and rushing … we create these with attachments in our heads. By letting go, we can relax and live more simply.
• Become mindful of attachments that lead to clutter and complexity . For example, if you are attached to sentimental items, you won’t be able to let go of clutter. If you are attached to living a certain way, you will not be able to let go of a lot of stuff. If you are attached to doing a lot of activities and messaging everyone, your life will be complex.
• Distraction, busyness and constant switching are mental habits . We don’t need any of these habits, but they build up over the years because they comfort us. We can live more simply by letting go of these mental habits. What would life be like without constant switching, distraction and busyness?
• Single-task by putting your life in full-screen mode . Imagine that everything you do – a work task, answering an email or message, washing a dish, reading an article – goes into full-screen mode, so that you don’t do or look at anything else. You just inhabit that task fully, and are fully present as you do it. What would your life be like? In my experience, it’s much less stressful when you work and live this way. Things get your full attention, and you do them much better. And you can even savor them.
• Create space between things . Add padding to everything. Do half of what you imagine you can do. We tend to cram as much as possible into our days. And this becomes stressful, because we always underestimate how long things will take, and we forget about maintenance tasks like putting on clothes and brushing teeth and preparing meals. We never feel like we have enough time because we try to do too much. But what would it be like if we did less? What would it be like if we padded how long things took, so that we have the space to actually do them well, with full attention? What would it be like if we took a few minutes’ pause between tasks, to savor the accomplishment of the last task, to savor the space between things, to savor being alive?
• Find joy in a few simple things . For me, those include writing, reading/learning, walking and doing other active things, eating simple food, meditating, spending quality time with people I care about. Most of that doesn’t cost anything or require any possessions (especially if you use the library for books!). I’m not saying I have zero possessions, nor that I only do these few things. But to the extent that I remember the simple things I love doing, my life suddenly becomes simpler. When I remember, I can let go of everything else my mind has fixated on, and just find the simple joy of doing simple activities.
• Get clear about what you want, and say no to more things . We are rarely very clear on what we want. When we see someone post a photo of something cool, we might all of a sudden get fixed on doing that too, and suddenly the course of our lives veer off in a new direction. Same thing if we read about something cool, or watch a video of a new destination or hobby. When someone invites us to something cool, we instantly want to say yes, because our minds love saying yes to everything, to all the shiny new toys. What if we became crystal clear on what we wanted in life? If we knew what we wanted to create, how we wanted to live … we could say yes to these things, and no to everything else. Saying no to more things would simplify our lives.
• Practice doing nothing, exquisitely . How often do we actually do nothing? OK, technically we’re always “doing something,” but you know what I mean – just sit there and do nothing. No need to plan, no need to read, no need to watch something, no need to do a chore or eat while you do nothing. Just don’t do anything. Don’t accomplish anything, don’t take care of anything. What happens is you will start to notice your brain’s habit of wanting to get something done – it will almost itch to do something. This exposes our mental habits, which is a good thing. However, keep doing nothing. Just sit for awhile, resisting the urge to do something. After some practice, you can get good at doing nothing. And this leads to the mental habit of contentment, gratitude without complaining.

Of course, these are not the only lessons you’ll need for living a simple life. But the best ones are the ones you discover yourself. Try these and see what happens – I think you’ll find out something beautiful about yourself, and about life.

The best kind of simplicity is that which exposes the raw beauty, joy and heartbreak of life as it is.

Posted: 08.02.2018

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Essay on Simple Living High Thinking

Simple Living High Thinking implies that we must lead a simple life but at the same time our thinking must not be limited. This is to say that we must not restrict our thinking only to the nitty-gritty’s of everyday day tasks. We should think big to bring about positive changes in our lives as well as that of those around us.

The proverb lays emphasis on the importance of living a simple life devoid of any kind of show off. We must keep a check on our wants and desires. However, when it comes to thinking, it must be big. We must not think only about ourselves but also about those around.

Long and Short Essay on Simple Living High Thinking in English

Here are essays of varying lengths on Simple Living High Thinking to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any Simple Living High Thinking essay according to your choice:

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 1 (200 words)

Simple living and high thinking go hand in hand. Only those who believe in living a simple life can think high and do great deeds in life. Those who prefer living lavishly only think about fulfilling their own desires one after the other and there is no end to it. Such people are so engrossed in gratifying their desires and impressing others by showing off their materialistic possessions that their thinking becomes limited to it. They cannot think high or develop a broad mindset.

On the other hand, people who understand that they must only focus on their needs and not go after every materialistic thing their heart longs for lead a simple life. They only buy things of need and focus on becoming better human beings by way of their deeds and not by showing off their belongings. They try to help those around them, involve themselves in charity work, indulge in activities to improve the environment and more importantly spend quality time with their loved ones.

Now, this does not mean it is wrong to be ambitious and earn money to lead a comfortable life. There is a difference between living comfortably and having a lavish lifestyle. There are many rich people around the world who lead a simple life and possess high thinking. They indulge in charity rather than spending lavishly on themselves.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

This proverb advises human beings to limit their wants and desires as there is no end to them. If we run in pursuit of every desire of ours we shall never be satisfied as these keep growing on and on.

Live Simple – Stop Impressing Others

We all agree that most of the things we want are not really for ourselves. We want them to impress our neighbours, friends and relatives. This kind of life can never be fulfilling or pleasurable. This is because we are not born to please or impress others and we can never even do so. Whatever we do people only look for opportunities to find flaws in us and this leaves us all the more dissatisfied. We try to earn more and more, reach at a high position in the company, increase our social circle and shop for expensive clothes and household items – what for? All this is done to establish a good social standing.

Now, this is not to say that there is something wrong with being ambitious and making a good living. All this might as well bring us satisfaction at some level but it also takes away a lot from us. However, in the quest of making it big professionally and earning more and more to quench the undying desires people spend a lot of time at work and neglect their parents, spouse and kids. This distances them from the family and disturbs their personal relationships and all this only leads to stress.

If we lower our materialistic wants and stick to our needs, we shall be able to create a balance between our personal and professional life. This way we shall be able to spend more time with our family where the true joy lies. We shall also have enough time for ourselves, to look within and find out our true purpose of life.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 3 (400 words)

Many learned people in the past have followed the preaching from this proverb and have made a mark in the history. Some such people include Sant Kabirdas, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Francis and Abraham Lincoln. All these people have led an extremely simple life and inspired several people around them to do so.

Why must one lead a Simple Life?

Very few people lead a simple life today others are busy running after their desires and trying to impress others by their latest possessions. Here is why one must lead a simple life:

• Get Closer to Family

When you stop living an artificial life trying to impress others and turn towards a simple life you grow close to your roots. You get closer to your family members and the love showered by them brings immense joy.

• Recognize Your True self

When you stop looking for more and more things to gratify yourself and spend time with yourself you finally begin to recognize who you truly are.

• Sense of Control

When you lead a simple life, you require bare minimal to stay content. When you do not have numerous loans running for different things, you feel more confident. You no longer need to immerse yourself in work to earn more and more to pay off your loans and bills. You have a greater sense of control over your life.

• Lower Stress Level

You are no longer under constant pressure to earn more than your siblings, friends and neighbours. You no longer want a bigger house, bigger car or greater bank balance to feel good about yourself. The stress caused due to this constant pressure will all be gone when you chose to lead a simple life.

• Balanced Life

You will no longer toil too hard in your office to get to the top. This is because your wants would be limited and your needs can be met even if you are earning fairly well and not too much. You will thus be able to get home on time and spend time with your family. This will help create work life balance.

While many people continue to thrive for a lavish life many have turned towards leading a simple life after seeing the dreadful consequences of the former. It is time we must recognize that we should live for ourselves and not for impressing others. We must understand that happiness can only be found within and not in the outside things. Inner peace and happiness can only be found if we lead a simple life and have a high thinking that inspires us to do good for others.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 4 (500 words)

Simple living and high thinking must be the motto of life of each one of us. However, people these days prefer leading a luxurious life with their thinking restricted only to things that can fetch them worldly pleasures.

People who Adopted the Golden Principle of Simple Living and High Thinking

• Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the best persons to exemplify this proverb. He led a simple life and dreamed big. His lifestyle was extremely simple but his thinking was high. He did not only work towards driving the British out of the country but inspired several others around him to support the cause.e He was the He His life    hhhh He made use of a simple weapon that is non-violence to drive the British out of the country.

Buddha was a king who had numerous servants available at his beck and call. He had a loving family and all the luxuries of life. But he left all these to lead a simple life in the jungles. He could concentrate, look within and think high only when he began to lead a simple life. Had he stayed in the palace and led the life of luxury, he would never have attained enlightenment.

• Abraham Lincoln

American President, Abraham Lincoln who could afford all the luxuries of life and live lavishly chose to adopt a simple lifestyle. He did not employ any servant to take care of any of his tasks. He did all his personal tasks on his own.

Ways to Lead a Simple Life

• Identify Difference between Your Needs and Wants

The first and foremost thing to do is to distinguish between your needs and wants. Remember your needs are limited but wants unlimited. In order to lead a simple life you must only keep the things of necessity and not run after acquiring and attaining every materialistic desire.

• Focus on Inner Peace

We all look for happiness outside. We try to socialise, go to malls, try different cuisines, do unnecessary shopping and indulge in several such activities. While all these things can give temporary happiness you wouldn’t find yourself truly happy if you are not at peace within. To live a simple and fulfilling life you must focus within.

• Don’t Do Things to Impress Others

You are not born to impress others. Your life will not get any better if you continue to look for ways to impress other people. Your life will be fulfilling when you focus on yourself and not others.

• Help Others

Instead of spending lavishly to show off you should indulge in charity. This does not mean you have to donate a huge sum each month. Do whatever little you can to help the poor and needy.

Just relax, meditate and let go of all the negative thoughts in your mind. Your mind must focus on the positives in life.

Living simple is not difficult. It is rather simple; you just need to limit your desires and let go of the need to impress others. When you lead a simple life only then you can think high else you will only be busy gratifying yourself.

Simple Living High Thinking Essay 5 (600 words)

Simple living high thinking is a common proverb used to emphasise the significance of leading a simple life and having high thinking. If each one of us leads such a life, the world would become a much better place.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Life Exemplifies Simple Living High Thinking

Mahatma Gandhi is undoubtedly the first name that comes to mind when we hear the proverb – Simple Living High Thinking. Popularly known as Bapu, this great man led an extremely simple life. He was highly educated and could have easily got a high paying job. He could have lived in a lavish bungalow and driven expensive cars. However, he chose to live in a hut. He wore the simplest of attires, a dhoti and ate simple food. While his materialistic needs were limited his vision was broad. He was a man of high thinking. He dedicated his life to the nation.

India’s independence had become his mission and he followed the path of non-violence to attain the same. His aura was so strong that thousands of Indians got inspired by him and joined him in his struggle for freedom. He initiated various movements and several Indians actively took part in the same. He also addressed masses from time to time to share his words of wisdom and inspired them to dedicate their lives to the freedom struggle. His simple yet effective ways to deal with the tyranny of the British officials were highly appreciated by people. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the main forces to drive the British out of the country.

Why are People unable to Practice Simple Living High Thinking?

The world has literally become a place to show off. Leading a simple life and thinking high is a concept that you can rarely see in anyone anymore. People are extremely busy showcasing how happy, wealthy and full of life they are. While earlier they used to throw parties, invite people over and buy new things to impress those around with the advent of social media the quest to impress others has reached a whole new level. People visit exotic locations, go out for lavish dinners, party with friends, buy new stuff and all this is uploaded on the social media within no time. Rather than enjoying the moment, people have now become more interested in showing others as to how cool their life is. And the definition of cool is far from simple.

Those who indulge in such activities regularly are known to have a happening life and everyone wants to befriend them and go out with them. On the other hand, those who do not stay active are considered rather dull and boring. No one likes being around such people. So showing off and talking highly of oneself has actually become the need of the hour. No one wants to live a simple life. Simple is actually considered as boring. Thinking high is beyond question as people are so engrossed in impressing others that they don’t understand that real happiness lies in finding our real selves and helping those around find the same.

Someone who tries to defy these new formed norms of the society is considered anti-social or just plain dull and boring. Those who do not keep abreast with this new lifestyle are often left alone. Even if someone cannot afford lavish dinners and doesn’t have a cool gang of friends and leads a simple life, he also tries to impress people by uploading fake pictures and posts on the social media.

Simple living high thinking is the mantra to lead a happy life. We must try to stop being a part of the rat race and look within. This way we shall understand that the things that can give us happiness and help us live a wholesome life are simple.

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Essays on Simple Living

Faq about simple living.

Simple English Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Children and Students

Simple Living High Thinking suggests that we should have a simple living, and yet, our thinking must not be restricted. This is to state that we should not confine our restriction to the low down of regular day errands. We should contemplate positive changes in our lives only as that of people around us. The maxim lays accentuation on the significance of carrying on with a simple life without any show-off.

Example #1 of Simple English Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Children and Students

This line encourages people to restrict their needs and wants as there is no closure to them. If we run in the quest for each longing of our own, we will never be fulfilled as these continue developing endlessly.

Live Simple – Stop Impressing Others

We all concur that a large portion of the things we need is not so much for ourselves. We need them to intrigue our neighbors, companions, and family members. This sort of life can never be satisfying or pleasurable. This is because we are not destined to please or intrigue others, and we can never at any point do as such. Whatever we do, individuals search for chances to discover defects in us, which leaves all of us the more disappointed. We attempt to gain to an ever-increasing extent, arrive at a high situation in the organization, increment our group of friends and shop for costly garments and family unit things – what for? This is done to set up a decent social standing.

Presently, it is not necessarily the case that there is some problem with being eager and bringing home the bacon. This should bring us fulfillment at some level, yet it likewise removes a ton from us. In any case, in the mission of becoming showbiz royalty expertly and procuring increasingly more to extinguish the undying wants, individuals invest a great deal of energy grinding away and disregard their folks, life partner, and children. This separation them from the family and upsets their connections, and this solitary prompts pressure.

The Final Words

If we bring down our materialistic needs and adhere to our necessities, we will have the option to harmony between our own and expert life. Like this, we will have the option to spend more time with our family, where genuine happiness lies. We will likewise possess enough energy for ourselves to search inside and discover our actual reason forever.

Example #2 of Simple English Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Children and Students

Simple living high thinking is a typical adage used to stress the criticalness of having a simple living and having high thinking. If every single one of us leads such a real living, the world will turn into a vastly improved place.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Life Motivates Us For Simple Living High Thinking

Mahatma Gandhi is, without a doubt, the main name that rings a bell when we hear the precept – Simple Living High Thinking. Prominently known as Bapu, this extraordinary man drove a straightforward life. He was profoundly taught and could have effortlessly found a lucrative line of work. He could have lived in an extravagant home and driven costly autos. Be that as it may, he decided to live in a cabin. He wore the least complex of clothing types, a dhoti, and ate simple nourishment. While his materialistic needs were restricted, his vision was wide. He was a man of high thinking. He devoted his life to the country.

India’s independence had become crucial; he followed the way of peacefulness to achieve the equivalent. His quality was solid to such an extent that many Indians got motivated by him and went along with him in his battle for freedom. He started different developments, and a few Indians effectively participated in the equivalent. He likewise tended to masses now and then shared his useful tidbits and motivated them to devote their lives to the opportunity battle. Individuals exceptionally valued his simple yet successful approaches to managing the oppression of the British authorities. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the fundamental powers to drive the British out of the nation.

Are people Unable to Practice Simple Living High Thinking?

The world has indeed become a place to flaunt. Having a simple living and thinking high is an idea you can infrequently find in anybody any longer. Individuals are very caught up with exhibiting how cheerful, vibrant, and brimming with the life they are. While prior, they used to toss parties, welcome individuals over, and purchase new things to dazzle those around with the coming of online life, the journey to intrigue others has arrived at an unheard-of level. Individuals visit fascinating areas, go out for luxurious meals, party with companions, purchase new stuff, and this is transferred via web-based networking media inside no time. Instead of getting a charge out existing apart from everything else, individuals have now increasingly keen on indicating others regarding how cool their lives are. Also, the meaning of cool is a long way from simple.

The individuals who enjoy such activities usually are known to have an event life, and everybody needs to become a close acquaintance with them and go out with them. Then again, the individuals who don’t remain dynamic are viewed as rather dull and exhausting. Nobody likes being around such individuals. So flaunting and talking profoundly of oneself has become the need of great importance. Nobody needs to carry on with a simple life. Simple is considered exhausting. Thinking high is undoubted as individuals are so engaged in intriguing others that they don’t comprehend that genuine joy lies in finding our genuine selves and aiding those around us locate the equivalent.

Somebody who attempts to resist these recently shaped standards of the general public is viewed as hostile to social or outright dull and exhausting. The individuals who don’t stay up to date with this new way of life are frequently taken off alone. Regardless of whether somebody can’t manage the cost of rich suppers and doesn’t have a cool group of companions and has a simple living, he also attempts to dazzle individuals by transferring counterfeit pictures and posts web-based networking media.

Simple living high thinking is the mantra to have a cheerful living. We should attempt to quit being a piece of the futile way of life and search inside. Along these lines, we will comprehend that the things that can give us satisfaction and assist us with carrying on with healthy living are simple.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Quality of Life — Living a Good Life

Living a Good Life

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 579 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

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Physical well-being, mental well-being, meaningful relationships, personal growth.

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Essay on Simple Living high thinking | Meaning & importance of Simplicity

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The simple living and high thinking, as explained in this essay, should be the core value of life. The following written short and long essay on topic simple living & high thinking is quite helpful for children and students with quotes, images, paragraphs, etc. This essay is meant for children and students of Ukg class 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10th and college level students

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Essay on Simple Living & High thinking | Short & Long Essay  (100,200,300,500 words) For Children & Students

Introduction

Simple living high thinking is famous proverb. It means one should choose simple way of living for a contented life. We all want peace in our lives. All the life man strives for improvement of standard of living.

Simplicity is the best way to live a balanced life. It is very important for us to understand the significance of simple living.

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It is best thought to live your life and has always positive effects on you and your surroundings. We need to move towards simplicity to improve our life style in a true manner.

Simple Living Lifestyle

In modern era, world is making development very fast. Science and technology have made life a lot easier than the past. This development in our life styles has made us materialistic. Man of this era wants to earn more and more money.

He works around a clock to earn money. He wants to be rich over night. Rich people use branded clothes, appliances etc to maintain their standards. They spend large amount of money on their high standard life style.

This creates social discrimination in our society. Rich look down upon poor. The poor feel worst for their poverty. This gives rise to number of social evils in our society. We all have observed every person is trying to get rich to improve his standard.

He makes use to legal and illegal way to get money. It is against the moral values of society and imparts selfishness in the people of society. This generates distorted society. In such times, it is very important to highlight the importance of simplicity.

A Simple & Happy Life

Simple way of living is a way in which man is contented with whatever he has. He is not impressed by high standards. He always works hard to develop his life morally and ethically. He works for good of people and society.

He does not run behind worldly gains. Practicing simplicity leads towards the poise and contented life. Man is very greedy by nature. He always wants more and more. This thing can never lead to satisfied life.

One should understand the fact that simple living is the best thinking. We should always be thankful to God for His blessings.

Related Post: An Essay on Need of healthy Lifestyle in Life

We need to get rid of all the extra expenses in our life. This will turn our lives into balanced life. We will learn to live in peace with our mind.

The real joy and happiness of life lies in simple living. Money can never buy happiness. If we have plenty of money, instead of wasting it, we should spend it on the needy and the poor.

This will give us eternal satisfaction. The message of humanity is to preach simplicity and helping other beings. This is the most peaceful and contented way of spending one`s life.

All the religious scholars teach us to adopt the simple way of living for contented life. In short, simple way of living is the best way to live your life

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ThePlainSimpleLife

Simplify your home. Simplify your mind. Simplify your life.

in Minimalism & Simple Living · February 8, 2023

10 Reasons a Simple Life is a Happy Life & How to Get Started

Have you ever wished your life was just a little more simple? Do you get overwhelmed by the amount of possessions and tasks you have to manage every day?

If this is sounding familiar to you and you feel you’re living a complicated life, then it’s likely that you could benefit from simplifying your life.

Easier said than done, right? But a simple life is actually within reach, and it could be the key to unlocking a happier version of yourself!

In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity can often slip through our fingers as we try to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.

We tend to focus on having everything in our lives — more physical possessions, bigger houses and higher salaries. But are these really the keys to personal happiness?

The answer is a resounding no .

Choosing a simpler life can be one of the best choices you make for your health, wealth and overall happiness.

A simple life is a happy life. But living a simple life doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your possessions or stop engaging with society. Instead it focuses on living life mindfully without too many distractions from external sources.

It also means understanding what brings true happiness and implementing changes to your lifestyle.

This article will explain 10 reasons why having a simple lifestyle helps create inner peace and provide tips on how you can get started.

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10. Feel connected to something greater than ourselves

What is simple living.

Before we dive into why a simple life is a happy one, let’s define what it means to live simply.

At its core, simple living means having an intentional approach to spending and consumption . It involves looking at what you already have and focusing on the things that bring joy or add value to your life while reducing or eliminating any unnecessary “stuff”.

It also means reducing your reliance on material possessions and outside influences, such as technology and media, to create a more meaningful life experience.

Simple living isn’t about depriving yourself of what you want – it’s about making intentional choices that will lead to a more fulfilling life in the long-run.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is simple living?” let’s look at the reasons why it could be the key to a happier life.

Are you ready to simplify your life?

Why a simple life is a happy life

1. less stress.

The less “stuff” that you have to manage, the less stress you will feel. Simple living allows you to focus on the things that are truly important to you, rather than wasting energy on things that don’t bring value to your life. Simple living allows your stress levels to stay low, which is beneficial for both your physical health and mental health.

2. More time

A simple lifestyle involves letting go of the things that take up too much of your time and energy, and that’s not just possessions. It could be activities, relationships or obligations that are no longer serving you. When we free up this time, we can use it to do things that bring us joy , like spending quality time with friends and family.

3. Spend smartly

Living a simple life also means spending consciously and on things that you truly need or want. This can help you save money in the long-run, which brings us to our next point.

4. Enjoy financial freedom

Having financial freedom is something we all dream of, but it can be hard to achieve if our spending habits are out of control. When you focus on simple living, it helps to create more money-saving opportunities and can lead to greater financial freedom in the long run. No more credit card debt or late night impulse purchases – just more money in the bank!

5. More meaningful connections with people

When we simplify our lives, we free up space for more meaningful relationships with family, friends and community members. These types of healthy relationships are key for creating a more fulfilled and happier life.

6. More self-awareness

As you begin to live a more minimalist lifestyle , it can also help you become more aware of yourself and your needs. This type of self-awareness is key for understanding what truly brings us inner peace and joy.

7. Reduce waste & lessen environmental impact

Simpler living also requires being mindful about what is brought into our homes and how energy is used throughout daily life – choosing reusable items and eco-friendly alternatives to limit the waste produced.

8. More gratitude

When we focus on what we already have, rather than always chasing after more, it can help us appreciate the little things and find joy in life’s simple pleasures. Practicing gratitude can help improve our overall happiness and well-being.

9. Discover who you are without needing things

When we let go of material possessions, it can help us to better understand who we are and what truly matters in our lives. Living with intention leads to a greater appreciation for life and the world around us.

Oftentimes when we simplify our lives, it helps us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves. This can help us to find more meaning and purpose in our lives, which leads to a more fulfilling life experience.

Simple living isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to create more peace and joy in your life, it could be the key to achieving this. Whether you choose to downsize your home, reduce your possessions or let go of obligations that no longer serve you, the important thing is to live with intention and focus on what truly matters to you. When you do this, it’s amazing how much happier and fulfilled you can feel.

How to get started simplifying your life

Declutter your home and life.

Cluttered homes can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, but that all changes when you create space for clarity and intention in your life.

Decluttering will help you unlock the potential of your home, allowing it to support rather than distract from your goals. Get rid of things you don’t need or use anymore, setting aside items that bring joy or can serve others in need.

The feeling of clearing out the clutter will be liberating — freeing you up to focus on the things that matter most.

Re-evaluate your commitments

If you’re really looking to simplify your life, taking a good look at the commitments on your plate is essential. How much of that busy lifestyle is actually helpful and productive?

When it comes to choosing what’s important in your life, it pays to ask yourself some tough questions: Should I really be involved in that project if I’m not interested in the cause? Do I really need to sign up for six classes this semester?

Following this re-evaluation process helps you figure out what matters most – and what can be jettisoned from your day-to-day life with minimal guilt. 

Set financial goals and create a budget

The process may sound intimidating, especially if you’re new to budgeting , but with some determination and the right tools it’s an easy task. Plus, the freedom that comes from understanding your finances and living within your means is totally worth it!

Start by writing down all sources of income and all necessary expenses. Then identify areas where you can cut back – such as eating out or ordering takeout more than usual – so you can save more money each month.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring; on the contrary, creating your own roadmap for financial minimalism can provide a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.

Make conscious decisions

This is a vital move in order to get your life streamlined and reduce stress.

Whereas, till now you were running around making spur-of-the-moment decisions that aren’t necessarily in line with your goals or bigger picture, taking a step back to reflect on all the choices you make can make a fabulous difference.

Take for example, if you’re about to purchase something or book an expensive holiday, think ahead to the repercussions it might have on your finances. Or maybe even whether it’s something worth spending money on; will it add true value to your life?

No matter how small or large the situation is, being mindful of what impacts it would have on your lifestyle is extremely important and can help you make smarter decisions rather than regretting them later on.

Spend time with yourself

Embracing the simple life requires an adjustment to a slightly slower pace, and spending time with yourself is an important part of that. At first, a lot of people might find this one of the hardest parts, but it’s worth it to make your own mental health a priority.

Set aside some time every day to spend alone – doing whatever brings you peace or joy. It could be reading a book on your porch or meditating in nature – whatever takes you away from the chaos of the world and allows you to reconnect with yourself.

If you can do this consistently, you might even experience the wonder of living more simply.

Practice mindfulness and be present in the moment

When it comes to simple living, one of the best things you can do is practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. This means being aware of your surroundings and being conscious of your actions.

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to appreciate the little things. But if you take a step back and really focus on the here and now, you’ll find that living a simple life is actually quite beautiful. 

Get off social media

Unplugging from social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can help you to focus on being present in your own life and appreciate the experiences you are having in real time instead of staying glued to a device all day long.

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives that it can seem daunting to try to give it up, but if you can manage it, the rewards are immensely worth it.

Reduce your to do list

One simple action to start living simply is to reduce your to do list. It’s easy to keep jotting down tasks here and there on a piece of paper, and soon enough you’ll feel overwhelmed.

Consider taking the time now to clear out a few of those items – prioritising tasks, delegating when you can, or even canceling some of the activities on your plate if feasible.

In immediately lightening this load, you’ll find a positive impact on your mental state, as well as your ability to focus on other life essentials.

Get enough sleep

Your sleep routine can make a huge difference in your overall well-being, and proper rest can have an enormous impact on how you approach the day.

Get plenty of sleep by sticking to a schedule and avoiding late nights out, or overworking yourself during the day. When it comes to your overall level of happiness, getting enough quality sleep is essential.

Living a simpler lifestyle can be a great way to find happiness and contentment , as it allows us to focus on what truly matters most in our lives. By following the simple living tips above, we can free up more time for ourselves and discover who we are without needing anything external from other sources around us.

A simple life is a happy life and it’s worth striving for!

About Vourneen

Vourneen is the founder of The Plain Simple Life and a certified decluttering and organising coach. She has helped thousands of people simplify their lives over the past 3 years through minimalism and simple living and considers it a personal goal to continue to help others do the same.

The Plain Simple Life

Your memories live in your heart and mind, not in things - Vourneen, The Plain Simple Life

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Essay on Simple Life

All our prophets us to lead a simple life as it give more pleasure than the life of rich people. “simple life” saysthe prophet Mohammed, “Set my heart on high thoughts.”

It is a good thing that so many people in Europe, America and elsewhere have, during the recent years, come to see how much more pleasant and sensible is the simple life than one, which is given over to much spending, much show and much vanity. Men and women who have money enough to buy expensive thing will forbear from wasting their riches in this way. They enjoy simple dress and adorn their houses with necessary furniture. People who work hard are the best servants of the humanity live in a quiet frugal manner which keeps them in better health and enable them to take more active part in the world’s work.

I consider it a sin to waste money on personal pleasures. Whoever, spends too much on luxury is wasting stores which might be used for the feeding, clothing and maintaining of his poorer neighbours. We should make our function simple and on all important occasions we should remember the suffering humanity, and allot some part of our treasure to charity. Great people have taught the value of austerity by living a simple life. it would be rather nice to develop courage to lead a simple life and determine to do good work.

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Essay on “Simple Living and High Thinking” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Simple Living and High Thinking

Essay  No. 01

Great men f the world has always preached that simple living and high thinking should be the golden principle of life. All great saints like Mahatma Gandhi, Guru Nanak and Buddha etc. who attained spiritual greatness and shook the world by their intellectual thinking are examples of this principle.

From time immemorial, thinkers from every corner of the would have emphasized the importance of simple living and high thinking. The advice as based on the fact that human wants are limitless, once they are given a long rope. It psychologically encouraged, these wants multiply and keep multiplying. These make manna selfish slave of material acquisitions. These divert the attention of man from high thinking and bring him down to the narrow cycle of worldly pursuits. These adversely affect his devotion and concentration in achieving the higher ideal of life, which mostly includes service of fellow human beings.

In this atomic era and fast paced life the harmony between the ideals of plain living and high thinking has come down. More thinkers feel that elaborate living is more conductive to the service of humanity than simple living. This thinking, however, is not endorsed in practical life.

As is well known Mahatma Gandhi was always dressed in a dhoti but still moved the entire world by his dynamic thinking. Similarly Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russel had proved that simple living is better way of achieving greatness from service to society.

There are other examples too, and a lot of then in human history, to prove the theory of simple living and high thinking. Kabir, Vinoba Bhave and Sant Longowal are other examples of this mode of life. These personalities led unsophisticated lives. Yet they became the idols of people as philosopher poets and leaders. They emancipated the thinking and living of common people with their strong conviction of truth, love for human beings, good of society and led the people to great deeds and achievements not only in the spiritual fields but also worldly affairs.

Essay  No. 02

Simple Living and High Thinking  

This statement tells us a way of living. It teaches us that we should not give much importance to clothes. Clothes are meant to cover over body. They do not add to man’s structure. Man does not become great by wearing gaudy and costly clothes. Clothes should be simple but it is essential that they should be neat and clean. We see that those persons who achieved greatness were simple. Only their thoughts were noble and high. If people start living a simple life most of the ills of society will disappear of their own. In our own times we see how people believe in living a showy style of life. Such people make their life complicated. A person leading a simple life is looked upon as a fool these days. He can’t progress in life. He can’t compete with those who lead a luxurious life. But it is not essential that only a man leading simple life can think high. A person living in his own way can also think high. It is true that simple living encourages high thinking. A person who has simple living and high thinking leads a contented life.

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Short Essay on Simple Living

To live on meeting basic needs and to avoid unnecessary spending is called simple living. simplicity may be adopted in everything, for example, in food and drinking, in living, in marriages, in joys and sorrows and avoiding useless traditions is also simplicity.

The life of our Holy Prophet (SAW) was an example of simplicity. He (SAW) preached simplicity to people and he himself used to practice it. His (SAW) eating habits were also simple. He (SAW) never used to take food while lying or reclining. He (SAW) used to take bread made of whole wheat generally he used to eat bread with one dish food. He (SAW) used to take very light meals often he lived on a few dates or a small quantity of milk.

He (SAW) never used the gold or silver utensils for his meals. He prohibited the use of gold or silver utensil, to his ‘Muslim Ummat also. The.dress of our beloved Prophet (SAW) was also simple. Often he used to wear a shirt, an undergarment and a covering sheet of cloth. He (SAW) used to wear a turban and wore simple shoes. He (SAW) used to wear whatever simple dress was available. He (SAW) never felt small in wearing mended clothes. He never used a dress showing haughtiness or pride. He also prohibited his ‘Ummat’ the wearing of showy dress.

“The one who wears dress to show off his pride, Allah shall make him wear a disgraceful dress on the Doomsday.”

Our Holy Prophet (SAW) took up simplicity in his life, he did his daughter’s Nikah and marriage in a very simple manner. He got Nikah ceremony of his daughter Hazrat Fatima (RA) celebrated in the ‘Masjid’. Hazrat Ali (RA) bought a few important household items for marriage, the Mahr of Hazrat Fatima (RA) was very little and both were married in a simple manner. We should follow our beloved Prophet (SAW) and adopt simplicity in all our affairs.

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Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Students | PDF Download

Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Students: In this article, we have provided an Essay on Simple Living High Thinking . We also provided Short Essays, Long Essays, Quotes, Images for students and as well as for children. People who are in search of this essay can get complete information by reading this article.

Short Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Students

This is the Short Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for children. The phrase “Simple Living High Thinking” implies limiting the needs and wants of human beings. An individual should minimize the needs and wants to live simply. The simple living of a person makes to reach higher positions in life. The way a person is satisfied with the dreams matters in all senses of his life. Simple living results in greater satisfaction. It makes a person worthy enough with complete happiness and joy. The people of today are addicted to a lavish lifestyle and they want to satisfy their needs and wants with higher amounts of cost. A person who lives a simple life has greater happiness and joy in their life by the way of high thinking.

People who live a simple life can see greater success in life. It is very important to be simple because simple living eliminates weak parts of society. The people of today lead a very high living with a lot of costs incurred on it. It is no matter how much you incur in living it is the matter how simple you live with moral ethics and values in society. People incur a lot of amount on clothes, food, cars, bikes, buildings, etc., these all things cant give happiness to a person. Rather, these things are not much important for a person to live, only the limited use of things makes a person great. A person with simple living ultimately will have a clear idea of life and the way he lives is recognized by others. Hence, “Simple Living High Thinking” makes people get a clear idea of what is needed and what is essential in life.

Long Essay on Simple Living High Thinking for Students

Here is the Long Essay on Simple Living High Thinking . The phrase “Simple Living High Thinking” means limiting the needs and wants of people for their living. It implies that people stop of needs and wants for their life. The basic needs for a living are essential but the complete acquisition of needs leads to a luxurious life. Leading a luxurious life is very harmful, the reason behind this is that the person is unhappy and goes in search of happiness. Living a simple life is not an easy task and for that, they need to sacrifice a lot. A simple living with high virtues and moral values makes a person wise and also a role model to society.

Great people in history followed this proverb and lead a very simple life. People like Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Albert Einstein, Churchill, etc., lead a very simple life and focus more on the thoughts and ideologies of living. It is not that how well you are dressed, how rich you are it is that how much well is your behavior, your thoughts, moral values you possess in your life. Today’s society lives in an illusion of earning and restoring money. the money you earn and the popularity of money cannot give you happiness rather they push you under pressure. The point is that to live a very peaceful life with the minimum basic needs.

The people in society look down on the people who live a simple life. All the thing they need is the richness of a person in terms of money. A simple lifestyle makes a person live a very peaceful and happy life with no worries and stress in life. Simple living and high thinking result in greater happiness for a person with all the noble and moral ideas. A person with simple living can achieve greater success in life. However, a person with complete ideology and control over life can live a very simple life, regardless of how much money he possesses. Hence, “Simple Living High Thinking” results in a completely peaceful life and helps to reach greater heights in life.

Simple Living High Thinking for Students: Quotes

• “Simplicity is complex. It’s never simple to keep things simple. Simple solutions require the most advanced thinking.” ― Richie Norton
• “One must learn to be simple, anyone can manage to be complex.” ― Amit Kalantri
• “Sometimes simplicity and elegance are indistinguishable from each other.” ― Amit Kalantri
• “Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more.” -William Wordsworth
• “The real drawback to the simple life is that it is not simple. If you are living it, you positively can do nothing else. There is no time.” -Katharine Fullerton Gerould
• “Einstein was a man who could ask immensely simple questions. And what his work showed is that when the answers are simple too, then you can hear God thinking.” -Jacob Bronowski
• “Life is perishable the quicker you consume it, the better it feels. Stop thinking, start living.” -Arcane Arciniegas
• “I must write it all out, at any cost. Writing is thinking. It is more than living, for it is being conscious of living.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh
• “My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.” -Cary Grant
• “The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn’t simple.” -Doris Janzen Longacre
• “Man falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plain living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man’s happiness lies in contentment.” -Mohandas Gandhi
• “Simplicity is not leading a very simple life with bountiful wealth and luxury that one can lay hands-on, but building no desire to have surplus resources despite living in abject penury situations.” -Anuj Somany
• “Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just money or things. Poverty is a way of living and thinking, and not just a lack of money or things.” -Eric Butterworth

Simple Living High Thinking for Students : Images

Conclusion: In the conclusion of the essay, it is clear to live a very simple life with the noble virtues in life.

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The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

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Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

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Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

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The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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