Think Spirutuly
Lay people say: “How fortunate are those that live in palaces and have all the comfort.” But our holy fathers teach us that are blessed those who have succeeded in simplifying their lives. And, those who have been freed from the trap of advancement and many materialistic luxuries. And also those that have escaped the terrible distress that prevails in modern times and today’s world. If we do not simplify our lives, we only struggle. And if we do, there will be no trouble and no tension in our lives.
Saint elder Paisious ones shared a very interesting story about conversation of one German man and a little Bedouin. They once met on mount Sinai. Namely, the German, realizing how clever the young Bedouin is started advising him: “You are clever, you can learn to read and write.”
“And then?” Asked the Bedouin.
“After that, you will become a boss.”
“And then?”
“After that, you will open a car repairs service.”
“And then?”
“You will then develop that service.”
“And then?”
“You will hire others to work for you “
After all that Bedouin tells him that he will only get a headache and then he’ll get another headache. And then another one… Isn’t it better for me to be peaceful?” he asked. Most of the headaches come from such thoughts: let’s do this, let’s do that. If those thoughts weren’t of materialistic nature but of spiritual, one would feel spiritual comfort and there would be no headache.
Focus on what matters; Simplicity and Peace
Our holy fathers always emphasize the importance of simplicity and importance of piece in our lives. Saint Elder Paisions constantly talked to people about indifference, modesty and the spiritual way of living. He shouted: “Simplify your life and you will not be tense nor stressed out.” Most of the divorces comes from stress. There are so many things that people have do in their every day lives, so many responsibilities they put upon themselves… Therefore, the stress is inevitable. In most modern families, both parents wor- both father and mother. Thus they leave their children alone and abandoned. Working too much brings them fatigue, nervousness. A small argument ends up causing big quarrels and later a divorce. It doesn’t get them too far in life. And, if they had only simplified their lives, they would end up restful and joyful. This distress and this tension are a real problem and a serious disease!
We can take monks as an example. If people thought at least a little bit as the monks, they would live more simply and would be more peaceful. People start feeling frustrated and lost when they see other people getting new cars, have multi-stories houses and they are not able to accomplish the same. Finally, when they acquire all the material things they desire, they find out that they are still not feeling truly fulfilled and that they still feel emptiness. There is one hole or an empty spot in every human which only God and God’s grace can fulfill. Satisfaction of acquiring material things is only temporary and its satisfaction wears off very fast.
Diclutter Your Homes and Lives
We all know that greed and ungratefulness are great evil. Whoever is governed by material things is dominated and overwhelmed by stress, depression, and frustration. We should simplify and declutter our homes and lives. “Less is more” Having just essential things will help us focus on what truly matters.
To understand the deeper meaning of life; “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. From these words come simplicity and a stressless and happy life.