“The true Indian sets no price upon either his property or his labor. His generosity is limited only by his strength and ability. He regards it as an honor to be selected for difficult or dangerous service and would think it shameful to ask for any reward, saying rather: Let the person I serve express his thanks according to his own bringing up and his sense of honor. “ ~Ohiyesa of the Santee Sioux (Charles Alexander Eastman)
“Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion. “ ~The Talmud
“Live simply that others might simply live.” ~Elizabeth Seaton
By Carol Forsloff
Living a spirit-filled, simple life provides a special strength and protection, as the Amish so clearly demonstrated in their reaction to the horrible tragedy of young children being murdered in a schoolhouse in their community a few years ago. Their responses of community support and forgiveness can be contrasted with those found in our fast-paced society where violence is the order of the day and where school riots have become commonplace. Toxic behaviors, including greed and materialism, are background noises that interfere with our appreciation of simple things.
Simplicity isn’t an obligation or burden, although it may soon be required in order to get through difficult economic times. We will likely need to simplify our lives if we are to survive and maintain any semblance of humanity. Does materialism and greed satisfy or can the joy of living be found in living simply? The Amish of Pennsylvania do it. And their behavior gained world attention for how that simplicity helps in forgiveness and survival of trauma. These humble folk with their loving ways managed to forgive and go on after an outsider murdered some of their children before being stopped by police. Contrast that with how modern America manages crises. Seeking war in the guise of security when the aim is to defend a lifestyle of power and consumption is far different than the simple ways of handling terror among the Amish. Which behavior patterns might lead to mutual survival and which are likely to lead to mutual destruction? Perhaps the Amish and the example of South Africa under Nelson Mandela reveal how we really need to behave with another.
The complex lifestyle that requires all of us to live at maximum decibels detracts from the simplicity of enjoying contemplation and interludes that quiet the mind and open the heart. We need to examine whether our modern lifestyle is actually taking the best of human experience and substituting it with fast-food-like mind fixes that have no lasting value. How we react to everything going on around us requires us to make choices so that at some time a personal catastrophic event such as a divorce or death or the loss of our home will create an awakening that tells us that simplicity makes sense. But we don’t need to wait for the worst to happen when living simply might prevent it.
How do we do that? Learn to turn off electronics for quiet times. That means that old-fashioned book with covers. Rediscover the library. Walk. Breathe slowly, very slowly for ten minutes twice daily. Look at beautiful things. Sing in the shower. Tell at least three people today how much you care about him/her. Write a letter to a friend. Take out your photo album, look at it, and add one more picture. Memorize a poem or write one. Fix your favorite food and eat it slowly. These are the simple things, the treasures, things we usually don’t take time to do the way we should. Making our lives simple by remembering forgiveness, tolerance, love and compassion and appreciation for the beauty in what we take for granted, will go a long way towards saving your life. Since we are all connected, it will save mine as well.
