Finding meaning in a simple life?

[catherine]

Part of living a simple life is the whole idea of letting go. So you can do that letting go in a physical way--getting rid of your stuff, but there's a lot of internal letting go that has to take place.

As for you, just a gentle suggestion--maybe try to let go of the effort of finding a meaningful life. Let it find you. I know you said you're not "spiritual" but you don't have to take this advice from a spiritual perspective. However, it does help to meditate and just settle in to the You inside there and just listen to what you find. Derrick Jensen says that when he wants an answer to a profound truth, he asks a tree and then he just listens. I think he's on to something.

As Paul McCartney would say, "Let it be." (where's Packy to lambast a reference to a Rock Star?)

[Ultralight]

Part of living a simple life is the whole idea of letting go. So you can do that letting go in a physical way--getting rid of your stuff, but there's a lot of internal letting go that has to take place.

As for you, just a gentle suggestion--maybe try to let go of the effort of finding a meaningful life. Let it find you. I know you said you're not "spiritual" but you don't have to take this advice from a spiritual perspective. However, it does help to meditate and just settle in to the You inside there and just listen to what you find. Derrick Jensen says that when he wants an answer to a profound truth, he asks a tree and then he just listens. I think he's on to something.

As Paul McCartney would say, "Let it be." (where's Packy to lambast a reference to a Rock Star?)

I did meditation for a couple years. No luck, though it was helpful with many other things. I'd like to do it again. Good suggestion! What is that old zen saying? "A man who says he does not have time to meditate needs to spend more time meditating than a man who does?" haha

I think Packy got banned. :/

Jensen is a real character. I read his book Endgame. Frightening... just so frightening.

[pinkytoe]

I'm not sure how meaning differs whether one lives simply or not. I like John Mackey's (Whole Foods co-founder ) quote about his own beliefs - "Life is short, we are just passing through and we are all going to die. None of this stuff lasts so why be attached to too much? What matters to me is fulffilling my own purpose in life, loving people and being a good person." Not sure what defines a "good person" though I think we know what he is aiming at with this statement. I know that personally I get satisfaction from feeling useful to/needed by my family, friends, coworkers and strangers.

[catherine]

Jensen is a real character. I read his book Endgame. Frightening... just so frightening.

Yeah. There's a few meaningful reasons to live a simple life.

[Ultralight]

I'm not sure how meaning differs whether one lives simply or not. I like John Mackey's (Whole Foods co-founder ) quote about his own beliefs - "Life is short, we are just passing through and we are all going to die. None of this stuff lasts so why be attached to too much? What matters to me is fulffilling my own purpose in life, loving people and being a good person." Not sure what defines a "good person" though I think we know what he is aiming at with this statement. I know that personally I get satisfaction from feeling useful to/needed by my family, friends, coworkers and strangers.

Thank you for sharing.

[Gardenarian]

Finding meaning in simplicity.

In 1985 I worked in a backpacking/camping/adventure ministry with innercity kids out of Washington DC.
I lived in a simple canvas tent on a wood platform when we weren't backpacking. I had a cot. A little stool I'd made, a little woven vase I'd made, 2 books, a notebook and 2 pens. 3 pair of pants and 5 shirts. A hat, 2 bandanas, a swimsuit, a rain slicker. Hiking boots, slip on canvas shoes, 6 pair of good socks. And nature and all the activities we could do outside. It was simple and very meaningful. Not only for what we offered the innercity kids but I still keep up with all my old co-workers and have noticed all of us crave simplicity.

That's beautiful, Float On.

[rosarugosa]

I miss Packy.
I agree with Jake on:
I have no religion, nor am I spiritual in any way.

I am compassionate and help others when I can.

For me, the meaning of life is to find enjoyment where we can, to show kindness to our fellow travelers and to be good stewards of this amazing planet we're spinning around the sun upon.

[iris lilies]

OP, are you really looking for The Big Meaning of life, and to serve that? I am 61 years old and haven't defined it! but I'm at peace with that because I really don't care about finding Meaning with a capital M.

i accept the words that pinkytoe quoted of the Whole Foods founder as my life mantra. I do what interests me and I don't care to find higher meaning. In the execution of that, I don't want to do harm to others. Dogs, iris, lilies, old houses and old buildings, those are my interests.

[JaneV2.0]

If there is/was any meaning to life, we'll find out when we die. If we don't, IMO, there is/was none. Might as well enjoy it while you have it.

[Kestra]

For me, the meaning of life is to find enjoyment where we can, to show kindness to our fellow travelers and to be good stewards of this amazing planet we're spinning around the sun upon.

Nicely stated.