Simple-minded

"Only simple minds can understand this complex problem called life."

-- A. Sujata

Simplicity unties, and transcends, complexity. A simple mind sees only what is. A complex mind sees the world through theories and fears, through strategies and desires, and always compares what is to what ought to be. When a complex mind meets a complex world, complexity is compounded exponentially.

At its core life is simple. On the surface, life appears complex. A complex mind becomes enmeshed in, and enamored by, surface details. A simple mind dives deep to the core, to the ocean floor, of life. From the depth of simplicity, understanding emerges.

To truly understand life you don't need to read more books, listen to more pundits, participate in religious ritual, or get another degree. All you need to do is sit quietly and allow your mind to become quiet, too. Hint: It may take awhile. But even as you wait for your mind-waves to subside, you will have moments of peace, flashes of clarity, times of understanding. The seas will shine like glass, and they will momentarily reflect the simplicity of reality.

I know, you're way too busy to sit quietly and do nothing. So, start with five minutes, stolen away, somewhere in the midst of your day. Breathe in, breathe out. Watch the loud, crashing waves of thought break on the shores of your mind. There's nothing to figure out, nothing to solve, nothing to put right -- at least for five minutes a day. And next week, maybe for ten.

Complex life, simple mind. Counterintuitive. You say, "It will never work." I say, "You never know until you try."