SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE

How to put simple living, high thinking into meaningful life experience. It's never too late to start deepening and simplifying your life.

SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING

I came across the words "simple living, high thinking" the other day and they resonated with my concept of how I'd like to live the second half of life. The expression is attributed to Mahatma Ghandi, or some say it's the Indian guru and yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), who had said:

Plain living and high thinking should be your goal. Learn to carry all the conditions of happiness within yourself by meditating and attuning your consciousness to the ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new joy, which is God.

Whoever said it, I like sound of it, and how it's going to play out in the years ahead. I'm hoping it will look something like this.....

WHAT IS SIMPLE LIVING?

Simple living for me is living a life that doesn't cost a lot to maintain. It means choosing wisely how I spend my time, who I spend my time with, what I spend my money on, and living a life that's stress free. It means pausing regularly to appreciate what I have and being grateful for it, not clamouring after more, but being satisfied with enough. Simple living starts with keeping my wants and needs small, living within my means, aiming to stay debt free, and not living on credit. 

Maybe we need to ask ourselves why we need to fill our lives with noise and clutter? To live simply is to step back from what the world tells us we need to be "successful" and to slow down a little and live a quieter and more balanced life. A friend told me the other day that you can be rich with $100 in your pocket and just as rich with $1 in your pocket - it's what you choose to do with your money that makes the difference in how content you are. I really liked that idea because simple living means we need a lot less to be happy.

A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.

HOW DO I START LIVING MORE SIMPLY?

  • Live within your means - think of it as need without greed.
  • Say "No" to the demands that don't fit with your values.
  • Reduce your social media engagement and turn off your notifications.
  • Simplify your wardrobe and stop buying fast fashion on impulse.
  • Enjoy alone time - learn to like your own company.
  • Find quiet joys that aren't expensive - go for a walk, read a book, sip a coffee...

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SIMPLE LIVING?

  • Less expense because you buy the minimum, not excess.
  • More time because you need to work less to meet your needs.
  • Less stress because you're living within your means.
  • Peace and contentment from not needing to compete with others.
  • A smaller footprint because less spending means less waste.
  • Less hurry and more time to spend with those you love.

My goal is to live a slow, simple and purposeful life.  I want to spend my days in a peaceful environment, surrounded by good people and love.

WHAT IS HIGH THINKING?

High thinking means you're positive, optimistic, intelligent, and willing to question mainstream beliefs. You don't get swayed by the click bait of online media. You consider the information out there and think it through before deciding whether to take it on board. There's so much noise around us, so many conflicting opinions and information - so many people willing to jump into an argument over subjects they get caught up in.

High thinking involves having a broad mind and being willing to be open to new ideas, broader points of view, and deeper investigation. You can accept the opinions of others without having to agree with them, you're open minded but not a push-over. Age brings wisdom and the depth of character to understand that you don't have to participate in every "discussion" you're invited to - it's okay to not get embroiled in debate (especially online - keep on scrolling or unfollow if someone's posts annoy or upset you).

Think deeply about things. Don't just go along because that's the way things are, or that's what others say. Consider the effects, consider the alternatives, but most importantly, just think.

HOW DO I START THINKING MORE DEEPLY?

  • Choose what you focus on.
  • Be well read.
  • Don't assume you know everything - ask questions.
  • Journal your thoughts for clarity.
  • Don't accept that what you read in the media is always the truth.
  • Be open to new ideas and respect the right of others to hold different ones.
  • Be prepared to hold a different opinion to others.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THINKING DEEPLY?

  • Your brain stays active as you get older.
  • Wisdom becomes as important as knowledge.
  • You have an answer for those who question your beliefs.
  • You can stay true to your values if you've thought them through.
  • You can engage in intelligent discussions.
  • You're willing to dig down and find the truth beneath the noise.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

The concept of simple living and high thinking is one that encourages us to make our lives more meaningful rather than affluent. Instead of focusing on an a life that revolves around money and spending, let's be more concerned about it's intrinsic value and worth. 

Simple living, high thinking is a lifestyle of owning less and giving more. It's deeper thinking that makes us rich, and not the wealth we possess, it's about getting rid of all the non-essentials, paring away obligations, expectations, and even people. It’s removing all the glut and rubble from life, making space in our houses, our hearts, our brains, and our lives for exactly and only what we need. Does that resonate with you too?

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How to put simple living, high thinking into meaningful life experience. It's never too late to start deepening and simplifying your life.

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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive
How to put simple living, high thinking into meaningful life experience. It's never too late to start deepening and simplifying your life.

How to put simple living, high thinking into meaningful life experience. It's never too late to start deepening and simplifying your life.