3 Philosophies to Simplify Your Life
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

3 Philosophies to Simplify Your Life

My philosophy is either do something about it or move on.

25
3 Philosophies to Simplify Your Life
3TEN

I want to first clarify that I’m not some sort of incredibly spiritual monk. I don’t meditate for hours on end nor do I intend on living in the mountains isolated from the world. I find value in spirituality but more than that, I believe in balance between the incorporeal and material world we live in. I became heavily interested in different religions a few summers ago and picked up on a few reoccurring themes-


**NOTE** I use the words “good” and “bad” fairly often in this post. It’s important to note that what is good in my eyes may be horrendous for you and vice versa. The two are subjective terms; be weary of how you perceive the two.


1. Nothing is good or bad until you perceive it to be

As humans, we want to put everything into a box, limiting its significance and perhaps disparaging or augmenting its face value. I find myself incessantly making objective statements only to have someone demand, “Is that a good or a bad thing?” Neither. If it’s raining outside, is that really “bad” per se? No, probably not. I may have to wear a rain jacket and different shoes but the plants are being watered and my car is getting washed for free! We’re quick to label the most nugatory circumstances; try making observations from an objective perspective rather than personalizing the circumstances to work either for or against you. Simplify the situation by remembering that something not being in our favor isn't necessarily the be-all and end-all situation. Sometimes, it just is.


2. Everything is temporary

Here’s the deal with relationships and all good things- we falsely believe that they will last. As disheartening as that may sound, it isn’t meant to be perceived in a negative light (read point above). That sort of knowledge can either help us further indulge in good times/remain sane during bad times OR put us in a constant state of anxiety to believe nothing lasts forever. This framing works best because it teaches me to truly be present and more appreciative when things are in my favor yet also remain pragmatic when everything seems to be falling apart; the good may not last forever, but nor can the bad!


3. Let go of what you cannot control

This includes everything from the weather, to traffic jams, to gossip, to the hot water in your shower running out. It’s easy to throw your hands up in frustration and let a situation hold power over us, (I’m definitely guilty of road rage), but it does us far more good to take a step back and reflect. Is the outcome actually in your hands? Can I avoid being unhappy right now? If the answer is yes, then that’s all there is to it, (this goes back to my first point again). If you’re stuck in traffic, realistically, you can’t just teleport to your destination- so why waste your energy feeling indignation? My philosophy is either do something about it or move on. Recognize that there is far more that we cannot control vs. what we can.


All three of these points have an overarching point- attachment. A core belief in Buddhism is that attachment is the root of all suffering. As stated earlier, I believe in balance; I won’t lie to you and say that I’m not attached to my parents or my best friend. I do, however, understand that hey, shit happens. It isn’t your job to endlessly dwell on a failing relationship or a job offer that didn’t pull through, but to accept the situation at face value and ask yourself, “How can I move forward from here?”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71321
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133428
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments