Simplicity is one of the three elements of the formula for how a life centered in P-A is lived.
That formula is: S + S + S = S
simplicity plus solitude plus silence equals serenity
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Occupy thyself with few things, says the philosopher, if thou wouldst be tranquil.
— Marcus Aurelius[i]
Living in the present moment our life becomes a meditation and these are some of the characteristics of the contemplative life. Our introductory quote in this article is from The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor/ philosopher who appreciated simplicity even though his life was far from simple.
There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence [and that is] activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence.
— Thomas Merton
Contemplatives in a religious context in the past, whether living in ashrams, monasteries or convents, often were seeking refuge from the harsh world dominated by competition, materialism, pleasure-seeking and violence. If they could find a paradigm offering solitude, a simple life and time for meditation and prayer then perhaps they could live a life of response instead of reaction.
Such a life of transcendence is what we all seek but most of us will have to find a way to do it in our day-to-day life. It helps if we have a plan. Simple Reality is such a plan.
[i] Aurelius, Marcus. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. New York: Avon, 1993, p. 26.
