Simple is simple enough

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.

- Lao Tzu -

Sometimes when asked what I'm like I say simple, and it's partly true.

A more accurate way to describe me would be simply complex though as I can be incredibly complex in some aspects. It's situational, and works fairly well for me. I guess I'm the right me at the right times, mostly.

I like simplicity in life and usually find simple pleasures done often provide the most value.

They are usually easily found and, if I'm fully-immersed within them, can be incredibly rewarding. I use those simple moments, thoughts, feelings and emotions to find a point of reference, shift into neutral, find balance or a central point from which I can reset and then get back to it, whatever it might be.

The outdoors feature prominently in my simple moments.

It could be a walk in the botanic gardens, a rigorous hike, a stroll around the lake or at the beach, even a day spent in the garden at home touching plants and earth. I also find simple moments reading, writing, on the couch snacking whilst watching a movie, in the scent of vanilla, fresh cut grass, rain after a dry spell, slipping into bed between new sheets, the smell of coffee in the morning...I have an almost endless list of small and simple moments that make me feel...That's it. They make me feel .

I found it today during a walk in the conservation park opposite my house.

The seasons are changing and it's greening up but there's still more gold and brown tones than green and whilst walking on a little-used section of track I came across a hill completely covered by long grass. It extended left and right from where I stood and above up the hill to the sky and I was struck by the contrast of the golden grass against the blue of the sky. It made me feel nice...and just like that I had a simple and enjoyable moment. Everything seemed a little bit more nice.

I recently asked someone to come up with a long list of things they can do, think about or feel that may help turn their thoughts away from less productive and positive thoughts. It was these things I referred to; simple things that can be found easily.

It's not even the act of doing it either, often it's as simple as feeling the emotion one gains through doing or experiencing it.

If one can tap into that emotion and feeling it might just be enough ward off a negative thought or feeling, reset attitude or mindset after it's been pushed backwards. Through controlling mindset and attitude comes better results; we're better people for it, and if that can be triggered by the thought of something valued, enjoyable and simple even without actually doing that thing...It seems like a good idea and a powerful tool to have in the toolbox.

How do you control or positively affect your attitude and mindset on a daily basis? Do you have a simple method you'd like to share or are your methods more complicated? Tell me about it in the comments below, I'm interested to hear your perspective.

Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind

Any images in this post are my own