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Life As A Path, Part 1

Is there a simple life?

In a world where even the most fundamental of philosophies tends to gather dogmatic complication, and even a simple life manages to clutter itself with complexity, it can be difficult to simplify and to change one's outlook quite as easily and smoothly as some writers encourage. Unexpected things arise, emergencies rear their unwelcome heads, and crises abound. This belief or that belief makes believing in anything more difficult and requires a great deal of consideration. So, where does the realization of the individual fit in, within this scheme?

The first step is with the mind. The way of thinking, the way of considering, and the way of believing: the mind shapes perception. It may seem trite, but it is true that if you think negatively, you will see things in a negative way and act accordingly. The most important image of a person is the image that person holds, of himself or herself. When we have bad images of ourselves, or dislike ourselves, that sentiment is echoed by the way we carry ourselves. It encourages others to feel the same way, to join us in our self-loathing. This is not only unhealthy for us, but for others as well.

To remedy this true disease, one must simplify. Stop seeing things as more complex than they are. Approach things a step at a time, rather than attempting to resolve the entire matter at once. To attempt this with attitude and outlook is an uphill battle at best, so care and patience are paramount to assure success.

Steps towards serenity

First, on this path to serenity, it is most important that one realize the worth of himself or herself. A person spends more time with himself than with any other person, and ultimate he is answerable to no one so much as himself. You are the person you wake up with in the morning and the person with whom you lie down at night. There is no escaping yourself, as they say.

A good step to greater serenity and greater self-fulfillment is to start each day with a positive thought. No matter how seemingly insignificant, it will help to set the mood for the day. The first thought of the day is tremendously influential, and while one cannot be expected to start out every day with something positive, most days can start that way. There is no need to dwell on negativity or to stagger mindlessly from one thing to another. If we encourage ourselves to start a day with a positive thought, we can help ourselves to remain with a positive outlook for at least a part of the day.

Keep the thought in your mind as you get out of bed, stretch, visit the bathroom, and meditate upon the good and the positive things that appeal to you, during breakfast. Positive and pleasant things, it has been said many times, help the digestion. Unpleasant and jarring topics can interfere with digestion when you become upset from them. It is not a good idea to eat if one is plagued by distress. If this is the case, it may be helped by simple breathing exercises, breathing deep, holding it for a few seconds, and slowly exhaling. You will find that after a few breaths, you will feel more relaxed and calmer.

Small steps come first

In the various philosophies employed by many on spiritual paths all over the world, there is a call to minimize pollution of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Especially in Buddhism and Shinto, and furthermore in my own Onmyodo studies, it is important to keep the body as untainted as possible. I keep this myself by staying away from meat of any kind, and I have cut down considerably on consumption of many of the overprocessed foods offered in most supermarkets. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to engage in this, even to the extent which I have, but again we return to the idea of small steps. Everyone can do something, and little by little it will help. Make small steps consistently, and soon you will have a truly impressive accomplishment.

Find a natural foods store in your area. Even if you don't shop there all the time or get all your groceries there, simply getting some items there that will be healthier for you, will help your diet. It will also support the store which, most likely, is not part of a major chain and could use the business. Supporting smaller stores that provide organic, unprocessed, and natural foods is essential in being able to make choices as a consumer. If these stores vanish, we will no longer have as wide a variety of choices to make in our diet.