The monk's secret is very simple.
It is so simple that most modern people can not understand how it can even be possible.
The Monk's SecretAs a monk you have a lower standard of living.Despite this, you have a much higher quality of life, and are therefore happier.
Go figure. That is what happens when one lives simply with a higher purpose that rises above the work, buy, die model of consumerism.
That little truth makes all of consumerism, and the myth of progress, a bunch of self-serving lies meant to enrich the few while enslaving the rest.
It's not like we are all blissfully happy with the way things are now.
We could wander off in any direction totally aimlessly and probably find something better.
But we don't have to wander the wilderness when there is a better way right in front of us. It has been there all along, waiting for our awakening.
You don't have to be a monk, but it might improve life to live like one.
The true gifts of life and luxuries are not "out there", but can only be found while reducing distractions and desires and going within.
We have little to lose by trying the age old simplicity solution, and much to gain.
The monk's secret is only a secret because it has been actively suppressed for so long by vested interests determined to keep us bound by harmful ways.
I don't know about you, but I am breaking free of it all, and finding vastley improved happiness as a result of this epic adventure called the simple life.
Highly recommended for any human - monk, or not.
This is something I have been thinking about lately. Giving up non essential spending frees the mind to be at peace, there is no nagging thoughts of I could do this or that, which allows for more peace and calmness. I personally am not interested in religion as for me it is more clutter for the mind.
ReplyDeleteI have been studying the the fight and flight which I associate with spending and tension with the release of spending and the rest and digest which comes far earlier in evolutionary terms, when early organisms in the sea had no need to compete for food. The fight and flight came later in evolution so for me peace is associated with a different state of planetary time and in mediation the sea of tranquility is often referred to as a state to return to through practice.
Peace,
Alex
What a concept! A time when life was peaceful for all. That would be a good place to dwell. How long ago would that be? Oh, to be an early organism.
DeleteAgree about religion, although I like that all religions basically support simplicity as good for individuals and society. But not so simple that you don't need priests or dogma.
Tension - stress - unhealthfulness. Consumerism is inherently poisonous to all life. More than just our desires are inflamed by it.
- Gregg
Hey Gregg and Linda! Ryan Tonn here. I've been visiting your blog over the years and have always enjoyed it, but I haven't been here for awhile and was thinking about you today so I thought I'd drop by and say hi. I hope things are going well for the two of you. I've always loved your take on this world and respect your total dedication and commitment to it. Even when we worked together all those years ago, you and Linda always lived out what you believed and lead by example. You have awesome perspective on what really matters and provide a great counterbalance to and reminder of the foolishness of my own consumerism, consumption, and often self-induced stress. Keep doing what you doing! All the very best to both of you. -Ryan
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear from you, Ryan. Wow, it has been a long time, hasn't it? Are you retired yet?
DeleteWe are very well, living in the land of the rising sun, Nova Scotia, for the past almost 10 years.
Thank you for visiting our blog, and thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment for us.
Hope you are well.
- Gregg and Linda
Yes it has been a very long time. I wish I was retired! I did retire from teaching a long time ago, but I've been working as a psychologist for the past 16ish years, mostly as a contractor and in private practice. I've sort of narrowed myself into mainly doing autism assessment/diagnoses these days. But I am slowing down work wise, which is nice. We have 4 awesome kids; ages 22, 19, as well as 14-year-old twins so I'm totally consumed on the family front, but I love it. Nova Scotia is beautiful. I spent a bit of time there maybe 7 years ago, but I definitely want to go back. Keep on living your best lives, Gregg and Linda! Great catching up with you. -Ryan
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