what is intentional simplicity?

intentional:

done by a determination to act a certain way; with purpose or aim

simplicity:

lack of complication, clearness, plainness in manners or way of life

My vision of intentional simplicity may not be what it is to someone else; however the idea to ‘act with purpose’ in conjunction with the desire for a ‘lack of complication’ can have great impact on many areas of our lives.

To unwind our busy, over-extended, visually-overloaded society is no easy task. We are bombarded from every side, every day to do more, be more, have more. This is at the expense of the one commodity we can never purchase back for ourselves.

Time…

There are so many aspects to life; family, friends, home, work, leisure, health and community. We make decisions every day about which ones receive our attention more and which ones receive our attention less. Whether these are intentional decisions or not, does not really matter to the recipient; this could be your own health or time spent with a loved one. The outcome of your choice impacts all aspects of your life, not just the ones that get your time the most.

So… are the ‘ones’ receiving your time the television, internet, video and computer games, items that can not be found due to lack of order, possessions that require too much care, the large yard that needs mowing all too often or the endless list of things that ‘should be done’?

Expending the least to gain the most…

I believe intentional simplicity centers on the premise of expending the least to gain the most.

An example of this is what you are reading; to choose the fewest, most meaningful words, with thought and purpose to impact you the most is the goal. We can apply this principle to any area of life. Our relationships, our homes, the work we engage in, how we spend our free time, how we amass our possessions and how we take care of ourselves.

It is all relative as to what ‘the most’ means to you, but I find that the more appreciative we can become of the uncomplicated moments presented in everyday life, the richer one begins to feel.

Freedom to spend more time dreaming and moving toward the vision you have for your life begins with your day to day intentions and what affords your attention.

What is one area you would prefer to spend less of your time and where would you allot that time once you had more?