Simplicity

There is a kind of simplicity that is undesirable:
It’s the simple minded demand that all situations, no matter how complex they ar, be addressed with simple explanations and solutions.  “Don’t bother me with the facts,” such a person says.  “I don’t care about the details; they only confuse me.”  The lack of insight and engagement is both mind boggling and burdensome.

Soundbites and the opinions of talk show hosts will suffice for these shallow, unwise ones.  To think for themselves would probably give them a headache!

Then there is a simplicity that is beautiful and noble.
It is often quiet and unassuming; bathed in thought and prayer.
People who practice this lack of complication enjoy the good things of life; yet they are not in pursuit of prestige or extravagance.  A beautiful sunset delights them.  Time spent with family and friends is priceless.
One hallmark of such individuals is astuteness.  These ones think with both sides of their brains.  They question, explore and research; never settling for the status quo.  If you were to visit their homes, you would find shelves full of books, art and music in every room, along with creative endeavors.  They might not have the most uncluttered place you’ve ever seen.  That’s because they are busy with thought, creation and relationships.
Another quality is the very high amount of respect and honor these people have for the world:  Their fellow humans, animals, the environment, principles such as decency and generosity.
This simplicity is a paradox, filled with all shades of reality and nuance.
To know people who live this life is to be inspired and encouraged.
How very different these two kinds of simplicity are!  One word; opposite meanings.
That really describes our world, doesn’t it?  The Earth and her inhabitants are concentric systems, interwoven into complex patterns and relationships; yet there is a simple matter of watching, listening, tasting, feeling, smelling, enjoying and caring for all that is around us.

May you discover and appreciate the lovely, noble sort of simplicity that revives and nurtures you.

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SNOWMEN…PEOPLE(?)

Even after the snow on the ground has melted, there are brave testimonies of its recent presence; proud sculptures that reflect the creativity of children:  Snowmen…or is the PC term “snowpeople”?  They stand in yards all around town, wearing hats and scarves, some made of leaves.  (Hmmm, I wonder if that’s to keep the cold in as far as they’re concerned.)

Snowpeople are perhaps one of the oldest and most universal expressions of art and play.  They come in all shapes and sizes; some are very elaborate, while others are simple, just like the variations among humans.

They are hearty folk, often the last vestiges of winter to disappear.

When I was in the sixth grade, a neighbor, my sister and I built a snowperson we named Mrs. Watson, after the street on which we lived.  She was so tall, we had to get a ladder to put her head on. She probably grew to about eight feet in height by the time we were done.  I wouldn’t call her lovely; she was a bit lumpy and not all that well proportioned.  Okay, what can you expect from three children on a cold winter day?

Mrs. Watson stood proudly in the corner of a neighbor’s field for the entire winter; in fact, it was mid May by the time she finally finished melting away.  By then, she was only a shadow of her magnificent self.

Children aren’t the only ones who have fun with snow people.

A few years ago, my cousin told me about a niece who worked at a restaurant in a well known resort.  There had been an unusually early snowstorm, so business at the restaurant was nonexistent.

My cousin’s niece (I’ll call her Lucy) clearly had too much time on her hands:  She made three snow people and put them in one of the cars for the nearby tram.  Then she called the operators’ station and said,
“The people in Car #8 will need a little help getting out.”
“Are they injured?”
“No, just a little cold!”