Simplify

Ah,to simplify,the new buzz word,the bumper sticker,the popular subject of articles in a variety of glossy mags.  To simplify means more than just cleaning off your desk or getting rid of accumulated "stuff". When you truly simplify it effects every aspect of your life; this includes something as seemingly innocuous as what and how much you eat, to how you spend your time,what you buy and don't buy,where and how you live and what you do with your body.There are more aspects to simplifying which will be discussed in future posts as well as the ones I've mentioned above.
Those desiring true peace and contentment must begin the process of simplifying.There is no other way to go about it.
Consider the following:
At the start of the day do you feel that the majority of your waking hours are already committed to doing something or being somewhere? I am including your "days off" here also.
Could you take a job tomorrow that was more to your liking but paid 5 or 10,000 dollars less a year?
When was the last time you spent more than two hours in the woods or a park?
When was the last time you were in an area that was quiet,meaning free from phones,televisions and radios?
Are you overweight,fat?
Do you drink too much alcohol?
Do you eat too much?
Do you eat denatured,unnatural foods?
Do you take what they call recreational drugs,most notable of which is marijuana?
How much time do you spend in front of the television or computer during the course of a day?
Are you preoccupied with watching professional sports?
How often do you read a book.
Do you exercise,if so,how much,how often?
Believe it or not the way to true peace and contentment has alot to do with the questions I just asked.You will see this as the days pass.

Take Nothing For Granted

Where to begin--there is so much to say---I guess the best way to begin is by asking--are you thankful you are alive? I know that most people do not like to ponder their own mortality,but,approximately every 10 seconds someone in this world dies. Do not forget what a wise man once said."tomorrow is promised to no one."
And while we're on the subject of being thankful,do you take for granted your health,the fact that you have a 'roof over your head',and food to eat? The reason I ask is because the majority of people in this world do not have adequate food,shelter or good health.
The first lesson is to be thankful.

The Beginning

Everyone is seeking a sense of peace and contentment in a world that is becoming increasingly anything but. This blog will offer thoughts and musings on finding and living in peace,contentment and self-satisfaction.Set in a monastery atop Mt.Hiei in Japan,what is offered will be food for thought and a solution to the madness of this world.Aligned to no religious or philosophical school, I will acknowledge the truth that can be found everywhere if one is willing seek it out.The physical,the mental and the spiritual aspects so necessary to achieving that peace will be looked into at great length and in a variety of ways.
Although it is never my intention to offend,you may be offended when longstanding beliefs are questioned and challenged. Truth is truth.