One of the tenants taught for effective stress management skills is the concept of simplicity (known in the business world as the KISS principle; “Keep it simple, stupid!”) Perhaps its human nature, but we tend to take on many responsibilities in our lives and at the breaking point, we just keep on adding more. Balance is the key! Its is well known in the arts that “less is more,” meaning that by keeping things simple, (e.g., a melody, a sculpture, a poem) it takes on an air of profundity. Keeping things simple doesn’t mean to take the easy way out. Simplicity suggests the path of least resistance when our resistance is low. The path of simplicity suggests knowing your limits and being pleasantly assertive with your boundaries so that what you take on, you do with class, rather than mediocrity. The world has become very complicated these days with everything from finances and nutritional habits to technology gadgets and changing weather patterns. You don’t have to add to this perfect storm of stress. When in doubt, pause and take the path of least resistance. Your body, mind and soul will thank you. Your spouse, kids and friends will most likely thank you too.
• Stress Tip(s) for the Day:
Get in the habit of asking yourself this question before every action: Is this going to simplify or complicate my life? Taking the path of least resistance doesn’t mean to compromise your integrity, nor does it mean doing a half-baked job with any and all responsibilities. It means knowing your limits and honoring them. This also means being conscious about purchases and the acquisitions of material possessions. Remember the wise adage: You can’t take it with you.
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Author Annie Leonard has just come out with a book about people and their relationship to stuff and the accumulation of stuff. Here is a link to her book and an article published last week in USA Today.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/03/why-are-we-so-obsessed-with-stuff-and-more-stuff/1
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Stuff-Obsession-Communities-Health/dp/143912566X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269805837&sr=8-2
• Photo of the Day:
There is a lot we can learn from animals. They certainly know how to keep their lives simple. By and large animals keep to a routine. They only use what they need. They don’t acquire loads of possessions. In short, they live in harmony with the natural world. We would do well to follow their lead. This photo of a grey wolf was taken in BC Canada during the filming of my movie, Earth Songs. Enjoy!
• Quote for the Day:
“He who dies with the most toys, wins.” (NOT!)
—bumper sticker seen in Washington D.C.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
