Thursday 23 August 2012

Some Thoughts on Simplicity

It seems this last year or so I am gradually but surely simplifying my life.  My belongings are being evaluated for functionality and usefulness and I am saying no to more things that drain precious time and energy.  I think that my knee surgery was instrumental in slowing down my life and showing me the value of living a less hectic existence and finding myself at home in stillness and quiet.

 I hope you enjoy the following photos and quotes on simplicity.



"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
~ Leonardo da Vinci


"Voluntary simplicity means . . .
 going fewer places in one day rather than more, 
seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, 
acquiring less so I can have more."
~John Kabat-Zinn

  
"Nature is what we know, yet have not art to say
so impotent our wisdom is to her simplicity."
~ Emily Dickinson


"To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter. . . 
to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring . . .
these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
~ John Burroughs


Linking with . . . .
photosbyleanne

13 comments:

  1. These are so great! Stunning pictures!

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  2. Andrea, These are amazing and beautiful. I really loved the first 2 shots and enjoyed reading the quotes on Simplicity.

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  3. Dear Andrea Dawn,

    I will bookmark this post. I LOVE it. This is the epitome of your giftings - the beautiful pictures of creation captured by your camera lens and crafted by your strong aesthetic sense captured through editing software, the selection of prose chosen to accompany the pictures and your own sweet heart that brings them all together.

    Wonderful!
    Dawn

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  4. exactly my heart too Andrea! You have captured it well! So very very well!

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  5. such lovely photos and thoughts! Simplicity.... so hard to achieve in this fast paced world.... but so important to our wellbeing and peace of mind!

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  6. Great photos. Thanks so much for visiting.

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  7. Enchanting photos & significant theme. Striking...

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  8. Beautifully written, beautifully photographed. More and more people I know (including myself) are paring down, craving more simplicity. Have you read Richard Foster's chapter on Simplicity in Celebrations of Discipline? And I see he has a new book out on Simplicity.

    A lovely, lovely post, Andrea.

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Thanks for stopping by . . . appreciate your comments.