AungWorlds

At some time in the future the world's bloated affluent societies
will be much simpler and a more enjoyable place to exist.
Social 'progress' today relies primarily on commercial growth and consumer over-consumption to expand. So many of us are totally tuned in to this continuing socio-economic routine and the young appear lined up for a life of the same. In the richer regions of the world it is what we are. Materialism is firmly entrenched as we work and live uneasily, anticipating ownership of that next thing. Often friends and family will take a back seat as we toil away.
How many of our recent conversations have been about new products like clothing and cars, new tech gadgets...? Interesting but usually introducing a bit of competition, perhaps unconsciously to the discussions. And advertising is always present in our lives heightening the desire for the need for something new or better.
This long running consuming binge will falter as the negative effects that wasteful living has on the planet and it's habitants becomes totally obvious to all. But change will come. It will be gradual through a shift in social values; or by economic shock with massive corporate failures and crippled government operations. The continual feverish competition for profits with the bottoming of corporate ethics will reach a limit.
People will finally demand change, with truly democratic governments whose first priorities are their people. They will want the elimination of grave injustices such as poverty and starvation, and environmental destruction. Isn't it time now for that change to a fairer, more satisfying and simpler existence?

What Is Simple Living?
According to Duane Elgin author, speaker, educator, consultant, and media activist it is "Living in a way that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich."
That sounds very refreshing compared to our fast-paced 'I need more money, I need more things' daily existence. It is much easier said than to do when all others seem actively participating in the race to acquire. Yet as interest in our natural world and in other people increases, and as the idea of a peaceful satisfying wholesome lifestyle becomes more appealing, a change in social values is entirely possible .

Why Choose Simplicity?
"In these difficult economic times of broken government, corporate bailouts, failing health care, a widening gap between the rich and poor, unemployment, and soaring debt, just about everyone is looking for smart ways to do more with less. For many, consciously choosing to live more simply is a practical, down-to-earth option that really works.

1: We, as humans, primarily learn to be the way we are;

therefore, at any point in life, we can learn to be different. But, it may not

be easy to change. 

I assume there are reasons--causes--for everything we do, and

that humans can learn to understand those reasons, which are

dependable, "lawful," useful, cause and effect relationships. Therefore,

each of us could presumably gain considerable control over our own

futures by understanding and using the "laws of behavior," especially

those in the form of self-help methods, such as:

If I repeatedly highly reward a desired behavior, it will probably

increase in frequency.

If I deeply relax for 10 minutes twice a day, I will probably be

calmer throughout the day.

If I learn new communication skills, such as empathy, I will

probably get along better with people.

If I can view a situation more positively or, at least, as being

"lawful," I will probably be less upset.

I will describe many self-help methods in simple terms, step by

step, almost like recipes in a cookbook. Then, we will learn how those

methods can be used with specific problems, like fears, sadness,

jealousy, selection of a mate, etc. If you understand how a problem

started and what keeps it going, and how self-help methods work, you

are better able to devise a way to change things. And that's what self-

help is all about.

I truly believe you learn by doing, not just by reading a book or

talking about your problems. You must use the ideas. So, I'll give you

lots of examples of how to use psychological methods in everyday life.

Hopefully, you can then see many ways to use each method in your

life--and, more importantly, will immediately try out the methods. If

you don't use the idea you have read or heard about within a day or

two, you will probably forget it.

As you read, ask yourself: How can I apply this idea or self-help

method today or tomorrow? As you live, moment by moment, ask

yourself: What have I learned about psychology that would help in this

situation? This learning orientation is crucial to changing; it becomes

automatic and contagious. A few successes will crush the old, cruel

idea that you can't change things, and then you get "high" on learning

about yourself and how to relate to others better. I'd like to see you

take an experimental approach to life, i.e. try out self-help methods to

see what works for you. As you learn and experience more, you

become more self understanding, more in control, less helpless and

more confident, and better prepared for a whole life-time of growth.

We all try to help ourselves all the time, so why not learn to be a really

good, knowledgeable self-helper and steadily improve your future?

 

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Meditation has long been known in Eastern religions as a way to reduce tension and attain peace of mind. There are variations some of which might not be suitable to everyone or if practiced in the extreme. This topic is worth studying if you are having trouble breaking the anxiety and stress habits.

Some basic meditating might easily replace stress and tenseness with peace of mind and relaxation.

An over simplified effort might be:  
Find a quiet place by yourself.  
Get in a relaxed position.     
Rest your eyes downward, almost closed, not tight.     
Breathe slowly and naturally.     
Do not think about anything else except what you are doing.     
Do this for 15-20 minutes.

When lying wide awake in bed, or taking a calming break, try fixing your eyes and thoughts on an insignificant mark on the wall, a small glittery area, or perhaps a shadow. Keep staring at this and think of nothing else. As your eyes wander off bring them back to the object. With practice this will often send you off to a dreamy, peaceful state. (This is not advised while on the job or in the classroom.)
  
"Meditation has been defined as the cessation of active eternal thought" - Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891)

When you notice thoughts, gently let them go by returning you focus to the breath.

 

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Professional medical advice should always be a first consideration with a physical or mental problem. There may be a solution to an ailment that could only be determined by a qualified professional.

There are also a wide variety of books written, many by doctors and specialists, that present ideas for self-improving our health. This vast amount of knowledge is worth checking out. A common thread in many self-help books seems to be the enormous effect that our thoughts and attitude have on our physical and mental well being.
  
"We ought to be more concerned about removing wrong thoughts from the mind than about removing tumors and abscesses from the body." - Epictetus. (50-138)
  
Some health problems are more receptive to an improved mental attitude than others. A dependency on street drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, robs most users of their best health. It can be extremely difficult to get rid of the habit disease, but fortunately there is a lot of help. Read books on addiction and other self-help topics, go to support groups such as AA, and talk about it with someone.

You know you're getting old when people keep telling you you're looking good. Aging has its special problems, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't take pleasure in it. It can be a time when you are able to say "I don't care" about certain problems. So many of life's anxieties and troubles lessen or fade away in later years.

Every season hath its pleasures;      
Spring may boast her flowery prime,      
Yet the vineyard's ruby treasures      
Brighten Autumn's soberer time.  
- Thomas Moore (1779-1852)

So don't just sit around watching TV. Get up and about, but relax and don't rush. Be positive and friendly. Read and learn to improve your wellbeing. Develop and follow healthy eating habits. Sleep well!

 

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A certain amount of humility is helpful in moving on through the stages of life. It gives us a realistic approach to interacting with other people in our lives.

Sometimes competing with others or stressing ourselves to prove that we are better, can be a lot of fun and provide enjoyment and rewards. Friendly competition with friends, when all are participating with goodwill, is entertaining. There is a downside in trying to win or achieve more just for the sake of feeling superior to another person. The result can be a loss of much needed self-esteem in the long run.

"There is nothing noble in being superior to some other person. True nobility is being superior to your former self." - Hindu Proverb

Accepting that we made a mistake puts it behind us, and we can then quit pretending or wishing that it hadn't happened. We should realize that we make mistakes just as others do, and we will make more in the future. So there's no need to be embarrassed or worried.

"A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday." - Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

By not acting better or more important than other people we will receive respect and friendship that is so worthwhile. Over-confidence can get us into trouble as we will appear conceited, and prospective friends will be wary. But have respect for yourself and take pride in doing good things.

"He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals." - Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
  
A good balance of humility and self-confidence is an ideal way to exist. 

 

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Cheerfulness is a state of mind in which we feel content and confident and are free of stress, anxieties and fear. A prolonged state of being cheerful is happiness.

Cheerfulness is wearing a smile and therefore easy to distinguish. It is usually contagious and will often be returned, so that the positive feelings flow both ways.

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.  
They are but trifles, to be sure, but, scattered along life's pathway,  
The good they do is inconceivable." - Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

It is said that laughter is the best medicine. It is an excellent medicine. When you are low and perhaps feeling sorry for yourself, find something funny to laugh at. You can't feel really bad and laugh at the same time. Laughter just feels good. When things are a bit sour between friends, what better way to set things right, than to have a good laugh together.

"The most completely lost of all days is that on which one has not laughed." - Nicolas Chamfort (1741-1794) 
 
We may not feel like smiling or laughing because we have too much upsetting us. This is a condition that we can usually do something about. Since we are happy when we have pleasant thoughts, we can change our thoughts to something that is enjoyable. Sometimes it is difficult when we are in a deep rut but it can be done with practice.

"Thus the sovereign voluntary path to cheerfulness, if your cheerfulness be lost, is to sit up cheerfully and to act and speak as if cheerfulness were already there." - William James (1842-1910)