Reducing Stress by Incorporating the Art Simplicity into Life
By Allen Imbarrato
Recently, I heard a talk by Greg McKeoen, bestselling author of "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less". Essentialism teaches simplicity. One of the key points he makes is to "do less, and accomplish more."
His three-step strategy to do this is:
1. Explore what is most important
2. Eliminate what is not important
3. Execute and focus on what is most meaningful and important
I have recently applied these steps to clearing out my garden. First, I noticed what plants and trees appear problematic or vibrant. Next, I noticed which ones were important to me (step 1). In this observation, I noticed that one of my favorite trees was in distress. I had to face that it has lost a major branch and was not looking well. I realized I wanted to try to heal the tree. I then turned my attention to what was not important in the garden (Step 2). I called in a professional gardener to help clear the unessential plants and heal the tree, which has 20 years of meaning (Step 3). The gardener informed me the tree was infested with termites, and they could spread to the house.
With this new information, what was important and meaningful to me, shifted. This was the final piece of information I needed to decide to "Eliminate" and remove the tree. The cost of "holding on." to the tree became greater than the value of keeping it. It was sad to watch the tree be cut down in just a few minutes. However, I know life is impermeant. The next day I noticed new light shining into my now simpler garden. I knew life would begin again.
So, how do "essentialism" and simplicity relate to reducing stress? Sometimes we hold on to things because we are used to them or realize that they have lost their meaning. As a result, we continue to clutter our thinking, feelings, and reactions. When we hold on to unessential ways, we cause ourselves stress. Essentialism is about observing what is important and what is not, keeping what is important, and let go of whatnot. This act brings forth simplicity and reduces stress.