Be as simple as you can be; you will be amazed to see how uncomplicated and happy your life will become. — Paramahansa Yogananda
—What lingers after this line?
The Call to Be Simple
Paramahansa Yogananda’s words invite us to experiment with a different way of living: instead of adding more, we deliberately choose less. He suggests that simplicity is not a loss but a doorway, and that by stepping through it we discover a life that feels lighter and more joyful. Rather than promising complex spiritual techniques, he points to a plain, practical attitude—“be as simple as you can be”—as the starting point for inner change.
Why Complexity Makes Life Heavy
To see why simplicity matters, it helps to notice how complexity creeps in. Extra possessions, constant digital noise, and the need to impress others all tangle our days. This creates stress and decision fatigue, leaving us tired without understanding why. In many wisdom traditions, from the Stoics to Indian yogic teachings, such clutter is seen as a veil over our natural peace. When life is too complicated, even small problems feel overwhelming.
Simplicity as a Daily Practice
However, Yogananda’s advice is not abstract; it can be lived in simple choices. We can speak more plainly, keep fewer but meaningful commitments, and focus on what truly matters. For example, choosing one important task instead of many half-hearted ones can clear mental fog. Similarly, spending a quiet evening with a loved one instead of chasing constant entertainment gently returns us to ourselves. These small acts form a steady, simple rhythm of living.
The Surprise of ‘Uncomplicated’ Happiness
Yogananda adds that we will be “amazed” at the results, implying that most people underestimate simplicity. We often assume happiness must be earned through effort and achievement. Yet, like cleaning a dusty window, removing complications lets existing light stream in. When worries are fewer and desires more modest, ordinary moments—drinking tea, walking outside, sharing a laugh—suddenly feel rich. The happiness was always there, but now it is easier to notice.
Choosing a Simpler Inner Life
Finally, the deepest simplicity occurs in the mind and heart. Instead of overanalyzing, we can look at situations directly and respond with honesty and kindness. Letting go of grudges, jealousy, and constant comparison pares life down to essentials: awareness, gratitude, and love. As spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita emphasize, a calm, single-pointed mind experiences peace amid changing circumstances. In this way, becoming simpler becomes the quiet path to becoming truly happy.
One-minute reflection
What's one small action this suggests?
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