Keep it simple, stupid?

It seems silly to me for a word like “simple”, there are 29 definitions in the dictionary. Here are a few:
1.) easy to understand
2.) not elaborate or ornate
3.) unaffected, unassuming, modest
4.) free of deceit or guile, sincere, unconditional
5.) inconsequential or rudimentary
6.) lacking mental acuteness, or sense
7.) a person of humble origins

We all inherently know the definition of this word. We rely on life’s simplicity to function everyday. If life were too complicated, we would have a much harder time simply surviving; getting food, getting to work, breathing. We gravitate towards simplicity in many ways, whether it is finding the easiest route to a destination, or buying fast food instead of cooking at home. I know there are many things about life that seem effortless because we choose simplicity.

It is interesting that on one day I received two bits of information about being simple. The first, an article posted to www.planetsave.com about living simply, found here. The second, an issue of a magazine called “Real Simple”. A periodical about “life made easier”.

So, with all things, I decided to take a look at both and juxtapose the various advice made by each. Is there a clear communication about what each value, and what it is teaching us to value? If so, what habits does it encourage?

Let’s start with “Real Simple”. This is a description of the magazine in their words:

“Real Simple gives busy women the information, inspiration and tools they need to make life easier. Filled with practical solutions to everyday challenges, Real Simple helps its readers do the things they have to do, so they can spend more time doing what they want to do. These solutions are as soulful as they are real — the collective voice of wise wisdom and the advice you’d get from a trusted friend.

Real Simple is currently expanding its brand premise, “life made easier,” to other platforms, including books, special issues, international editions, a weekly television show on PBS, a syndicated newspaper column and two innovative product lines available at Target.”

The issue I received is 299 pages on ideas for wardrobe upgrades, easy skillet dinners, adding value to your home, etiquette and plus, the best exfoliators on the market! Of course all the pages are not dedicated to these topics. In fact, 149 pages, or just under 50%, of the magazine is dedicated to advertisements; telling you to buy “ALL this stuff” in order to be simple? Some of the advice given is to know how to interpret an expiration date. Are they kidding? Or, how to get your shoes to stop squeaking, which requires a cobbler, by the way, not a do-it-yourself trick. It also “tackles, head on” a very important quandry… how to get the most from your shade of hair color.

I do want to give them credit for some important articles, like picking the best compact fluorescent bulb. They have an article on how to recycle anything and everything, and include things from beach balls to mirrors… with the rest of the alphabet (n-z) appearing next month. And, my favorite article, etiquette in a cell phone age, because if I have to hear one more person talking about their last gynecology appointment, I am going to scream. And, yes, I know you just cringed. That is the point. You don’t even want to read it, why would you want to hear about it?

However, all of this being said, I think there is something of the greatest importance to talk about with these types of magazines; the impact on your mind about what is necessary. If you total up everything that this magazine recommends, it will cost you $50, 762!!!! And, that is just for THIS MONTH. I’m sorry, but I just have to ask, does that seem simple to you? And this number doesn’t include the cost of the two page shopping list of recommended food to purchase, which I estimate at $350. No wonder eating fast food seems easier, when you are looking at a bill like that. Which, in reality, eating from home is not that hard or expensive, as I proved here.
And the costs keep rising. When you go to the website, the first flash page instructs you on how to buy children’s gifts for “$50 or less”. I think you already know my beliefs about this and if you don’t, go here. Or, my other favorite recommendation from the website: How to create the ideal bed.

Here’s how, according to them:
1.) Buy a good mattress, the average cost of their listed recommendations: $1877
2.) Sheets, avg. cost: $206
3.) Bed covers, avg. cost: $182
4.) Pillows, avg. cost: $100

For a grand total of $2365.

Want to know my recipe for an ideal bed? Buy some sheets from Target, at most $49.99, throw on a blanket, and cuddle with someone you love.

Now, let’s go over to the article of www.planetsave.com. In this article, the author, Megan Prusynski, makes her argument for living a simple life. She says, and I agree with her, look at what you consume and cut it down. Because when you look at the true cost of what you purchase, it is not necessary and more importantly, it is not guilt free. She lists seven simple questions to ask yourself before you purchase anything.

1.) Do I need it?
2.) Is it something I will use often?
3.) Would a used item suffice?
4.) What is the most sustainable option?
5.) Am I falling prey to consumerism?
6.) Will it last?
7.) Could I make it myself?

She handled that article on one web page, which had three advertisements. That seems pretty simple, in my opinion.

So, why did I take the time to show the difference between these two examples of simple consumerism? Because I feel that currently there is an epidemic of consumption. I think we buy too much for no reason.

I look at the magazine and I wonder to myself, what habits does this create? What happens when you see the words “must have” next to a $500 price tag, over and over and over, again? What alteration does our perception go through when we are blocked from seeing the true information of our world as expressed through a connection to others and our surroundings? Now, I do not believe the magazine is to blame. It is a product that chronicles an already present mind shift that started years and years ago. And, at the same time, perpetuates the same state of mind. I know that I have mentioned it before but I feel life would be simpler if we really and truly were keeping up with the Joneses and not some fictitious family that can afford the $50,000 cost of the September 2008 issue of Real Simple.

I go back to the example of definitions, as listed above, and I wonder to myself which lifestyle honors the word: simple. All of the definitions, with the exception of the sixth, represent a lifestyle I want to have and the power I give to my purchases. I do not want to leave a footprint on this planet, as in “unaffected” or “inconsequential”. I want to honor nature by allowing it to nurture me and provide me with real, whole food, as in “easy to understand” and “not ornate”. I want to have humility and be free of guilt and love my friends and family unconditionally, and have my purchasing power reflect those words. This is how I choose to live.

Please take a moment to look at definition number six and think of what the magazine teaches us.

Now, decide how you want to live.