Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Barry

“Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.”

—Charles Bukowski, 20th Century American novelist

Image from Unsplash by National Cancer Institute

My son Dan is a developer working with a top healthcare software company.

His current project involves using artificial intelligence to help medical professionals communicate and summarize complex medical concepts in ways that can be more easily understood by individuals of different ages and educational backgrounds.

With staffing resources in healthcare stressed and strained to their limits, using AI to make communication more efficient and effective is a stroke of genius.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world are there breakdowns in communication?

How would saying things in a simpler way make a profound difference in your life?

How might some of the new AI resources being introduced be helpful in these efforts?

Friday Review: Simplicity

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Barry

Friday Review: Simplicity

In a complex world, simplicity can be helpful. Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

Which simple things in life do you appreciate?

“The rising sun blesses my mind with joy. The setting sun blesses my heart with peace.”

“Live Simply, Love Generously, Speak Truthfully, Breathe Deeply, Do Your Best. Leave everything else to the powers above you.”

One key to knowing joy is to be easily pleased.

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Barry

“One key to knowing joy is to be easily pleased.”

—Mark Nepo, Author of The Book of Awakening

Image from Unsplash by NordWood Themes

We live in a world of constant comparison. It is driving many of us crazy.

Foolishly we believe that constantly pursuing excellence in all things is a sign of worldliness and higher status. Consider this list:

The vehicle you drive
The food you eat
Where you went to school
Your career or job
Your home
Your family and friends
Where you go on holiday or vacation
The water you drink

When we see ourselves as special, deserving only the best, we can become isolated. When no one or no-thing can meet our high standards on every occasion we are guaranteed to be let down.

What if instead, we seek to discover the specialness in all things that come our way as a path toward greater joy and happiness?

EXERCISE:

Consider reading Factfulness by Hans Rosling. I am sure you will be even more easily pleased with your life.

Which simple things in life do you appreciate?

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Barry

Which simple things in life do you appreciate?

—Calm app Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Maarten Deckers

We often complicate our lives with a multiplicity of stimulating things, only to realize that we have lost much of our sense of peace and well-being.

Keeping things simple will bring back the calm and serenity you hope to have fully present in your life.

Appreciate the simple elements of life. Look to natural things versus man-made things for lessons.

Simplicity is a source of peace and well-being.

Seek it, and remove the complexities of the world where you can.

EXERCISE:

What are some areas in which you can reduce or eliminate the complexities of life?
Where would simplifying your personal or professional life provide you the peace and greater well-being you seek?
Where will you begin, and what will be your first few steps?

Friday Review: Simplicity

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: SIMPLICITY

In a complex world, simplicity can be helpful. Here are a few simplicity-related posts you may have missed. Click to read the full message.

“If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself.”

“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.”

“The rising sun blesses my mind with joy. The setting sun blesses my heart with peace.”

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Barry

“The rising sun blesses my mind with joy. The setting sun blesses my heart with peace.”

—Sri Chinmoy, 20th Century Indian Spiritual Leader

Image from Unsplash by John Towner

Before electricity and the light bulb, our sun and perhaps the occasional fire influenced every aspect of life.

Sunlight was man’s alarm clock to rise and go about the day, to survive and be productive.

When the sun went down, it was time to relinquish our efforts and find safety in our homes with our family. It was time, hopefully, to settle into a peaceful and safe slumber until the sun woke us again.

How has the world — and particularly your life — changed from this simpler time? Consider the fact that we live in a world where the lights never seem to go out, even if its the dim light of your smart phone or the numbers on your alarm clock.

EXERCISE:

How much additional joy and peace might you experience if you more fully embraced a life guided further by the rising and setting of the sun?

Consider reading Waking up to the Dark – Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age, by Clark Strand.

You Need Less Than You Think

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Barry

“You need less than you think. Just enjoy the moment now.”

—Brendon Burchard, Author of High Performance Habits

Imaage of African people in colorful dress walking

Image from Unsplash by Piotr Usewicz

My trip to Africa last August was an eye-opener. Seeing the beautiful landscapes and fantastic animals was amazing.

An additional highlight was the opportunity to meet others in our group from all over the world, and of course, the people of Africa who live far differently and with far less than we do. Their diverse communities seem to be living more consistently with the idea of “The best things in life are not things.”

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your world and in what ways would a “less is more” and “Live in the moment” approach be the way to a happier and more fulfilling life?

With wisdom comes the desire for simplicity

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Barry

“With wisdom comes the desire for simplicity.”

—Brendon Burchard, American Personal Development Trainer

In today’s fast-moving world, many people seem to be racing around their lives, looking for more. At the same time, others are slowing down a bit, and being more mindful of how their days are spent.

To which group do you belong?

If you examine your current communities, or even your wondrous memory bank of the things you’ve learned over the years, which individuals rank among the wisest? What did their life stories look like, as they pursued and reached this level of self-actualization?

A very consistent theme I’ve observed is their increased ability to focus, prioritize, eliminate distractions, and keep their worlds as simple as possible.

You are probably aware that the title of my book is The Quotable Coach: Daily Nuggets of Practical Wisdom. It is my belief that a quote is a condensed and simplified version of a profound thought.

EXERCISE:

How can you simplify your life, to more fully pursue greater wisdom for yourself?

Consider searching the over 1,600 quotes/nuggets of wisdom on The Quotable Coach website, using the category drop-down box in the right-hand sidebar.

A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Barry

“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.”

—Johnathan Lockwood Huie, author of Simply an Inspired Life

Image of a gift wrapped in the comic strips

Image from syracuse.com

When I was in elementary school, we were required by our teachers to cover our textbooks to protect them from damage and excessive wear.

At the time, many school supply and stationary stores carried colorful cartoon-character or superhero covers to do the job – for a price.

My mom, who was always careful with our family’s money, made her own book covers from brown paper bags from the supermarket. She knew this plain wrapper would do the job just fine – protecting the treasure of valuable information inside.