Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore once wrote, “It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”

Indeed, isn’t that always the case? That we might set out with only the best of mindful intentions, only to be dissuaded by the noise of our day.

Sadly, distraction requires no training. Our minds are easily pulled from one thought to the next, in quick pursuit without ever the hope of resolve. Whether the blaring of a car horn, or a child in distress – we can’t help our eventual ‘capture.’

The Buddha encouraged a simplicity of heart, yet the complexity of our minds tend to steer us towards another path. But, what does it mean to embrace a simplicity of heart? To experience the freedom of this life without boundaries?

Perhaps, the most fundamental practice is that of learning to let go; to relinquish our attachments, to disentangle the mind from this physical space.

I like to think of it as a ‘fearless simplicity’. That is to say, to allow ourselves to disengage from the never ending flood of social media postings, ‘breaking news’ items – and even that dreadful office gossip (as tempting as it might seem). To lean into this boundless peace; to embrace the moment just as it is.

But, that’s not quite so easy now, is it? Though we may crave simplicity, when presented we are challenged to endure it.

It’s as if we’re determined to fill that empty space – running from moment to moment in a desperate scramble to fill the perceived abyss.

Until we realize the power of ‘just this.’

Just this simple breath…

Just this simple heart…

Just this simple way of being.

To embrace this loving moment for no other reason than – just this.

My darlings, even in the midst of chaos the heart may offer refuge. And, in this space the stillness may become our sanctuary.

The challenge is to just simply let it…