Simplicity

Mindfulness brings a certain simplicity to living while opening the mind to the complexity of life. This is the beauty of paying attention internally and externally in the moment. Meditation is indeed a portal to this sensibility. The practice of patience also opens the mind to appreciating how simple action in complex situations is often best. Doing nothing observantly  is often better than doing too much too quickly.

This kind of patient simplicity of living makes materialism irrelevant. Acquiring possessions or glamorous experiences no longer impresses. In fact, it becomes obvious that hedonism is like scratching a mosquito bite. The more you scratch, the more it itches. 

My practice is the daily application of mindful and simple living, based in humanist values. Promoting peace and human joy of life are the core humanist values I try to live up to and exemplify. Living this practice leaves little time or energy for hedonism or materialism.

My friend, Rick Heller, has published a very good article about consumerism in The Humanist magazine. I appreciate Rick's integration of Buddhism, psychology and neuroscience in his piece. He articulates concepts which are very important in my own practice of humanism. I recommend reading it.