The way of the small

A dear friend of mine showed me this book by Michael Gellert, a Jungian analyst who was formerly Director of Training at the C. J. Jung Institute of Los Angeles and a humanities professor at Vanier College, Montreal. It is called The Way of the Small. The idea behind it intrigued me greatly. Why less is truly more? Do we evolve by reducing, rather by accumulating? This approach seems to be in complete opposite to our society's mainstream.
"As you make your way in the world, approaching its diversity and complexity by way of the small and striving to be small yourself, remember: the world scorns the small. Plainly, its chief operating principle is contrary to it. The way of the small is a small principle in a world of large ambition and inflation".

When grandiosity is the mark of the times in the political schemes of governments, individuals living in big houses way beyond their means, and children who constantly want more of what the consumer society puts in front of their eager eyes, Gellert believes there is another way:"When we live small, we live with limits and according to our means, in a way that is not inflated either economically or psychologically. This helps us to find success and happiness not only materially, but spiritually. It also helps us cope with such diminishing ordeals as failure, illness, the loss of a loved one, and aging. Living small raises the monotony of daily life to a godly level and reveals God in the little and difficult things. It makes everyday life sacred."

The experience of enjoying life's small things, as well as simplicity's deep calming effect, had taken a greater and greater impact within my own life. I am amazed by this way's power to bring more peace of mind and joy. I am amazed by how much deeper one can follow this principal, as one chooses to pro-actively acknowledge what's extra, reduce and let go. The road is still so very long... so we get to simplify, simplify, simplify.

Gellert outlines essential principles for living small. Here are a few of them:
• Less is more, simpler is better.
• Know how to persevere and when to quit.
• Celebrate the right details.
• Know when to go with the flow and when against.
• Learn to love vulnerability.
• Face adversity with humor.
• Sacrifice yourself to the jaws of defeat.
• Deal with your own shadow.
• Anticipate death's small portal.

The Way of the Small
Why less is truly more

Michael Gellert
Nicholas-Hays, Inc. 11/07
ISBN: 9780892541294