“Keep it simple stupid”
Those using the 12-step programs for recovery from active addiction to alcohol, other drugs, sex, food, and other people, places and things are often reminded to “keep in simple stupid”.
Paradoxically those who survive long enough to embark on a journey of recovery are often very intelligent. It is, however, often their very large, complicated human brains which keep them from accepting and practicing new thoughts and behavior. They are easily distracted by philosophical issues. When, for example, they are reminded to believe in a power greater than themselves, they embark on a side journey of attempting to prove or disprove a higher power. If their sponsor suggests that they make the group of others seeking recovery their higher power, they continue to seek out creation theories or thoughts of some of those considered the great philosophical thinkers about the purpose of this life journey. The sponsor again reminds them, just for today, the purpose may be to quit adding to the pain of the world. We know that active addiction leaves trails of pain for everyone who interacts with the active addict.
Those who create art, write or play music, paint, dance, sing, envision and create the amazing machines in factories, design the procedures which allow for the safe transplant of organs or other medical procedures, introduce flavors that dance together to create succulent meals or a host of other creative endeavors have learned how to “keep it simple stupid”. The most amazing creations are often the result of being quietly present; of being patient enough to wait for the miracle to arrive. Obviously, one does not sit drunk in a bar, hang out in a crack den, or seek out nay sayers. One sits in a place which is open to a visitation by a creative thought or sensation. A choreographer, for example, becomes one with the wind, the sun, pain, joy, or some other emotion or event. They attempt to be quiet enough to allow their body to accept the invitation of the tiniest insect or the zephyr which lightly caresses their body. One might question whether they created or were open to what already was. If not careful, the person new to recovery or new to a spiritual quest might get so immersed in the question of whether one is actually creating or accepting that one misses the miracle.
Engineers, mathematicians, authors of symphonies, and chefs who create an experience all know that each whole is made up of very tiny steps. The most complicated symphony is “merely” a series of notes which visit other notes in a certain time sequences and in varying degrees of pitch, and loudness. The composer might start with a sense of the final symphony but then he or she must allow each note to play with other notes. It may take many tries to find which notes in which sequence need to explore their relationship, but with patience the final symphony comes together as a whole.
I have no idea if this life journey has a complicated purpose. I do know that if I get quiet enough and am patient enough the miracle of connection always occurs. This is also true with writing. I start with one word or phrase which may or may not decide to hang around. If I remain quiet and open soon the writing takes on a life of its own. Sometimes the first, second and third tries are not “it”. Then along comes the fourth or fifth or sixth attempt and a birth happens.
Always I must invite myself to come back to, “Keep it simple stupid.”
Written August 17, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Those using the 12-step programs for recovery from active addiction to alcohol, other drugs, sex, food, and other people, places and things are often reminded to “keep in simple stupid”.
Paradoxically those who survive long enough to embark on a journey of recovery are often very intelligent. It is, however, often their very large, complicated human brains which keep them from accepting and practicing new thoughts and behavior. They are easily distracted by philosophical issues. When, for example, they are reminded to believe in a power greater than themselves, they embark on a side journey of attempting to prove or disprove a higher power. If their sponsor suggests that they make the group of others seeking recovery their higher power, they continue to seek out creation theories or thoughts of some of those considered the great philosophical thinkers about the purpose of this life journey. The sponsor again reminds them, just for today, the purpose may be to quit adding to the pain of the world. We know that active addiction leaves trails of pain for everyone who interacts with the active addict.
Those who create art, write or play music, paint, dance, sing, envision and create the amazing machines in factories, design the procedures which allow for the safe transplant of organs or other medical procedures, introduce flavors that dance together to create succulent meals or a host of other creative endeavors have learned how to “keep it simple stupid”. The most amazing creations are often the result of being quietly present; of being patient enough to wait for the miracle to arrive. Obviously, one does not sit drunk in a bar, hang out in a crack den, or seek out nay sayers. One sits in a place which is open to a visitation by a creative thought or sensation. A choreographer, for example, becomes one with the wind, the sun, pain, joy, or some other emotion or event. They attempt to be quiet enough to allow their body to accept the invitation of the tiniest insect or the zephyr which lightly caresses their body. One might question whether they created or were open to what already was. If not careful, the person new to recovery or new to a spiritual quest might get so immersed in the question of whether one is actually creating or accepting that one misses the miracle.
Engineers, mathematicians, authors of symphonies, and chefs who create an experience all know that each whole is made up of very tiny steps. The most complicated symphony is “merely” a series of notes which visit other notes in a certain time sequences and in varying degrees of pitch, and loudness. The composer might start with a sense of the final symphony but then he or she must allow each note to play with other notes. It may take many tries to find which notes in which sequence need to explore their relationship, but with patience the final symphony comes together as a whole.
I have no idea if this life journey has a complicated purpose. I do know that if I get quiet enough and am patient enough the miracle of connection always occurs. This is also true with writing. I start with one word or phrase which may or may not decide to hang around. If I remain quiet and open soon the writing takes on a life of its own. Sometimes the first, second and third tries are not “it”. Then along comes the fourth or fifth or sixth attempt and a birth happens.
Always I must invite myself to come back to, “Keep it simple stupid.”
Written August 17, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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