Mindfulness is the rage du jour. And I do love the idea and the practice of it. But the other day an interesting thing happened that made me think about my mind a little differently.

I picked up an article my colleague had given me with the title “Simple Mindfulness.” But I misread it as “Simple Mindedness!” Yes, I did say Simple Mindedness! I blinked and looked again, and then laughed to myself. I think I read it the way I need to live it, I thought.

“Simplemindedness” seems to me to be a wonderful word. It speaks to me of staying in the present moment and not dwelling on my worry thoughts. Simplemindedness means can mean that I make my plans, but keep my focus on what is in front of me, not worrying about the thing that has not yet happened.

Keeping my mind simple means that I refrain from over thinking something or trying to figure out someone else’s motives or intentions, (which is impossible.)

Keeping the focus on myself and paying attention to my own motives keeps my mind full of simple thoughts.  I can spare myself from self-blame, but rather simply be honest with my Self about my thoughts, feelings and participation in an interaction? 

How could you practice simplemindedness? Maybe it is the moment when you feel fulfilled with what you have; free from wishing you had more, or were more like someone else? Maybe it could be like the moment tonight when my husband and I stood outside and “spoke” to the ruffed grouse who lives in the woods at the edge of the property.  I had nothing in my mind except to be still, and let the bird know we were safe. (He did walk over and speak to us in his grouse voice.) That was a simpleminded moment.  I filled my thoughts with nothing but the beauty of the experience.

Simplemindedness can free you from fear, doubt, guild and insecurity. Simplemindedness can give you the ability to notice things you would not notice of your mind was more involved in intricacies and complexities. Simplemindedness can give you moments of peace.

 You might want to see how simply simple you can be. It’s worth a try!