Simplicity

 

Simplicity is of course a virtue. Undoubtedly, if adopted would save us a lot of time, energy, money and chaos. It is a value that has been believed to be hoarded by great people. True it may be, but when I personally look into the generations just before mine, I find out that there wasn't any lack of this great virtue even in places that do not demand high ranks for itself.

I remember the probiotic meal that everyone is talking today is actually a product of simple living in houses of Kerala. I have seen my grandmother and my mother preparing it simply not even knowing that one day it would be in the menus of the stars of the society. The staple food of Kerala is rice to be more specific boiled rice. There was no custom of preparing the exact quantity of rice required for a family, in those days joint family. The concept is to have at least enough rice for an unexpected guest or passerby who drops in meal time. He could be served the rice with curd and pickle at least and both accompaniments always available in the household. The reason most of our houses owned cattle as well so milk and milk products are hardly out of stock. Pickles made in large quantities to last at least till next season. Now not everyday you have an unexpected guest, so what to do with the extra servings of rice? Throwing is not an option at all. So this rice is transferred to another earthen pot with fresh water from well and left overnight to ferment. Morning add a little curd, smash an onion and a green chilli and there you go! You are relishing the healthiest probiotic meal ever. Simplicity!!!

Even today when we all sit to have lunch or dinner, my mother would be happy to have all items in a small plate compared to our extra large plate with different compartments or dishes for each items. Students' tiffin boxes were not fancy with snacks that look prettier with each passing day of the week. The meal is packed in a steel tiffin box - sturdy and healthy - not the plastic pollution. The meal itself is simplicity simplified. Curd rice with a dash of pickle or two teaspoon full of some dry veg kept on a corner. No separate boxes and tissues and spoons!!! Simplicity!!!

Sleeping - not a big deal. No mattresses and cushions and pillows. Each member has a bedsheet, a pillow and a rug of grass or a thick bedsheet. You have a space defined as well for you to sleep. Make your bed, sleep, get up and yes don't forget to put your bed back after folding it neatly. Hygienic and of course Simple!!!

Food - No big concepts. It is the usual staple food rice, curry and a side vegetable with pickle, curd and papad (a snack had with meals). Sweet dishes, elaborate meals are only when suitable occasions arrive. You crave for sweets - no big deal. Have a piece of jaggery after meals. Healthy and again Simple!!!

Dressing - again dresses not purchased every now and then. There have to be occasions for them to be bought. Birthdays, weddings, festivals, etc. Simple wardrobe with few dresses. No hoarding. Simplicity!!!

Houses, furniture - simpler. It's as per requirement. Chairs for elders, few cots and cradles and few cupboards here and there. That's it. No elaborate interiors and designers and caretakers. Simplicity again!!!

So when I look back, the life the previous generations lived was an example of Simplicity at its epitome. That's how they have left acres of land and property behind for their heirs. Their simplicity paid off to them in good health, long life and peace and rewarded their heirs with fortune.

What more can be said of this virtue. If we can adopt even an iota of what was, our lives would change for the best.

Take care

Regards 

SRN