You may be familiar with the phrase “What would Jesus do?”
Some people ask themselves this question when faced with a difficult situation requiring guidance or inspiration. When uncertain
of which direction to take, answering for ourselves the question “What would Jesus do?” or “What would [mom/my
husband/someone I admire] do?” not only helps us to arrive at a choice but also to feel support and strength behind
that choice.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when having to choose a solution
to a problem from a variety of available options. We can mull over these choices in our heads again and again. Suddenly, everything
may look to be the best choice or else nothing does! This can really be maddening and, in truth, all the options may have
their own merits. So how to choose?
Another question that may be worth asking is “What would simply
do?”
This can have two different meanings. First of all, it is likely
that the various solutions you are considering range from simple to complex in scope. While some large problems may call for
elaborate or complex solutions, oftentimes, it is the simplest solution that is quickest to implement, invokes the least amount
of resistance from others and feels most authentic. The simplest action, choice or design can truly be the most profound.
(Think Apple’s iPod or a Bach invention!)
The second meaning of asking the question “What would simply
do?” is asking yourself “Do I trust in myself that this is good enough?” The simple solution may not always
seem the “perfect” solution (if there is such a thing as “perfect”). But is it good enough? Is a “perfect”
solution even possible? Sometimes a quest for “perfection” only serves to mask a wish to avoid making any decision
or taking any action at all! We may fear taking action because we mistrust our own instincts.
On the other hand, some of us may be accustomed to too much action.
We may fear that choosing a simple solution does not provide adequate opportunity to micromanage or fret about each step along
the way. A simple solution does not leave much space for layering on anxiety or drama. A simple solution requires you to let
go, accept its simplicity and trust in its truth.
Choosing simplicity is choosing to trust. To trust in your own inner
compass, to trust that many things have their own way and schedule of working themselves out, and to trust that the universe
will support the choices we make.
