The Art of Simple: Life, Business, and Spirituality

Written full of energy, had great coffee and fruit salad. And yes, a very vivid dream travelling the world.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," Leonardo da Vinci once said. It seems like simplicity, ironically, has become a complex idea. Fear not, my friends. Today, we’re going to break it down, Zulu-style, weaving lessons from Japan, Peru, Africa, and a touch of humour, because life is already too serious.

If simplicity were a character, it would be that quiet genius sitting in the back of the room, observing, smiling, and occasionally dropping wisdom bombs. It’s not about minimalism for minimalism's sake. It’s about clarity, focus, and, dare I say, grace. So let’s dive into the why, how, and hilarious mishaps of applying simplicity to life, business, and spirituality.

Part 1: Simplicity in Life: From Chaos to Clarity

Life is complicated enough without us adding layers of unnecessary drama. Whether it’s your inbox that looks like a crime scene or your kitchen pantry filled with expired sauces (admit it, we all have that one chilli sauce from 2015), simplicity starts with decluttering.

Lessons from Japan: Wabi-Sabi

In Japan, wabi-sabi celebrates imperfection. It’s like saying, “You’re enough, cracks and all.” Think of your life as a beautifully cracked ceramic bowl. Every chip tells a story: the time you tried baking during lockdown, the time you laughed so hard you knocked over the wine glass, or the time you failed spectacularly but learned profoundly.

From Peru: Ayni

The Andean concept of ayni—reciprocity—is life’s reminder to give and take in balance. Life is not about hoarding happiness or monopolizing resources. It’s about sharing, whether it’s your time, wisdom, or that last slice of cake. Ayni keeps the cosmic scales balanced, unlike my budget during holiday sales.

Africa’s Ubuntu: "I Am Because We Are"

Now, Africa brings us ubuntu—a philosophy that says your humanity is tied to the humanity of others. You’re not just a lone wolf; you’re part of the pack. Whether it’s greeting a stranger or helping your neighbor fix their car, ubuntu reminds us that life is better when shared.

Life’s Takeaway:

Simplify your connections, your routines, and your possessions. But don’t oversimplify to the point of losing richness. Keep what sparks joy and discard what doesn’t—Marie Kondo would approve. And remember, joy isn’t found in a fancy gadget but in shared laughter over amagwinya (vetkoek) and tea.

Part 2: Simplicity in Business: When Less is More Profitable

Here’s the thing about business: It’s often overcomplicated by buzzwords, endless meetings, and strategies that look like IKEA assembly instructions. Simplicity is not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most.

Japan’s Kaizen: Small Steps, Big Impact

The Japanese philosophy of kaizen advocates continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. Think of it like upgrading your coffee from instant to freshly brewed—small shift, massive life upgrade. In business, kaizen means focusing on efficiency and effectiveness without overhauling everything overnight.

Malay Adat: Harmony in Collaboration

From Malaysia comes adat, a tradition emphasizing harmony and mutual respect. Imagine if every meeting started with this principle. Instead of arguing over whose PowerPoint slide is more colorful, we’d actually solve problems.

African Wisdom: Hustle Smart

In Africa, the street vendors are the real MBAs—Masterful Business Administrators. With minimal resources, they maximize impact. They show us that simplicity in business is not about cutting corners but about cutting through the fluff.

Business Takeaway:

Focus on what your customers value, streamline your operations, and remember: a clear plan is better than a complicated one. If you can’t explain your business model in under five minutes, you’re probably overthinking it.

Part 3: Simplicity in Spirituality: Finding the Divine in the Ordinary

Let’s face it: Spirituality can sometimes feel like an overwhelming checklist—meditate for an hour, journal your dreams, align your chakras, and don’t forget to light incense. But simplicity teaches us that the sacred is often found in the smallest, quietest moments.

Japanese Tea Ceremony: Mindfulness in Action

The Japanese tea ceremony is simplicity embodied. Every motion, from pouring water to offering tea, is deliberate. It’s a reminder that spirituality is in the details. So next time you make your rooibos, do it with intention. Who knows? You might unlock the secrets of the universe—or at least avoid spilling.

Peru’s Pachamama: Reverence for Earth

In Peruvian culture, Pachamama represents Mother Earth. Spirituality doesn’t always require temples or rituals; sometimes, it’s as simple as planting a tree or walking barefoot on the grass. Just resist the urge to hashtag it.

Africa’s Kugquma: The Power of Silence

In African traditions, kugquma—sitting in silence—is a spiritual practice. It’s about listening to the whispers of the universe. Silence isn’t empty; it’s full of answers. Try it next time you’re tempted to scroll endlessly on your phone.

Spiritual Takeaway:

Simplify your spiritual practices. You don’t need a Himalayan retreat to find peace. Sometimes, it’s in the small things—a kind word, a quiet moment, or a heartfelt prayer.

Part 4: The Balance of Simplicity: Avoiding Extremes

Now, let’s talk balance. Simplicity doesn’t mean deprivation. It’s not about throwing away all your possessions or rejecting technology. It’s about intentionality. Simplify, but don’t oversimplify. Keep your favourite pair of sneakers, but maybe let go of the ones you haven’t worn since 2008.

The Balance of Simplicity: Walking the Tightrope Between Chaos and Clarity

Simplicity, as poetic and noble as it sounds, can be a double-edged sword if not approached with balance. Like a recipe, it requires the right proportions of minimalism, intentionality, and richness to yield the sweet taste of fulfilment. Too much simplicity can lead to deprivation, while too little leaves us overwhelmed. Finding balance in simplicity is like walking a tightrope—you need focus, flexibility, and a sense of humour for when you inevitably wobble.

The Danger of Over-Simplification: Life Isn’t a Spreadsheet

Let’s be honest: Some people take simplicity too far. The "I threw away everything I own and now live out of a backpack" crowd might inspire awe on Instagram, but in practice, it’s not for everyone. Over-simplifying can strip life of its texture and joy. Imagine boiling down a gourmet meal into a single slice of toast—it’s edible, sure, but where’s the delight?

In life, balance means decluttering without erasing. Let go of unnecessary possessions but keep the mementos that make your heart smile. Digitize your files but hold onto that handwritten letter from a loved one. Life isn’t a spreadsheet; it’s a symphony, and every note matters.

The Over-Simplicity Trap in Business: Not Everything Can Be Automated

In business, over-simplification can be a recipe for disaster. Automating customer service may save costs, but a chatbot can’t replicate the warmth of a genuine human connection. Streamlining operations is smart, but shaving off too many layers can leave your processes vulnerable. Think of it as pruning a tree—cut too much, and the tree withers; prune strategically, and it flourishes.

Balance in business simplicity means focusing on what adds real value while respecting the complexity of human relationships and organizational needs. Automate the repetitive tasks, but never lose sight of the human touch.

Spirituality and the Risks of "One-Size-Fits-All" Simplicity

In spirituality, over-simplicity often manifests as one-size-fits-all approaches. The "five-minute meditation that will change your life" or "three steps to enlightenment" might sell books, but spirituality is deeply personal. Reducing it to bite-sized hacks risks losing its essence.

Balanced simplicity in spirituality means finding practices that resonate with your soul, not just your schedule. Maybe it’s the quiet of kugquma (African silence), the deliberate motions of a Japanese tea ceremony, or simply watching a sunset with gratitude. Balance here isn’t about ticking boxes but about finding what nourishes your spirit.

The Art of Balanced Simplicity: A Few Practical Tips

1. Life: Curate, Don’t Erase

• What to Avoid: Don’t Marie Kondo away everything—your sentimental treasures matter.

• What to Do: Focus on quality over quantity. Keep what serves a purpose or sparks joy.

• Example: Simplify your wardrobe, but keep that one loud Hawaiian shirt for when you need to feel like a party.

2. Business: Streamline, Don’t Sacrifice

• What to Avoid: Over-automation or cutting corners that hurt customer relationships.

• What to Do: Invest in systems that enhance efficiency while preserving your brand’s humanity.

• Example: Use software to track customer orders but follow up with a personal note of appreciation.

3. Spirituality: Practice, Don’t Hack

• What to Avoid: Spiritual shortcuts that promise instant transformation.

• What to Do: Commit to meaningful, regular practices that align with your beliefs.

• Example: Instead of rushing through a five-minute meditation app, take 10 minutes to sit quietly and simply breathe.

The Wabi-Sabi of Balance: Finding Beauty in the Imperfect Middle

In the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about harmony. It’s the cracked vase that still holds flowers, the offbeat melody that touches the heart, the quiet acceptance that life is messy but meaningful.

Peruvian Wisdom: Ayni as Cosmic Reciprocity

The Andean concept of ayni teaches balance through reciprocity. It’s not about giving everything away or hoarding for yourself—it’s about a flow of energy that benefits all. If you take, you give. If you give, you receive. Balance, in this sense, is the dance of fairness and mutual respect.

African Ubuntu: "I Am Because We Are"

Ubuntu, the African principle of interconnectedness, offers a lesson in balance. It’s not about rugged individualism or total self-sacrifice; it’s about thriving together. Balance here means contributing to the community while honoring your own needs and boundaries.

Vincent Zulu’s Wisdom: Life Isn’t Binary

Life isn’t a choice between black and white—it’s a palette of greys and vibrant colours. Simplicity doesn’t mean denying yourself life’s pleasures, nor does it mean drowning in material excess. It’s about living thoughtfully, aligning your actions with your values, and finding joy in the everyday.

Balanced simplicity is, at its heart, a reminder: Life, business, and spirituality don’t have to be complicated to be profound. And if you stumble along the way, just remember—every wobble on the tightrope is part of the dance. Keep walking, keep laughing, and keep it simple, but not too simple.