In the advertising world, the mantra is, “Keep it simple, stupid.” As a copywriter, I learned to favor clear communication above pretty prose.  Not to “dumb it down,”  but to convey the message efficiently. This rule applies to all correspondence– not just pushing product. If you have ever read the instructions on how to load ringtones onto your smartphone, protest a parking ticket or pay your taxes, you get what I mean.

Sometimes, the precise word says it all. Yet not at the expense of transmission. I was talking to a friend on the phone who was putting himself down and I suggested, “Don’t disparage yourself.” There was a moment of silence. Then, he replied, “Wait, I’m looking up the definition of disparage.” I said, “Why don’t you just ask me what it means?” And he said, “I don’t want you to think I’m stupid.” Then he proceeded to read confidently, “to belittle; to reduce in esteem or rank…” I had to laugh. Far from dumb, he came off witty!

But I digress. (Keeping it simple is not as easy as it seems!)

What does plain language have to do with spirituality? In my opinion, not enough. It seems to me that something as essential as one’s connection to Source should be totally unencumbered. Simple and direct. Bam.

The sacred texts were once readily understood– written in the language of their time. But today, one can get bogged down in antiquated phraseology and miss the message altogether. These divinely inspired works are worthy of reverence, perfect as they were originally created. Nevertheless, sometimes mining for gold in these classics is work. Even more modern texts, like A Course In Miracles are not exactly user-friendly. I frequently have to add a step of translation before I get to the “ah ha.” So be it. Still, I agree with Leonardo DaVinci. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

What I desire is a stream-lined book on spirituality, for myself and whomever would appreciate the same.  So I am in the process of co-creating one. (Yes, with Source.) Not that there aren’t some wonderful ones out there already. Trust me, I have used that fact to nearly talk myself out of the task at hand. But ultimately, it’s not about what is out there. It’s about what is within. “If we don’t bring forth that which is within us, that which is within us will destroy us.” ~Christ.

In an effort to keep it simple, my writing will be focused on the book and not the blog, for now. Though I may check in once in a while. Just for fun.

To cut to the chase (I know, I blew that a long time ago), thank you for reading and happy trails… until we meet again.