Simple ≠ Easy

Keep it simple, one is often told. Sound advice, even sounds like it ought to be easy to practice. But, what is simplicity? Is it the absence of complexity? Or is it economy of effort? I find my practice of gung fu and my recent efforts to learn to swim driving me to reexamine my understanding of the nature of simplicity. I recently watched an interview with origami grandmaster, Sensei Yoshizawa Akira where he talked about simplicity. Paraphrasing his words, there is a simplicity to the efforts of the novice, but it is dictated by his/her limited knowledge/skill. The efforts of a more skilled practitioner are characterized by complexity and variety of technique. But as one progresses further in one's practice of the art one develops fluency in the technique and the ability to truly and honestly express oneself. And, in so doing, one returns to simplicity. Only this simplicity arises out of skill and understanding, rather than being imposed by the inadequacy of either. He could have been talking about gung fu or cooking or any practice for that matter. Well, that's what gung fu is, the dedication of one's time and efforts to the pursuit of ideals in one's practice, whatever that practice might be. And, simplicity is an ideal well worth pursuing.