8 Tweeters that Encourage Simplicity

Hey look, I get it. On some levels, Twitter is the exact opposite of simplicity. Its offering of non-stop information often clutters the mind with distraction and nonsense. It allows voices to speak into our lives that we know little about other than the image they have created online. It adds more media. And by its very definition forces us to rely on another shining rectangle for stimulation.

On the other hand, it can be a valuable tool in encouraging simplicity. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of "more is better" and "new and improved," it can be helpful to draw motivation from like-minded individuals who are seeking a life of minimalism and simplicity. The micro-blogging platform forces thoughts to be condensed into a weighty 140 characters. And the encouragement can be available at a moment's notice.

With that in mind, here are eight tweeters that continue to encourage simplicity in my life.

The following tweeters (in alphabetical order) were selected because their tweets are unique, profound, thought-provoking, and call us to consider the invisible things of life. In addition, their tweets tend to be more minimal and less self-promoting than others. And while this post is not a blanket approval for every message they send out, they will encourage you to embrace simplicity in your life.

Leo Babauta. (@zen_habits)

Saying "Less is more" tarnishes the good name of less. src
A long walk through the rain is cleansing calming lovely & sweet. src
Letting go of something is so much more beautiful than possessing it. src


Dave Bruno. ().

What are you going to do to make your life significant? (Hint: Answer isn't to buy stuff.)
When we shop our way into a mess we can't expect to clean things by consuming. Rethink economic recovery.
A healthy economy should make every person feel more like a neighbor than a consumer.


Dalai Lama. (@DalaiLama)

We cannot overcome anger and hatred simply by suppressing them. We need to actively cultivate the antidotes: patience and tolerance. src
If you make your best effort to be kinder, nurture compassion, make the world a better place, then you can say 'At least I've done my best'. src
We must insist on the observation that my right to happiness carries no more weight than others' similar right. src


Debbie Ford. (@Debbie_Ford)

We have the capacity to leave this world a better place than we found it. src
We are each born with an innate desire to contribute to & be a part of something greater than ourselves. src
Compassion gifts us with patience, spaciousness, acceptance, tolerance, and love. src


Stephen Mills. (@RatRaceTrap)

"The true way to gain much is never to desire too gain much." — Francis Beaumont. src
"We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge." — Richard Yates. src
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." — Gandhi. src


The Mindfulist HQ. (@themindfulist)

Try a week of paying for everything in cash. Note how it changes the experience and feeling of shopping. src
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Don't fear it. src
Money is not happiness. We all know this intellectually, but our actions show that we conflate the two. Walk the talk! src


Naomi Seldin. (@SimplerLiving)

The cover of Oprah's latest issue says if I buy it, I can have my ideal body. So now her magazine comes with a free time machine? Awesome. src.


One of my favorite quotes from a reader: "Simplifying is not only about purging and shedding." src
One of the easiest ways to keep clutter out of your house is not to let it in the front door. src


Tiny Buddha. (@tinybuddha)

"The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be." ~Socrates. src
"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk." ~Doug Larson. src
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." ~Flora Whittemore. src

The world of Twitter is nearly infinite. For that reason, I chose to focus on only 8 that encourage simplicity. There are surely more that encourage you. And I'd love to hear about them. If you would kindly post them below in the comment section along with the reason why you included them.