When I began going to Omilos, I wasn’t well psychologically at all. It was my last throw of the dice before I had to begin taking pills, as it had been suggested by the psychologist I was seeing then. The calmness and the simplicity the people there had, was what made me sit and listen to what they had to say to me.

The observer and meditation were the first things they suggested I do.

– “Anna you are fine, but you have to change the way you see life”.

– “No, I’m not”, I would insist.

I would present to them the most tragic things I was thinking about, my wish to commit suicide so as to eventually find peace. And their reaction was always the same, calmness and simplicity in their eyes. I can’t emphasize this enough…

- “You are fine, come, let’s do a relaxation and these thoughts will go away”, they would say.

And truly, they did… I would go there feeling very dark and miserable and I would always leave lighter and much stronger, without them telling me anything special or analysing my childhood years. With a relaxation, with an observation. This made me want to put into practice what they told me, and so I began writing my observer. I discovered many things about me through this. For me, the main thing was that indeed, it all has to do with how I deal with any situation I may be experiencing. Through observation, I changed it immediately and I could see that things are simple in the end. I would do a relaxation and see the tension I had in my body and immediately manage to calm it down. So simply, with a consideration, by simply focusing…

Selfless service was the next thing that they suggested to me. To respond to the need of your fellow human being and help them. And indeed, when I began doing this, I could see that we are all tormented by the same things. And when I saw it in someone else, I could calm them down and this would calm me down at the same time. Why? Because I was also helping myself… it’s that simple. I learned, and I am still learning, with three simple things that I included in my everyday life, to be calm, to live my life, my every moment, simply because I observe myself. To understand people and their functions, to see that we are all the same, and so not be able to keep my anger and frustration with them for very long. I learned to listen to my body and its needs through relaxation. And most importantly, I found out that they were right, I am well and I am strong, but I would forget this when I went through bad situations, I would get lost and become identified with my feelings and couldn’t see it.

Every Monday, Mr Andreas is there to discuss anything that may be concerning us. I remember the first time I was there. I entered the room and I saw a man with a very strict, serious presence, whose voice, when he began talking, emanated a calmness and love… LOVE – I cannot express it in any other way – for everyone, for whatever we were saying, even for the oddest thing that came to our minds. He simply sat and listened with the same seriousness and attention to any queries we may have had. He told us what I mentioned previously and what he describes in his book, they are his speeches. He showed us how we can put the simplest things into action in our everyday lives.

I feel very lucky that this book has come out and I am very much looking forward to the second one coming out because, unfortunately, I’m not able to attend every Monday. Now I have everything in one place and always in my bag. I read it every time that an issue is concerning me, as if it reminds me of the simplicity I should have in my functions, and it brings me back to the now, it takes me out of the identification with any feeling I may have at that moment.

I have given this book to two of my friends as well, who have never been to Omilos, they haven’t even heard about what we do there, and I received two different reactions. One of my friends loved it and he also has it with him all the time:

- “What beautiful things it says, Anna! And the weird thing is that we already know about them, we just don’t do them… and here they are described simply and we can easily put them into our lives.”

The reaction of my other friend was:

- “Oh, Anna, how nicely things are said in this book and yes, they are simple to put into our lives, but on the other hand, they aren’t that simple… the title has two different meanings: ‘Simple, isn’t it?’ and also ‘Simple it is not’ “.

What I understood was the difference between my two friends was their will. My first friend already wanted and was already itching inside (before he got this book in his hands) to change, and my other friend was simply curious to read it, but she didn’t feel the need inside her to change her functions. Even so, she asked to keep it because she said she could see something different and would like to read it again some time. So, what I have seen is that it is simple, as long as we want it to be… as long as we want to change and be well. We have become used to being in misery and complaint, and when we don’t have these, we don’t like it. It’s unknown to us in the beginning, and we try to underplay it by saying that “no, it isn’t like that, it’s normal to be mean and angry since things aren’t going well”, putting all the blame on society and the state.

When we want to change, what we come to understand is that everything is IN OUR OWN HAND and that things are simple!!

A. P., 02-11-2023

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“…Simple, isn’t it?” a question is the title of the book by Mr. Andreas Dritsas, the Presidentof Omilos Eksipiretiton.

“…Simple, isn’t it?” and by seeing the title of the book I would ask: “Which one?”… Then, after reading the book, I would give the answer:

“For us to be well, to create, to help our fellow human beings.”

…Yes, but all of these need some conditions. The answers are given by the writer whose main goal is to help the human being to live beautifully, harmoniously, peacefully, by opening paths for people, giving them solutions, explanations, ways… So,what someone initially sees as difficult, after reading the book they will begin to see it as simple, very simple.

The message of the writer is that the human being has infinite potential and what they see as impossible, can be done. How? The writer gives us magic words, keywords, such as creative meditation, union, I am you, inner freedom, love…

It is a book that gives another perspective in viewing everyday life, the relationship of people with themselves, their environment and the entire world in general.

The truth is that there are several books with similar content which I have read from time to time. In this book, however, I found something that makes it unique and special: The way the writer develops it…

The book targets an average good readership. Its language is comprehensible, its style is analytical, persuasive and leaves no gaps in the coherence of the text, as well as it answers to every question that will arise from the reader.

At the same time, the writer becomes a reader himself. He analyses each dense sentence of the book into examples. He connects every word with action. He gives explanations for every bad thing that happens, or we feel. And above all, he gives energy, he gives strength. The writer supports the human being. He raises them to a higher level and indicates to them the way in which they can be developed within their threefold nature and maintain balance in body-soul-spirit.

People say that the opinion of two people is better than that of a wise man. In this phrase, I would add that the opinion of the group touches the divine.

The writer of the book “…Simple, isn’t it?” Mr. A. Dritsas has the ability to function and create as a group and this is his success and his difference from other writers: that he touches the Absolute, which hebhimself calls the Agatho. Specifically, the book ends with the following sentence: “The absolute value is without any sign, without coloring, beyond negative and positive. This is the Agatho. This is the Absolute.”

Eleni Syka-Kontozoglou

Editor of the Magazine”The Corinthian Horizons”

and Board Member of the Hellenic Literary Society, 30/10/2023

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A note of life with breaths of redeeming truth and crossed voices, the precious book: SIMPLE ISN’T IT? by the distinguished author ANDREAS DRITSAs is a spiritual fruition, which summons the reader to become privy to its breath and relief.

In a magical way, it presents the inner world multi-dimensionally, accurately giving the multicolored diversity of philosophy. It paints the emotion which reflects sensitivity giving inspiration and vivid examples. It is distinguished for the uniqueness of its manner of writing and the pureness of the spiritual knowledge.

Broader edifying messages emerge concerning the social milieu, the deeper seeking of the entity, the unity of the opposites, the approach of everyday life, the power of choices and the human relationships which function through the strings of love and brotherhood.

The author, through the strongholds of his harmonious thinking, loving communication and positive experience as the President of the boader group of the remarkable Omilos Eksipiretiton – The Servers’ Society with its constant action, highlights the need to deepen into the essence of life and of things as well as the need for invigoration through the experience of inner freedom, meditation and self-confidence, leading to the path of light and authentic joy that emerges from the fulfillment of our existence.

As mentioned in the Introduction, this book has a purpose, a spiritual aim, “that would be to keep the door open for anyone who wants to admire the “miracle of the miracle” the Human Being and Life!”.

I gladly partook this essence and I wholeheartedly congratulate him!

Sincerely,,

MARY SOURLI

Writer – Poetess, Member of the Society of Greek Writers and the Corinthian Writers’ Society

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In a time of contradictions and turmoil, a wonderful book comes as a game changer. It sheds the light of its truth on the stagnant waters of the soul and through its pages highlights a different perspective. It is the thread of Ariadne that each one of us follows to discover our own personal Minotaur, come to love it, accept it and develop it. Here, the charismatic authorfinds the way through the philosophical group discussions to reach his goal. From within the pages of his well-written and comprehensive book he urges, advises, teaches.

Based on three axes: observation, relaxation and meditation, step by step we can reach self-knowledge, as he himself advocates. With the knowledge of our personal freedom, we discover a different standpoint, developing the deep sentiments of love and empathy. We connect with the others, we become a group, and on a practical level, we care about their problems and their individual needs, as if they were our own. Thus, we connect to real life in a constant flow, the moments become important and fill us with joy. The human entity continuously merges with the universe and its transcendental qualities. I would like to quote some phrases to you by the author himself, which show the wisdom of his thought.

“Let us adore life now, it is the road to evolution.” (page 98)

“You realise the limitation and you choose the breadth. To spread into the infiniteness of the ocean, unite with it, become the ocean, become the Whole.” (page 163).

I thank the esteemed author warmly for his wonderful book.With his experiences and wise knowledge, he urges us to envision a better world full of love, empathy and humanitarianism. To be unified with it, evolve and reach transcendence. So let us seek the light of truth, raising the bar of our expectations, and let us strive with all the power of our soul for our miraculous rise.

Aikaterini Alysandratou,

poetess and literary critic

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“[...] The author encourages the readers to become observers of their own bodies as well as of their thoughts and emotions. It is the first step to experiencing the now, the moment. The next step is thinking spherically. Thinking about a topic of concern with full awareness, for only then can we make our thoughts deeper and balance them. [...]“

We thank from the bottom of our hearts Ms. Angelina Papathanasiou who, in a simple and straightforward way, presents our book “…Simple isn’t it?” by Mr. Andreas Dritsas, in the online magazine “Thematofylakes Logo Texnon”.

Source: https://www.thematofylakes.gr/aplo-den-einai/?fbclid=IwAR3pfBrGPds9cKAX9u1fA-U1E5kLs2dJFaYHFSgvrK0QJYHgvs1KBt_eLAY

- ENGLISH TRANSLATION -

Personal view: Angelina Papathanasiou

For those who don’t know, the Servers’ Society is a school of thought that helps people to know themselves and live a good life. This book came out of the President’s speeches, seminars, and discussions with members of Omilos and is extremely helpful for everyone.

‘Most people do not live in the present, we do not live in the now. We dream, we fantasize about where we once were, where we had a good time, how beautiful or ugly something is. Or respectively what we will do sometime in the future. But if you ask someone “how are you now, what are you doing, where are you?” they don’t know exactly, so they are not conscious of the moment they are living in. If you are not conscious of the moment in which you are living, then you are simply not living it, so you cannot change anything, you cannot improve anything, you cannot transmute anything.’

With simple and meaningful words, the author gives food for thought and leads readers to new paths of knowledge. After reading the above paragraph, many of you – if not all – will agree that the pace of our lives is so fast that we are forced to make certain movements mechanically , while our minds are thinking about the future and not focusing on the moment, the now.

As a result, we become overwhelmed with anxiety, experience panic attacks and live with various phobias.

The author encourages the readers to become observers of their own bodies as well as of their thoughts and emotions. It is the first step to experiencing the now, the moment. The next step is thinking spherically. Thinking about a topic of concern with full awareness, for only then can we make our thoughts deeper and balance them.

The last step to feel good is selfless service. Only then is our soul filled with beautiful emotions and there is balance in our lives.

‘Vision, work, actualize. Simple, isn’t it? When you work for something and you really want it, you burn for it. You burn to make it happen, you burn to actualize it, therefore you work with all your being to actualize it. Can there be something unachievable then?’

The author does not wag his finger at his readers. He does not proselytize, he does not consider himself a philosopher. He simply helps those who wish to know themselves, opening up new horizons and new perspectives for them.

Summary.

With this book that you are holding in your hands you are embarking on an adventure…

…like when you throw a paddle into a calm lake and it begins to create circular ripples that spread out…

…like when a beam of light passes through a prism and is dispersed into the colors of its spectrum…

…like when you follow the thread of Ariadne…

…like the question in zen philosophy of whether the bridge is moving or the river…

…simple, isn’t it?

When you are in a dark room, you learn to make a simple move: to press the switch and turn on the light.

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Dear Mr. Dritsas,

I want to thank you very much for the kind offering of your book “…Simple isn’t it?”.. Your word is illuminating, wise and consoling. It includes and analyzes the entirety of existence with its innate and acquired problems. With its introversions and the adverse emotions, which the existence may bring afterwards to its whole life, if they are not resolved through all the examples that you describe.

So people should promptly rush to be taught and learn, upending themselves. In this way, they will be given the opportunity to expand their soul and their wings, and they will embrace humanity, having Love as their only signpost, as you often mention.

It would be ideal if these exhortations and sensible advice could be read by the young, in order for them to change and correct every bitter aspect of themselves, finding the balance and ultimate harmony in their mind and thought. Before, of course, they accept and get trapped in the foreign “garment” that society will set for them to wear through a superficial love.

Even for the older, this “garment” of appearance may have adverse consequences, if they have perhaps a lack of strength; or if they don’t apply in some way the word of logic and your exhortations, which are clearly stated in your book.

I wish you every success in your further spiritual work.

Yours sincerely, Amalia Rapti – Tryfona

3/2023

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“Simple, isn’t it?” A book of strict prerequisites. This book defines and delivers to the readership all the elements they need in order for them to be informed with a complete analysis and a most remarkable explanation of all the subjects with which its author, Andreas Dritsas, has concerned himself. The more it is read, the more the reader feels the taste of offer of this writing.

I congratulate you, author. I congratulate you, and you don’t owe me, I am gifting it to you, you deserve it. You deserve it because, beyond your so correct and admirable writing, you also give fully all the elements of the entire identity of Omilos, with its aims, goals and ways.

At this point, I mustn’t neglect to say that in “Simple, isn’t it?”, there are certainly some essential obligations on the part of the reader, who, as they are reading, from beginning to end, must extricate from their minds any other possible thoughts and dedicate themselves to “Simple, isn’t it…”. This need exists because otherwise, they are in danger of not doing justice to both the book and its author. Whether the reader truly enters the heart of the book depends on the degree to which the reader abides by this required practice. Author! I congratulate as well for: This book being the entire identity with all its elements of Omilos Eksipiretiton (The Servers’ Society)! And again, bravo!

If I unite the weight of the writing of “Simple isn’t it…” with the teaching by the writer Mr A. Dritsas, this union will lead me to the answer of the question I am often asked, how and why I am enthusiastic about Omilos!

OMILOS EKSIPIRETITON

I Love You! I Believe in You! I Value You! As Omilos! As Teachers! I Appreciate You! I Care about You! As Being!

Aggelos C. Gontikas

Author – Scriptwriter – Painter – Composer – Lyricist – Poet

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