Simplicity ~

Voluntary Simplicity that is ~

Thought for this week I would share some bits of an article I'm reading by Duane Elgin, "Voluntary Simplicity and the New Global Challenge". I'll give it a little whirl and hopefully folks will enjoy the ride too :)

"Voluntary simplicity involves both inner and outer condition. It means singleness of purpose, sincerity and honesty within, as well as avoidance of exterior clutter, of many possessions irrelevant to the chief purpose of life. It means an ordering and guiding of our energy and our desires, a partial restraint in some directions in order to secure a greater abundance of life in other directions. It involves a deliberate organization of life for a purpose. Of course, as different people have different purposes in life, what is relevant to the purpose of one person might nmot be relevant to the purpose of another...The degree of simplication is a matter for each individual to settle for himself." - Richard Gregg (a student of Ghandi's teaching).

The "irrelevant to the chief purpose of life" part really speaks to me. It's all about balance. When we have so much exterior clutter that our chief purpose in life is hindered than its time to let go of some things. I have been thinking that if I am spending more time managing stuff than loving and playing with my family than something is most definitely wrong. A balance also comes in teaching them to manage their things also and if they seem unable to do than this credo would also apply to them, wouldn't it? When the fun to management ratio becomes out of balance for them or the love to management (although some of that management is an expression of love isn't it?)becomes out of sync for me than we need to rethink our 'stuff' issue.

Although the exterior clutter may not always be stuff - it means distraction of any sort...this would include a busyness of life too, I guess. Too many activities, classes, social engagements...And the chief purpose in life? Seems to me it would be love ~ for family, friends, strangers and the world....it would have the potential to be a nurturing and healing salve...

"an ordering and guiding of energies and desires...a deliberate organization of life for a purpose." This will be a mediation for me this week ~ something to keep in the forefront of my mind especially as we go into this season of love and giving...to have a purpose, a goal and keep on track with it...