A person can only pursue simplicity for a short time before he either becomes disillusioned or else discovers some greater purpose to his simplifying effort. For simplicity itself is not an end goal. Our lives are not designed to be empty of all things, material or otherwise. We must be filled with the right things. If by pursuing simplicity we empty out the material excess but add no greater purpose in its place, we will only make room for some new mess in our lives.
January 21, 2012
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Conscious choice is assisted by simplicity.
The space is created for you to consciously fill with your idea of what is worthy whether it be volunteer work, more deliberate living time with family and/or career.
Simplicity allows us the space to see our vision more clearly.
Simplicity and minimalism serve to remove the distractions from our lives so we can pursue our true purposes.
It’s in the removal of distraction that we can find what we truly need, and have the resources in which to pursue it.
For me, simple and minimalist is simply a joyful life. The empty space (lack of clutter), simple wants/needs, the quiet prevails. My goal was peace and I’m pretty much there. Life is good.
Simple living has been my first choice for many years. Life without clutter or a lot od debt has been second nature. I do not see a valid reason to own a lot of meaningless stuff. Two years ago I gave up birthday presents or unnecesary stuff so that less fortunate people could have access to clean drinking water.
-Ryan M
For me, clutter (both belongings and unmanageable commitments) causes stress. I am happier with less “stuff” around me. But I was raised in a cluttered house by lovely people who are total packrats, not to mention complusive volunteerers, so actually attaining a simple life is difficult.
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The discipline of simplicity begins with us seeking God’s kingdom first. I have been excited for a while now at the prospect of simplifying my life. Richard Foster, in his book, Celebration of Discipline, has reminded me of my priorities. Simplicity as an action or behavior is empty by itself. It becomes an idol of the heart… one more thing for us to focus on apart from God. We could live our whole lives’ with the goal of simplicity… but when we die… where will we be? We cannot take much with us just as we cannot take little with us when we go. Simplicity is a means… not an end. If you are interested in reading my recent post about simplicity as a Christian discipline and Richard Foster’s take on it, you can check it out on my blog. I welcome opinions!! Thanks again Dave… your post was very timely for me!!
In response to becoming disillusioned with simplicity. I think one will become disillusioned when simplicity moves into scarcity. When you begin to deprive yourself of things in pursuit of an idealistic goal, instead of really discovering what simple things you enjoy. For me a shared meal with friends and family is my most simple pleasure. What is yours?
For me, simplicity is a gateway to life balance. The end goal is balance, harmony, and my path to get there is simple living. Thanks for sharing!
I have often come across many individuals who in their life are struggling to find direction, a purpose or are just suffering general boredom. In response I have suggested getting rid of, or focussing on what they don’t like or perceive as baggage. This approach can be applied not just too materialistic things but attitudes, relationships, etc……..anything that is holding you back. By removing these things it can act as a positive, providing momentum to then concentrate on how you wish to improve your life.
I suspect that the majority of people just fill their life with many distractions and consumerism is certainly the easy choice!
I agree that too many people allow clutter to take over their lives.
They say you should live your life as you want to be remembered and I think this is not a bad maxim to have?
The wife and I have been spurred on by your book to get rid of further possessions, and it genuinely feels cathartic!
Yes simplicity is a good place to start and build from there! People should maybe realise the difference between a want and a basic need.
I note that my previous comments have not been posted……………….I wonder whether this as anything to do with the fact I would be classed as an atheist? If my comments are not welcome I will not force them on other people’s blogs………no worries.
Peace & Love
The Doubter, sorry if I’ve accidentally deleted any of your posts. Definitely on purpose. Thanks for the comment!
I mean definitely NOT on purpose. Arrr. Sorry about that. Would never delete a comment because someone merely disagreed with me.
Your thoughts and commitment are inspiring. There is so much anger going around and it seems a lot of it stems from stuff – and the purported lack thereof. It seems to me that just around the time we decoupled gold and the dollar, we injected the culture with consumer steroids! Why? What would our country look like now had we not diminished women’s role so much that an entire generation of women suited up like men and entered the workforce? We seem so focused things and senseless consumption that I cannot help but wonder what needs are being so denied to keep the whole charade alive. It seems the speed of getting things has overtaken the joy of living. Why? In whose interest is this?