National Simplicity Day? Never heard of it. Have you?
National Simplicity Day on July 12 honors transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, a man who advocated a life of simplicity. Thoreau was a supporter of living the simple life and encouraging others to do the same.
Thoreau believed a life of simplicity could lead to greater happiness and a deeper connection between us and the surrounding world. He advocated a life free of unnecessary complexities; free of details. He declared “our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify!”
What an invitation: to pause and consider what details in our lives are squandering the joys and vitality in our existence.
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Hans Hofmann
Simplicity means slowing down and appreciating what we already have. We no longer feel the pressure to acquire more things. We have time to pursue adventures and spend time with people we enjoy.
God calls us to live a simple life. Jesus lived simply. I want to create more space and the mental capacity to allow the Holy Spirit to move in all areas of my life and to pay attention to God’s presence, creation, and nudges.
Sounds good on paper but do I really practice simplicity? To be honest, often I don’t. How could I do better?
I could pause before impulse buying. Those ads on social media and TV look so inviting. I don’t like being subjected to other people’s marketing schemes though.
I need to spend more time with the questions in my life: What is life draining? Where is time being wasted? Does some of the activities I am involved with bring me joy or make a difference in the lives of others?
I will KISS. The KISS method can be defined in various ways but the explanation that works best for me is Keep It Simple and Sacred. Asking God for DAILY guidance, focused on the present, not two years ahead.
What am I clinging to? What has tangled my heart and impeded my walk with God? Often I carry burdens of my own making or take on the emotions of those around me. I listen to others but also absorb too much. I hear God inviting me to travel light and trust Him. Be open, willing, and vulnerable. He is with me.
What about all the stuff I have accumulated? If we were to move right now, I know I would get rid of quite a bit of things. Just imagine if right now you were moving to a smaller home. Ever watch Tiny House on HGTV? Could you live in 200-400 square feet? What would you keep? What is the essential? Ever notice how after a while we don’t even “see” all the clutter or boxes placed in the backroom?
I read these disturbing stats:
• 300,000 – the average number of items in an American home.
• 1 in 10 – the number of Americans who rent off-site storage.
• 238 – the average of toys a 10-year-old American child owns.
• 1.2 million – the amount of money spent by Americans on non-essential goods.
I hope to be more mindful. Simply beholding the moment. Noticing the here and now is uneventful but entirely revolutionary in a world that honors achievement.
I will practice gratitude and seek the holy within each day.
I will relax on my backyard swing and breath in nature more often.
There is a lot I could/should/must do, but even in that action, life isn’t simple. So, I will start one thing at a time to practice simplicity.
In July I will slow down my reading (Scripture, books, blogs, emails) and allow the inspirational words of others to soak into my soul. Soak – marinate, infuse, saturate my being.
Living in simplicity will be a lifelong journey for me and I bet for you too. Slowly I am becoming aware of, objectively gauging how I am doing, and daring to ask the questions, instead of relying on excuses of ignorance or neglect. How am I spending my time, my money, my life? Am I enjoying simple pleasures and foods? Am I using something up before buying something new? How am I enjoying God’s creation in the parks and beauty of this land? Am I checking out if our library system has a book before I purchase it instead?
What have you learned about simplicity lately and what helps you practice this spiritual discipline?
KISS! Yes, Jean! I'm finding ways to practice the same in my day to day life, and purging those material things that I don't need. July does extend the invitation to slow down, take stock and simply savor each moment as it comes. God bless always!