Frugality + Community. These words have been on my mind lately.  What do they mean?  How have they evolved over the years?  What will they look like in the future?

Out with the old, in with the "New"

On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in a clothes exchange party.  It was out with the old and in the with “new” — a perfect, free way to spice up any mundane wardrobe.  I walked away feeling as if I just won the lottery!  And, my guess is that all ladies involved found “new” gems of their own.  Plus, an evening spent in the company of amazing women.  It was the perfect combination!

Community exchange.  Something so simple, yet not practiced enough.  Our consumptive, throw away culture seems immune to this type of sharing.  We protect, horde, and hide our things from each other.  And, when they no longer serve us, we often toss them at Goodwill or in the trash.  I do have to recognize that many donations go to very reputable causes, enhancing the lives of those that most need it.  But certainly, this type of conscious giving is usually the last place “stuff” ends up.

So, what if it went beyond clothing?  Household, electronics, kitchenware, gardening & lawn equipment, transportation, childcare, food.  The list is endless!  What would a community look like that learned and practiced the art of exchange.  How would this change you?  Your neighbor?  City?  State?  The world?

Over the last few years, Jeremy and I have learned that being frugal is not only savvy, but healthy (and good for our home, the planet).  It challenges us to think beyond our comfort zone and the boundaries set by the modern day.  Trading services has also been a valuable gift as it allows us to offer our talents, in exchange for something we’d normally pay money for.  Yet sharing of talent takes time, which is something many sadly can’t afford.

So, we start small. How aware are you of those around you?  Do you know about the lives of your neighbor?  How might you stir up a conversation of community sharing or exchange?  Plant a tiny seed and see where it grows!

I’ve heard about a time where people relied on one another, outside the family unit.  A place where exchange was a natural, normal way of life.  Everyone seemed richer, fuller, and more connected for it.  Surely, several church families have tried to bridge this widening gap, yet continue to fall short as energy runs low and visions lose steam.  Estranged communities and privatized homes are not the solution in a hurting world.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

How might you bring frugal (thoughtful) living into your community?  What gifts can you offer?

]]> http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/my-sisters-keeper/feed/ 0 Laura Clothes! http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/the-gift-of-presence/ http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/the-gift-of-presence/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:32:03 +0000 Laura http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/?p=218 ]]>

I had a vision the other day.  I was standing in the eye of an intense storm.  All around me, swirling faster and faster, were things representing my life today.  God, school, church, work, responsibilities, hobbies, and relationship commitments.  And, although everything was twisting around me rapidly, I realized I was planted firmly in the middle of it all.  With this realization, I was reminded that I chose many of these things and at any time, I had the ability to drop them.  When this happened, the spinning began to illustrate a slow motion clip from the movies.  As this took place, I started to see each object more clearly, completely defined.  My sight and focus came back.  God most definitely showed up to reveal something important.  He was offering me the gift of being present.  It was imperative that I see these things and know the choices behind the chaos.

How will you step into this season?

For the past several weeks, I’ve been noticing the pace of life picking up rapidly.  One of my favorite things to do is people watch.  I often wonder where everyone is going and what they are doing.  As always, the speed of life is fast, especially as we approach the holiday season.  Our ability to stay present, mindful, and in the moment is tested to its breaking limit.

As we enter into November and December, I’m beginning to sense the tyranny of the urgent in many lives.  Thanksgiving and Christmas become one more thing on the “to do” list.  Between turkey roasting and present searching, it’s all too much for some.  Whatever happened to the spirit of the holidays?  Where have the hearts of gratitude and joy gone?  How did this time of year become something that so many people despise or dread?  When did it become a time of selfishness and hostility?

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Working at the YMCA, I’m experiencing a bit of the holiday, economic, and political frenzy.  It’s almost as if the attitudes of some individuals switched sourly with this season.  Honestly, some people are just plain rude, aggressive, and mean.  Taking their frustrations and negative energy out on a complete stranger seems to be a strategy they are willing to expel.  In fact, anyone working in the service industry can attest to this right now.

So, who will you choose to be this season?  What attitude will you manifest?  If last year didn’t go so smoothly, what things will you change this time around?  How will you bring your spirit back into the Spirit of this sparkling, magical season?  Maybe going out for dinner is an option, instead of the traditional (often stressful) home cooked meal?  Maybe the gift of your time and presence could replace the material things you wrapped so meticulously last year?  Whatever it may be, our ability to step back and clearly see each day, one moment, is a gift.  Will you openly receive it?

“For many of us, sadly, the spirit of Christmas is “hurry”.  And yet, eventually, the hour comes when the rushing ends and the race against the calendar mercifully comes to a close.  It is only now perhaps that we truly recongnize the spirit of Christmas.  It is not a matter of days or weeks, but of centuries – nearly twenty of them now since that holy night in Bethlehem.  Regarded in this manner, the pre-Christmas rush may do us greater service than we realize.  With all its temporal confusion, it may just help us to see that by contrast, Christmas itself is eternal.”

~Burton Hills

How will you be present to those around you this holiday season?  What practices or disciplines will you adopt to invite the Spirit back into your heart and home?

One of my favorite childhood memories is the magical and moving power behind a good story.  I loved to fly with Peter Pan, chase Tinkerbell (fireflies), and tap my shoes like Dorothy.   As an adult, I still carry a sense of awe over how each one of these stories bring me back to the playfulness and curiosity of a child.  Why do we have to grow up?   If you have not yet seen the movie Finding Neverland, I highly recommend it.  Here’s a tiny peek…..it’s a powerful reminder to keep laughter and creativity in our lives.  

So, with this theme, I’d love to share a short story that invites imagination and emotion into your day.  Never forget that the simple things in life matter.  It’s never too late to be a light for others.  Enjoy!          

 

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

By:  Author Unknown
 

“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.”

~ Robert McAfee

What childhood stories still influence you today?  When was the last time you created room to soak in your imagination?

Metaphors serve as some of the greatest insights to our world.  They are all around us, every day.  Do you notice?  What do you see?  How deep do you let them take you?

The other day, I was extremely tired and feeling a bit overwhelmed.  I said a quick prayer before closing my eyes for an afternoon nap.  Twenty minutes later, after a refreshing time of just being still, I awoke to this beautiful sunset.  The trees were neatly lined, covered by a soft, yet brilliantly colored silhouette.  Immediately, my mind focused on the similarity of what I saw and what I had just prayed minutes earlier.  Without a doubt, I was focused on the heartbeat of nature.  It looked so incredibly similar to a human heart on a hospital monitor.  For me, it was a reminder that God’s lifeline is all around us and that He hasn’t forgotten or abandoned His beautiful creation.  That He is so much closer than we know. 

As I was thinking more about this, I had another metaphor profoundly present itself.  To explain, I have to go back in time.  Our cat, Chewbacca, is one of the most loving cats you will ever meet.  He has truly been a joy for our family and has created a lot of laughter in our home through his clumsy ways.  As a kitten, Jeremy and I showered him with toys.  Stuffed animals, catnip, sparkly balls, fancy ribbon, bubbles, and bells.  We even purchased a large cat condo to lessen some of the boredom indoor cats can often protrude.  And, for a while, each new toy seemed to catch and hold his attention….for a while.  After a few days, that new toy didn’t seem so interesting any more.  Sooner rather than later, it ended up in the pile with all the other forgotten “new” toys.  A few weeks after he came into our lives, I witnessed something pretty incredible.  As I was opening a new bottle of milk, I tore off the ring around the cap.  Chewy immediately ran to my feet and began meowing (more like squeaking) at my feet.  He intently looked at me with his big green eyes, almost as if to say “Now you’re talking!  Throw that thing, let me at it!”.  So, without thinking much about it, I tossed it over the couch.  As I was pouring some cereal, I saw Chewbacca coming back out of the corner of my eye.  He had actually found the ring and brought it back to my feet.  Was I dreaming?  Did my cat just fetch?  I had never heard of such a thing!  Just to be sure, I threw the ring again, but in the opposite direction.  And, sure enough, he was off and racing to retrieve that little plastic milk ring.  A ring that was normally just tossed in the trash and cost us nothing outside of a regular grocery item.  How fantastic!  To this day, Chewy continues to play fetch.  If we let him, he’d go on for hours! 

So, as I’ve been focused on some of the metaphors swirling around my life, I realized this game of fetch revealed something extremely significant to our modern times.  As I’ve mentioned before, Jeremy and I do not have any (real) children yet.  However, I have noticed a particularly common pattern among families and parents today.  How many people shower their young children with the latest and greatest toy, hoping to dazzle their interest for an extended period of time?  And with that new toy, how much personal interaction is truly spent with that child?  Do you ever wonder why children have a shorter attention span today?  One of my best guesses is that they are lacking one on one time with mom or dad.  Time, which costs nothing outside of the lasting memory being created.  The fanciest, most expensive toy can never be a replacement for the relationships we share in life.

I could even go a step further and say that God revealed Himself in this metaphor.  With all the sparkling distractions that we allow into our daily living, God often gets pushed out of the picture.  The only thing He longs for and cries for, is our time and attention.  As the Father of this magnificent creation, He begs for us to throw a milk ring!  Will you play?

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”

~Galileo Galilei

What metaphors have you noticed around your life?  How have they helped open your eyes to some necessary truths? 

There is something about nature that just makes my spirit soar to incredible heights.  The sounds, the smells, and the sight of color and texture are enough to propel me back to my childhood days, when the little things made my heart pitter patter with joy. 

When was the last time you bathed in the outdoors?  And, I don’t mean literally.    When was the last time you heard (really heard) a bird sing?  Or, watched a squirrel scamper on the ground, looking for his next meal?  When was the last time you simply sat and observed the trees and their branches swaying gently and passionately in the wind?  Or, gazed up at a star lit night, remembering just how spectacular the universe really is? 

Like a child, I find that the facets of nature are enough to reignite my passion and gumption for life.  It’s almost as if the magic and colors of our imagination vividly twirl and twist luminously through the air.  Choosing to walk away from man-made beauty, to consciously immerse myself in God’s beauty is a step I consistently try to take on a daily basis.  After all, our lives are filled with chaos, noise, and distraction.  Nature offers a predictable remedy to our often frittered and routine days.

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

And only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

 

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning on Autumn

Honestly, I have always enjoyed and respected the outdoors and its variety of aliveness.  As I seek to live with more simplicity, I find that it plays a key role in helping me to realign and live more fully.  Truthfully, it’s a key ingredient to this life!  It makes me incredibly sad that so many people have lost their ability to see its magnificent power and potential to heal.  So much of the natural world is being lost to human selfishness and desires for more.  Just being aware of this destruction is a place to start.    

So, get out there!  Experiencing, noticing, and appreciating the true beauty of life outdoors is like riding a bicycle.  Once you master the skill, you never forget.  Have fun reclaiming yourself in its reflection!

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” 

~Anne Frank

How will you make time to consciously step into nature today?

How much of life do we exchange for each other? 

As I become more aware of the simplicity that is sprinkled throughout our lives, I’m beginning to see patterns and themes each week.  I try to be aware of similar happenings and thoughts, which is how I often piece together my writing topics.

Lately, I’ve been feeling extremely overwhelmed and encouraged by the amazing community of friends around me.  This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a night with seven amazing women at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.   One of our dear friends, Anna, brought us together to help celebrate her six year wedding anniversary and to talk about the love that we’ve experienced in our own lives.  How memorable!

While I was reminded about the importance of friendships and love, I was also encouraged by the sharing and exchanges that took place.  Anna had a wonderful idea of turning the “white elephant” game into an eco-friendly gift giving event.  She has recently begun taking steps to simplify her home and the materials in her life, and as a result, found several items that she wanted to share with us.  So, we each went around the circle and picked a bag from the table.  We were given the chance to open it and decide if it was something we liked or needed.  It was also important that Anna let us know that it was perfectly fine if we saw nothing we wanted to bring home.  I ended up with a beautiful bright green candle dish, which found a home in one of our bathrooms that was thirsty for color.  And the best part; it was free!

Another excellent idea that Anna included in her invitation was a clothes exchange.  Often referred to as a “Naked Ladies Party” , we were asked to bring any items that we no longer liked or fit into.  And, although I had recently been part of a summer garage sale, I was surprised to find myself easily taking things from my closet and tossing them into the giveaway bag.  After the exchange, I felt like I walked away with a brand new wardrobe!  One of the girls even works at Nike, so in a tiny way, I felt as if I won the lottery by finding several new workout pants and shirts.  Ladies, if you have never done this with your girlfriends, this is a must, annual event!  Clothes, shoes, meals, books, furniture, household items, music lessons, babysitting.  The options are vast!

In the world of exchange, another valuable option is trading of services.  As I look around, I see many talents and passions that people in our life encompass.  For instance, Heather, one of the sweet girls in our church community group, is an incredible hair stylist.  Recently, I asked if she would be open and willing to exchange a trim for an organizing session.  Honestly, I felt a bit nervous to pose such a question, but her quick response only helped encourage my newfound spirit of community exchange.  And, after conversations with her, I realize that so many of us are afraid to ask for the help that we need.  As a result of our talking, we ended up discovering another exchange!  A vacation townhome for babysitting!  Marvelous! 

While I understand that many people today do not have the time or energy to exchange talents, I do know that this type of giving and taking will cause a ripple effect of positive change and needs awareness.  Can you imagine a neighborhood of strangers coming together for this type of exchange?  Think of the support, understanding, and compassion that might come through such agreements.  Not to mention, money saved!

This type of mindset is eco-friendly and solicitous.  The communication needs to be open and authentic however, as to not take advantage of another person’s heart to give.  Honestly, I truthfully believe that God intended for us to live in this way.

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

~Henry David Thoreau          

How have you recently practiced the gift of exchange in your life?  What passions and talents might you offer to those around you?

So, how does one define simplicity?  Is there really one, universal consensus for the simple life? 

As I continue to study this style of living, I find it fascinating that every one defines simplicity a little differently.  When I first became aware of this powerful lifestyle, I learned that I already held several pre-conceived ideas about how it might look.  And, as I have conversations with many friends and family, I now understand that simplicity is a word that represents freedom from clutter, peace, and clarity over priorities.  While most ideas flow on the positive side, I do occasionally hear opinions that darken this bright word.       

One misconception I hear is that a simple life is an easy life.  Or, a life lived without hard work, equating to laziness and selfishness.  Getting things done in a way that best suits me. 

On the contrary, a simple life swings far from the treadmill of many societies. 

I recently received a book (thanks Anna!) for my birthday called “The Art of Simplicity” by Candy Paull.  In the beginning, the author dives into the meanings behind simplicity:

“Simple and easy are not the same thing.  Simplicity brings ease, but it is not always easy.  Easy is the wish for the magic bullet, an instant solution, or ten easy steps to perfection.  Easy formulas that reduce life to quantifiable processes are the fascination of our times.  But simplicity is more organic and complex, a pearl of great price that must be sought after with the heart, not just the head…..Simplicity is the marriage of commitment and surrender, the ebb and flow of tides of change and growth, the long slow ripening of the fruit of the spirit.”

I absolutely love how this is said!  When words make a connection to my head and heart, I know I’ve read something of genuine substance and truth.

Another author that I absolutely recommend (who was also my birth doctor!) is Richard A. Swenson, M.D.  In his book, “A Minute of Margin” he suggests that simplicity is not easy, legalistic, proud, impoverished, ascetic, neurotic, ignorant, or escapist.  Rather, simplicity is voluntary, free, uncluttered, natural, creative, authentic, focused, disciplined, and diligent.  Love it!

As I continue to define simplicity in my own life, I am showered with the word gratitude.  Way too often, I am tangled in the “someday” or “when” mindset trap.  Instead, I am trying to daily remember that today is all I have.  That today, I can show thanks for all that God has placed in my life.  Relationships, white and fluffy clouds, a hot shower, a safe place to sleep, milk for my cereal, a full tank of gas, and two cats that give whisker kisses.  With this perspective, life is pretty sweet.

“Simplicity does not come easily.  To withstand the pressures of society requires constant effort and discipline.  On the other hand, relax.  You can’t force simplicity.  Don’t try to be something you are not.  Simplicity is a gift.”

                                                          ~Art Gish, Simplicity Activist

What is your definition of simplicity or the simple life?  What are you grateful for today?

Growing up, I can honestly say that I undervalued the friendships in my life.  At the time, I had no idea how important they are to the survival of everyday living.  Today however, I can genuinely say that friendships matter.  In fact, they are absolutely, positively necessary. 

Anna, Me, and Jessica

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend on the coast with two of the most amazing woman that have ever come into my life.  They inspire me, challenge me, and support me.  They help me to let go, and let God.  Both of them are so unique and passionate.  They just truly love life and the energy that comes from being around others.  I love them dearly, and cannot imagine how I ever believed that friendships were optional.  

During our weekend at the beach house, we found time to just be girls.  We laughed, we cried, we created, we listened.  We just took some time to care for one another.  It was beautiful, simple, and real.  I believe in these girls just as much as they believe in me.  How can it get any better than that?

As I step into living with more simplicity, I am reminded that girlfriends (and community) are an essential piece of the authenticity and accountability we need in our lives.  At the core of our being, we thirst for relationships and connection.  By finding them, we find ourselves.  And in doing this, we get a tiny glimpse of God and His magnificent creation.  Over time, the friendships we appreciate and nurture will turn out to be one of the true and lasting memories we hold in this life.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create).  It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

~C.S. Lewis

How have you made time for the core friendships in your life?  What are some of the lasting memories that you’ve recently created? 

P.S. ~  Jeremy and I were in Canada last week celebrating our four year wedding anniversary, so I missed posting to my blog.  In trying to live more simply, I intentionally chose not to bring my laptop.    More to come on Wednesday….     

Why do we collect so much stuff?  I mean, how much is really necessary?  I recently went through each closet, cabinet, and corner of our home clearing the clutter.  I love to purge! 

Whew! It's feels so good to let this all go!

I was talking with my parents the other day and they couldn’t believe that I had anything to get rid of.  They made a comment about our place always looking so neat and tidy.  And yes, I will gladly admit that I love to organize and create a place for everything.  But even I, someone who used to organize as a profession, can feel crushed by the weight of unwanted and unused items.  Over time, it just stacks up and decisions need to be made. 

Did you know that the average house size in America has doubled since the 1950’s?  Today, it’s completely ridiculous to think that an entire family could be comfortable with only one bathroom!  With more square footage comes more stuff.  And at some point, for many, the stuff begins to own the space, resulting in emotional and mental choas.  If we could drop an average American neighborhood into a cartoon scene, I would imagine that many of the homes (at least garages) would be bursting at the seams!  Can you just picture it? 

Our home should be an oasis from the outside world.  It should be warm and inviting.  Cozy and inspiring.  Our home should be a reflection of who we are and what’s most important to us.  It should be a space that we love coming back to and that rejuvenates us at the end of each day.  After all, home truly is one of the most important places in the world! 

So, when was the last time you walked through your space and evaluated each item?  Have you created a home that ignites and envelops your soul?  For me, living more simply has solidified the fact that our space matters and deeply reflects how we feel inside. 

Here are some important questions I ask while sorting through my stuff:

• Do I love it?
• Do I use it?  Is it functional?
• Does it make me happy?
• Can I replace it if I had to?
• If lost in a fire, would I know?  Would I remember it?

For some, a lot of stuff has sentimental value.  Maybe it was a gift or an item that holds special and emotional memories.  These are often the hardest things to make decisions on and let go of.  Then, there is the “what if” stuff.  What if I miss it?  What if I could use it next month, next year or you know, someday?  What if it cost me a lot money?  Any of this sound familiar?  If so, here’s some thoughts to consider:

• Start small, with a big plan.  Create a vision map for your home.  What does each room look like?  Feel like?  What is its purpose?  Once this is decided, only items that support this vision should live in that particular space.  I don’t care if you start with a drawer and work ten minutes.  Just start somewhere.
• If an item holds sentimental value, ask yourself if it is the item or the person/event.  Can you take pictures and create a memory photo album or scrapbook page?  Or, if you are just not sure about letting the item go, can you pack it in a box to be opened at a later date?  Often, once an item is out of sight, it falls out of mind.  If this is the case, you should have an easier time letting it go. 
• When you condider your space and the things that fill it, create a scenario in your mind.  Pretend you are moving out next month.  Or, if you’d like to get really serious, picture a fire encompassing your home.  Which possessions would you miss the most?  This exercise will help you decide which items truly add value to your life and space. 
• Stop buying more stuff!  Only bring items into your home that are needed and fulfill the purpose of your precious personal environment.

If you’re like me, you have stuff in your life that has fallen into the clutter category.  It’s the stuff that just doesn’t add value to you or your home.  Release it!  Really, it’s okay.

Letting go of stuff is never easy.  It takes time, discipline, and a lot of energy!  But, through small steps and persistence, I am confident that any one can make a house, a home.  And remember, less is always more.  It’s the perfect ingredient for a life desiring more simplicity. 

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” 

~Hans Hofmann 

How have you cleared the clutter in your life this summer? 

It all started in October of 2007. My husband and I were preparing dinner in our kitchen (yes, I am blessed to have a hubby that cooks!) when I heard a sweet, soft whisper – “Finding Simplicity”. What was that? What did you say? Again, the voice quietly repeated itself, “Finding Simplicity”. Oh my goodness, that’s it!

Over the next several months I began dreaming up my home-based (future, kid-friendly) business. The name alone spoke volumes and began to lead me on a journey of discovery and renewal. I felt alive and awake! For once in my life, I had a clear, directed, passionate vision. It was hard to contain my excitement!

On January 11th, 2008, I left my position with a fabulous company called Building Champions. Honestly, it was a leap of faith, but a necessary decision. I needed to get out of my comfort zone. I needed to explore and create. I needed to find me. I just simply, needed to BE me.

Over the coming months, as I feverishly dove into the magical world of Simplicity, I began to believe that a precious key had been dropped in my hands. It was a key that unlocked so many darkened areas of a sometimes mundane life. And to my excitement, many people were already living in its beautiful, stately (light-filled) presence! I had to learn more. I began reading everything I could get my hands on that related to simple living. Any notions that I had about moving to the woods and growing our own food slowly melted away. Today, although it is still an attractive thought, I now understand that simplicity can be lived out in the middle of the busiest, most chaotic city in the world. While living more simply does require some physical change (material detachment), the change that happens most, is within. A sort of transformation of the heart.

So, I invite you to join me as I journey down this road of living with simplicity. My dream is to convey and share personal insights and findings to those that desire a new, inspiring way of living. Areas that I currently see significant to a life of simplicity include: spirituality, organization, conscious and eco-friendly living, environmentalism, consumerism, relationships, community, imagination, joy, traditions, hobbies, and time. I also feel strongly pulled to writing and the colorful words and phrases that come through it. As an avid reader who relishes cozying up to a good book while sipping a steamy cup of pepperment tea, my prayer and desire is that my writings through this blog will help find that voice that moves and inspires the soul. Your soul.  At this point in my life, I am pursuing a masters in Spiritual Formation from George Fox University and hope to have more clarity as to how I can bring this powerful lifestyle into family living. 

“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter . . . to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”

~John Burroughs~

How would you define simple living?