February Simplicity

The Testimony of Simplicity was one of the things that attracted me to Quakers 30 years ago.

What is a testimony? Well, Quaker’s have used the term “testimonies” since the 17th century to mean a public profession of religious experience, and understanding of the truth. In other words: A testimony is a spiritual leading to action, where spirit and action come together. 

Now as I become more active in climate justice, my calling to simplicity has become more central to my life. I lead a simple life in order to do what I can to save the planet!

Agenda this week:

1. Journal queries
2. Set priorities
3. Simplify my kitchen
4. Maintain hope

1. Journal Queries:

Simplicity, according to our book of Faith and Practice, is "cutting away everything that is extraneous, so that our outward life fully reflects our inward life. A simple life need not be cloistered and may even be a busy life. Its activities and expressions are correlated and directed toward the purpose of keeping our communication with God open and unencumbered. Simplicity is a Spirit-led ordering of our lives to this end."

Do I center my life in the awareness of God so that all things take their rightful place?
Do I keep to simplicity, moderation, and honesty in my speech, my manner of living, and my daily work? 
What helps me avoid commitments beyond my strength and light?
How do I order my life to nourish my spiritual growth?

2. Set priorities:

Life is just not simple- nor do I think it should be. And simplicity is actually a complex issue. Simplicity doesn’t mean EASY and it doesn’t mean ELEGANT. Generally, it means-

• everything in moderation- having just enough interests, activities, and stuff in your life to live comfortably and enjoyably; 
• allowing time and space for the things that really matter-- listening to God, caring for each other, and enjoying simple pleasures;
• being a good caretaker of the earth and using only your share of the earth’s resources;
• avoiding self-indulgence;
• maintaining a spirit of humility;
• speaking clearly and directly without exaggeration;
• accepting with thanksgiving all that leads to fullness of life and aids in the service of Truth.

So even though I don't expect life to be simple, I live with as much simplicity as I can manage: I leave time each day for the really important things, and make life-style choices that have integrity.

And I have to constantly re-figure out what the really important things in my life are: What ARE my priorities and what ARE my goals in life? I work constantly to balance my desire to DO stuff with my need to slow down. I take time to examine whether or not I’m feeling led by Spirit to take on an action. If not, I’m good at saying no.

3. Simplify my kitchen:
We have lived in this house for 34 years, and most of that time we shared it with our children. They are both living in their own homes now, and our space is our own. Hallelujah!

February is when I feel a big urge to purge and simplify every room in the house- to keep only the things I need and find beautiful, and give away the rest.

I've read many books over the years and my hands-down favorite is Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing". It's hard to say why, but something about her views spark me creatively. Her technique is to sort everything in one category at one time- pull all your clothing out and see what you have, then put back only what you really love and get rid of the rest. 

I'm mostly to a point of maintenance now, and honing my spaces for a serene, clean look. Some rooms still need more clearing, and all rooms have new clutter that needs a home. My plan this month is to: 

• Re-examine all my stuff one room at a time, and see what else I'm ready to let go of.
• Find new, creative ways to store my stuff so it looks tidy and is easy to put away.
• Return to the habit of putting things away immediately- no more stacking!

This week I'm going to work on the kitchen counters, drawers, and cabinets.

4. Maintain hope:
I can sometimes cling to cynicism and righteous indignation as survival techniques: If I have low expectations then I'm not disappointed, and I can feel superior. 

Since being involved more directly with climate change groups I've realized that my cynicism is going to drive me to despair. I am in awe of these activists who remain optimistic in the face of such a wretched situation. Also, I am uplifted. I realized that I could not work with a group that had that cynical, self-righteous attitude I often exhibit because it would send me into a tailspin.

Besides, who's to say what the reality is? I cannot know what the future will bring. I choose to have hope that we will turn the tide of climate change in time to maintain a livable planet for future generations.

I choose to extend hope to those around me, because that is what will heal the planet and give us the courage to continue.