A Simple Week

This week will be a little simpler than the last, and maybe a little cooler. A simple life 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.

Agenda:

1. Read Testament of Devotion

2. Simplicity in the kitchen

3. Simplify my diet

4. Internal simplification

1. Read Testament of Devotion:

I've been reading Thomas R. Kelly's book "Testament of Devotion" (1941). I'm still in the second chapter - Holy Obedience. Today I'm finishing the fruits of obedience, the last being simplicity. This is comfortable ground, or at least so I thought.

Kelly's focus is on that simplicity of soul that takes us beyond "religious busyness" to the beginning of spiritual maturity. After your heart gets stretched with Holy suffering, you reach a place of "serene, unhurried calm".

"I have in mind something deeper than the simplification of our external programs, our absurdly crowded calendars of appointments ... there is a deeper, an internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil, ... listening ever to Eternity's whisper..."

Kelly suggests that we can do away with distinctions of virtue, and gather everything into the "supreme quality of love". "The wholly obedient life is mastered and unified and simplified and gathered up into the love of God..."

2. Simplicity in the kitchen:

I've been aiming to find a balance of simplicity and abundance, and this week our kitchen needs a little clearing. I would love to have more counter space, and shelves that are less tightly packed. My goal for simplicity in this room is to have a home for each thing, and put it back there every day.

Clearing even a small space, like my spice shelf, gifts me with feelings of peace and joy. This week I plan to:

• Clear and clean my spice shelf and buy some fresh herbs.
• Clear and clean the counter and re-home some of the clutter.
• Give away some canning jars!

3. Simplify my diet:

I'm not a vegetarian, but I eat vegetarian more often now, partly for the health benefits, and partly for the environment. Animal agriculture has a big impact on our climate through methane emissions and deforestation. And cows (beef and dairy combined) produce over 65% of the animal agriculture emissions. Experts say that if we all cut back just a little bit on our meat eating we can make a big dent in emissions.

Note to car drivers: Don't go thinking cows are the problem!!! Cars account for nearly 20% of US-generated greenhouse gases, and cows only 2%. 

Since I don't own a car, I have to find other ways to reduce my emissions. YOU might need to start with cutting down on driving.

4. Internal simplification:

"...there is a deeper, an internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil..."

What are the ways I can simplify my personality? I think Kelly is talking about clearing out some of the drama; I can work (again) on equanimity and optimism, and reduce the chaotic highs and lows, the negativity and cynicism. Kelly suggests that if I focus on love, the rest will fall into place.

Today I pray for serene, unhurried calm.