This is one of my favorite quotes from Mother Theresa. But what does it really mean? Sure, it speaks of voluntary simplicity but what is that?
Simple living is a lifestyle wherein you deliberately choose to decrease your material needs and fill your life with simple pleasures instead. This is actually something that many people throughout the years have done, including David Thoreau, Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato.
It's more than simple moderation and balance though. It's also about:
Sustainability
Lower your consumption by purchasing products that are more durable, easy to fix, don't pollute the environment, are energy efficient, and functional.
Recycle
Walk or use public transportation instead of driving your car all of the time.
Quantity and Quality Time
Invest time and energy in activities with your partner, children, and friends.
Work and Money
Pursue a livelihood that contributes to the wellbeing of the world.
Develop personal skills that enable you to become more self-reliant.
Family and Community
Make your family a priority instead of simply trying to find time for them.
Favor non-sexist patterns of relationships.
Involve yourself in compassionate causes within your community.
Participate in holistic health care.
Caring for the Earth
Discover the size of your ecological footprint and reduce it.
Boycott products that you disagree with.
Purchase earth-healthier products.
These are just some of the many things we're called to do as Christians. I will be going into greater detail over the next weeks so that together we can enjoy Christian simplicity. It will be a bit of a challenge but for me, it will be a challenge well worth taking. I hope you'll join me and comment along the way!
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