With regard to my adopting the Lenten practices in Simplifying the Soul, I’m finding myself
really drawn to the idea of simplifying my physical space, almost so much so that I’m
not even interested in looking at the chapters or the suggestions that follow. In fact, I think that it would be a good idea
for me to make this year’s experiment (from March 1 to March 1) about
simplifying my space – reducing clutter, getting clear about what possessions I
really need, taking good care of what I have, and adopting a more minimalistic
approach to life.
I was beginning to fall into a thought pattern that would have
led me to believe that I should work more hours, make more money, buy more things,
go more places – you know, claim my stake in the American Dream. This Lenten season couldn’t have come at a
better time! Thankfully, I also recently
stumbled across a documentary called "I Am," and it somehow brought me
back to myself and gave me some clarity about what I really want from
life. The past few weeks, I’ve been
seeking out information about green living, voluntary simplicity, minimalism,
etc. I’m almost finished thoroughly
cleaning out one room in my house, and after that I’ll go on to the other rooms
of the house and take a look at what should stay and what should go. I think that will be this year’s project.
When it comes to spirituality, I’m aware that I need to
surround myself constantly with people, books, music, movies, etc, that support
what I’m trying to become. I am
energized by always having something new to study, learn, and practice. This helps me to stay engaged in what I’m
trying to accomplish. I realize that it’s
the same way for me with my material life.
The mainstream culture pushes me to strive for more, more, more – money,
status, beauty, fame – and every once in a while, I start to get caught up in
that current. This year, I want to be sure to surround
myself with information that supports what I
think is important and allows me to make my own choices about what I buy, what
I wear, where I go, etc.
So that’s where I am with my Lenten practice.
~REBECCA
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