On simplicity

My work to declutter my study continue, and I'm nearly done with the paper part. Next, cleaning, restoring, painting.

Decluttering is to simplicity as...registering to vote is to justice?

I realize the path I'm on leads to a simpler condition. The path is dirty and dusty, filled with emotional and sentimental obstacles. Some I cast into the recycle bin with cathartic satisfaction. Some went into the bin with a fond farewell. The material remains in my heart, but not my drawers. Some obstacles I keep to be someone else's issue some other day.

I like my study now. It is not yet pretty, but it's airy and open, a huge change. In a few days it will be much prettier, because I will clean this weekend and order new windowblinds.

Simplicity....thus freed from clutter, my heart is lighter and I feel the promise of possibilities. I will be a better person soon. Perhaps I am already?

Peace, Y'all

Molly

Micah 6:8 and where it leads me

Recent readings have synergized in me, a divine convergence of ideas. I don't know exactly where this goes. When I find out I'll probably share it here.

Sarah Vowell's recent and charming book about puritans--The Wordy Shipmates--reminded me of the sweet words of Micah-

And what does the lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Then I read a journal article about the lack of, and need to, incorporate ethics in the study and pursuit of sustainability. Yes! Duh!

Isn't that what underlies the saying,

Live simply so that others may simply live.

This last has resonated with me for a long time. I've agreed with it but haven't really seen how to implement it. That is, how does it help the poor and hungry on other continents when I recycle, ride the bus, and refrain from shallow materialism?

The positive incorporation of ethics in sustainability will help.

I'm no scholar. I'm a citizen and a seeker. So--how do I use my skills and resources (aka gifts from God) to live simply so that others may simply live, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God?

That's what is incubating in me this week.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Retail abstinence

I decided last week to have a moratorium for shopping in January. No retail, besides groceries, medicines, stuff for cats, toothpaste, stuff like that. No restaurants either, unless I'm traveling. The very hardest part of this for me is staying away from Starbucks, Coffee Bean, etc.

I am eager to learn what I will say YES to while saying NO to shopping. I am also eager to compare expenditures in January from those say, last September.

This is like the polar bear dip, I think. January is the longest, darkest, coldest month (beside December, which is full of activity and lights).

This is my way of deepening faith and practice, to have a new approach to daily living. I think when it is over I will have learned to spend less, and more wisely.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Simplicity

talk about uncluttered!!

Simplicity is a core Quaker value. It lets us focus on the important stuff.

Clutter is the opposite. This past weekend the Quaker quarterly meeting I attended focused on "clearing the clutter and caring for what matters: making room for the spirit." I will share some of this.

First the good news: I'm inspired. I will clear some clutter tonight. I think I'll tackle food clutter, and have a bunch to compost and another bunch to donate to the food bank tomorrow.

More to come

Peace, y'all

Molly