One thing I have learned through researching “Voluntary Simplicity” is that there is no definitive way to group together those who choose this lifestyle. Similarly, there is no one correct path to take as you simplify, nor one correct way to live a simple life. I find this comforting because it acknowledges that people of all varied backgrounds can arrive at the same place, even if that place looks different from one person to the next.

In Duane Elgin’s Voluntary Simplicity, he gives a very telling snapshot into this varied background, yet also points out some general patterns found in those choosing to live simply. He states that:

Those choosing a simpler life:

• Tend to invest the time and energy freed up by simpler living in activities with their partner, children, and friends…
• Tend to feel a compassionate concern for the world’s poor; a simpler life fosters a sense of kinship with people around the world and thus a concern for social justice and equity in the use of the world’s resources.
• Tend to lower their overall level of personal consumption - buy less clothing…buy less jewelry and other forms of personal ornamentation, buy fewer cosmetic products, and observe holidays in a less commercialized manner.
• Tend to shift their diet away from highly processed foods, meat, and sugar toward foods that are more natural, healthy, simple, and appropriate for sustaining the inhabitants of a small planet.
• Tend to reduce undue clutter and complexity in their personal lives by giving away or selling those possessions that are seldom used and be used productively by others (clothing, books, furniture, appliances, tools, etc.).

*The complete list can be found in Voluntary Simplicity, pages 32-35.

My family can personally relate to most of the items mentioned on his list in one way or another, even though he does mention some aspects that we disagree with from our Christian perspective. To me, these bullet-points show the benefits of living a simpler life. But while it is easy to see the benefits, it may not be quite as easy to see just how to get to that place of simplicity.

For myself, the first crucial step was to change my mindset. I had to move past the need to feel busy all the time. I had to relinquish certain obligations and views on what equalled success. We live in a world that craves busyness, motion, and noise. As women, this constant activity spills over into every facet of our lives. When we find purpose from constantly doing, it can be a difficult transition to move to just being. Yet I think this is so important to living a simple life. What is the purpose of getting rid of all nonessentials and freeing up our social calendars if we are still on a mental treadmill all the time?

I would like to explore this more next week, and I would love to share any of your tips on how you changed to a simpler mindset. I’d also love to hear about how your journey to living a simpler life first began, and the first steps you took in that journey. If you’d like to share, please email or leave a comment with some of your thoughts, and I’ll try to include as many as I can next week.

Until then, here are a few simple living links that you may enjoy.

• Living A Simple Life series, by Michele at Frugal Granola.
• Numerous posts on simple living, by Lindsey at Passionate Homemaking.
• Christian Simple Living - Living Simply…as Christ Intended.
• The Simple Woman - Living an Extraordinary Life Full of Joy and Purpose.
• Elizabeth’s Simple Journey

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