Simple Living
...A SIMPLE summary of Sister's SIMPLE LIVING text Presented to: ASPIRE - ECS Elementary Religious Educators Presented on: April 21, 2004 Presented by: Erlene Monteith
"Let us live simply so that others simply live." Elizabeth Ann Seton SIMPLE LIVING Simple living is not easy...but here's the way...
SPACE... physical, mind and heart manage TIME to do things more meaningfully Remember LESS is MORE! "Live GOSPEL poverty... do not hoard or fill our bellies and barns!"
SPIRIT... have a strong center strengthen your sense of self focus on QUALITY so you put more LOVE in your actions BE HERE NOW... Being present to ourselves allows for creative, open attitude to life "Identity is not an idea...it is a lived reality"
DISCIPLINE... balance between learning and controlling disipline is hated but necessary discipline that comes from loving reflection is not an imposed OBEDIENCE discipline means going to the HEART of the matter (deeds that come from a humble, honest, heart that is TRUE... builds inner spiritual power)
FOOD... live a GOSPEL life: have ALL needs met have SOME helps met have A FEW luxuries met (what you enjoy is allowed once in a while!) "The multiplication of loaves...goes on in my life and yours"
CLOTHING... QUALITY not QUANTITY What you NEED vs what you WANT! Have a selection of useful items... instead of a closet full of choices!
HOUSING... What kind of neighbourhood we choose to put our roots down (live in) ... will determine 3/4 of our decisions for us! (comfort level/neighbours/lifestyle) *Live where you are effective...and it is right for you!
WORK... LOVE what you do...or don't do it! Choose work that is for you: SPIRITUAL PATH (meaning and purpose) SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP (intimacy with GOD and others) ENRICHING (satisfying, fulfilling, challenging, meaningful) REWARDING (beneficial for family security, higher standard of living, relationships)
TRANSPORTATION... keep it SIMPLE (not STATUS) This can become a GOAL rather than a means of motion! PLAN more so you DRIVE less! Depend on yourself...instead of a machine!
RECREATION... Does not have to be EXPENSIVE Choose activities that develop YOU! (reading, exercise, walking etc.) Build your GOSPEL MENTALITY (READ your worries away!)
INVENTORY... SIMPLICITY means bringing theory and practice of discipline together. DON'T STOCKPILE...SHARE all you can!!! Allow yourself 1 luxury... but don't add something new ... until you get rid of something old! "The more you get rid of...the more things will come back to you!" You'll always have enough... if you give to others! (the bible says so!) Make generosity CONTAGIOUS! i.e. Native gift-giving tradition "The more you GIVE...the more you will GET in return!"
LIGHT HEART... spirit of PLAY is at heart of simplicity! FUN is the joy of the HEART! preparation for deepened prayer inner awareness of gratitude for material and spiritual gifts "Share not only food and clothes...but gifts, inspirations, and readiness to promote the good found in others."
DISCERNMENT... Have JOY with LESS! Easy movement Frugality (thoughtful economy) NOT wasteful Use time well Cook with/eat healthy materials
INTEGRATED PRAYER... Integrate prayer in decision-making LEARN to LISTEN Be open to truths
FAITH... REAL spirituality involves some risk (spirit of adventure) We can strengthen FAITH through FASTING If we have LESS we will hunger MORE!
POWER and ADVENTURE... Faith and prayer life grows when we realize our inner strength. Personal enlightenment tells us WHO we are. Becoming aware that life CHANGES and is never taken away from us...allows us: FREEDOM from FEAR (to take risks, adventures) FREEDOM from CONCERN of others opinions FREEDOM from LONLINESS (GOD is always with us) We gain POWER through the adventures and experiences of discovering our inner truths and testing our private limits. "The Lord is our security...NOT Prudential!"
PRUDENCE... Simple living is not an either/or choice...it is calibrating our risks. We take steps and trust, moving on our path with great-heartedness and practice. "Experience gives us the data for future decisions."
BODILY SPIRITUALITY... Our body is the sacramental presentation to all who accept what is real, healthy, whole. It is the INNER HARMONY that others can see! "Listen to how you feel about WHO you are...and how others respond to it!" It is not just an idea...it is the ACTIONS we do! Don't just THINK about it...DO IT!!! Get out of your mind...and ACT! It is being in touch with our physical environment and learning to adapt to/appreciate it.
WORSHIP... Walk with gratitude and wonder. Learn to have reverence for all that is. Know the gift of God's GRACE Extend reverence to people - take time to make meaningful contact. Love GOD freely and with JOY... Forgive your mistakes Have CREATIVITY without STRESS (it should not be a drain on your energy) "Make sure you are GOOD NEWS to yourself...then you will be GOOD NEWS to others!"
"Preach the GOSPEL everywhere – use words if necessary" St. Francis
*** An acronym to remember the 18 ‘Simple Living Principles’ could be: Sister’s Simplicity Does Find Catholics Hoping What The Righteous Individual Learns/Hears. (is) Determined Proportionately From Personal Prayer (&) Simple Worship