The Path of Simplicity

THE PATH OF SIMPLICITY

The used clothing stores in Chile are called “American clothing” stores.  Every week, shiploads of used clothing from the United States arrive in ports all over South America.  In Chile, the clothing is classified with more expensive or luxurious items going to more exclusive used clothing stores and the more common ones going to tumbled heaps in rummage sale style markets.  The poorest people in Chile depend on these markets for their clothing needs.  I choose to buy most of my clothes, including the costumes for the theater group, at the “American clothing” stores or markets.  This decision comes from my personal convictions about the care of the earth and the wise use of natural resources, the obligation to be in solidarity with the poor, and the need to protest, in some small way, the slave like conditions of most people who work for multinational clothing corporations.   These convictions have grown out of my cross cultural pilgrimage and from my close relationship with and love of nature.

            The homes on Manuel Correa street in Curicó all belong to people from the middle or lower middle classes.  The carefully kept yards, both in front and behind the houses, reflect the orderly and decent character of the people who live there.  The house on one corner has a high fence made out of manicured shrubbery and the house on the other corner has flowers lining the short walk to the front door.  In between, there is the house with the four Husky dogs, the house with the bright green grass and tiny swimming pool, and the house with the beautiful roses and grape arbor.  Then there is the house where the backyard is overgrown with yellow, orange, purple, and blue wildflowers, tall, sun burnt golden grasses, a crazy lopsided lemon tree, and bright pink and green camellia bush.  That is my house.  I am not the only one that enjoys the “unkempt, and shabby”  yard; it is a haven for butterflies, birds, snails, caterpillars, bees, and lizards that flock there seeking refuge in the “weeds” from human predators, pesticides and artificial fertilizers.  Yes, my neighbors either think I am a little strange or else feel sorry for me, a single woman with no one to keep the yard for her.  I love my tiny wilderness!

            The simplicity path is not one of deprivation.  It is an inner process where the truly important things in life are prioritized and projected out into behaviors and actions.  It is the decision to not be governed by the glitz of advertising or the drive to buy but to enjoy and be good stewards of the material blessings of food, clothing, and shelter and the spiritual blessings of dreams and hopes, friends and family.  It is the recognition that a price tag cannot be placed on people or nature, and that creation has intrinsic value because it is God’s masterpiece and not because of  its service our needs   This path starts with the refusal to bow before the modern god called consumerism and to risk a profound and responsible relationship with the God of creation.  The choice of walking on the path of simplicity is a decision  that touches at the core of who we are and what we believe and then overflows in a  bubbling spring of gratitude streaming toward others with compassion, a desire to share, and a sense of communion with God, others, and nature.  The simplicity path leads to a constant questioning of what motivates us and an implacable search for inner and outer balance. To chose this path is a sign of spiritual maturity: a growing up and away from ego centrism, constant worry, and the need to control.   

            Richard J. Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline suggests that voluntary simplicity is the outside evidence of an inner transformation. He suggests ten ways to put into practice voluntary simplicity:

1. Buy things for their utility not for the socio-economic level that they represent.  You can choose to buy a fuel efficient car or to ride a bicycle instead of driving.

2. Refuse to buy anything that creates a dependency. 

3. Develop the habit of giving things away.  If you are attached to a possession, give it away!

4. Refuse to be programmed by those who are trying to sell the latest modern gadgets.

5. Learn to enjoy things without the obsession to own them.

6. Develop a profound appreciation for nature.

7. Develop a healthy skepticism toward anything that says “buy now, pay later.”

8. Let your language and the way you speak reflect your sincerity and simplicity.

9. Reject anything that increases or supports the oppression of other people.

10.     Avoid anything that distracts you from “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

Foster, Richard, J. Celebration of Discipline. Spanish Trans.  Alabanza a la Disciplina. Nashville:

            Editorial Caribe, 1986. 101-107.