Voluntary Simplicity -- Be!
Voluntary Simplicity -- Be? Surely nothing could be that simple, you might
say! In my opinion, that's the beauty of any spiritual principle. It is that
simple! It is that direct!
For me, "voluntary" invokes the power of freedom; reminding me that by my own
choosing I can focus on the innumerable simple beauties of life. To me, that
means I see life for what it is: a beautiful opportunity. "Simplicity" invokes
the power of back-to-the-basics; reminding me to get down to the interiority
of the point of life! This spiritual principle of voluntary simplicity is that
simple, because it takes us right to the very heart and soul of what's
important in life. Voluntary simplicity is a spiritual discipline. This discipline
speaks to me of cherishing the clarity of living from the heartfelt, joyful
integrity of Love. It says to me, "Be in tune with the Spirit of Love within you.
Be yourself. Be Love!" It reminds me life is lived from the inside out!
From that clear vantage point, I realize that every need is taken care of:
because "my faith is sufficient unto the day"; because I believe in a benevolent
Universe; because I trust that I am valued; because I believe in the power
and the principle of staying focused and doing the work I am here to do. I
believe that voluntary simplicity leaves room in my life for doing the real work I
am here to do.
It is very important to me to address one of the major misconceptions that
people might have about voluntary simplicity. Voluntary simplicity is by no
means synonymous with poverty. Quite to the contrary, I see voluntary simplicity
expressing the very core of generosity of spirit and profound joy that I love
and value so very much. Living life from that core value, I certainly do not
feel impoverished, because my inward focus is on the Presence of Love in every
moment. From this inward focus, I feel only a deep, heartfelt connection with
the Spirit of Love that we are as children of the Source of all life. I feel a
deeply held gratitude for the blessings in life. I have a heartfelt
understanding that "problems" are my next opportunity to clear the way for unseen
blessings.
My version of voluntary simplicity is: Breathe! Be! Love! Enjoy! Celebrate!
Release!
Begin again! This spiritual discipline brings me back to the basics of life
and keeps me centered in the purity and integrity of wholeness and holiness.
Holiness, as in wholeness, means deeply understanding that everything and
everyone is part and parcel of the same Creative Spirit. Holiness means deeply
realizing we all have access to the same inner power to create our own lives. By
our thoughts and actions, we create the life we live. There is no need for fear.
No need for blame. There is more than enough for everyone. There is such an
inner presence that there is no need for outer trappings! There is an
understanding that "trappings" are exactly what possessions can be. When possessions
become a trap rather than the service they're meant to be, then we've missed the
point of having possessions. There is no joy in being possessed by our
possessions! The joy is in being grateful for the beneficence of the life we've been
given.
The last part of my definition of voluntary simplicity completes the circle
of connection with life:
These actions mean a lot to me. These actions are some of my ways to
recognize and honor my connectedness with all of life. These actions are my way of
giving thanks for the countless blessings I have in my life. I feel centered and
empowered by these actions.
I am grateful for the principle and practice of voluntary simplicity. This
principle and practice reminds me that life is a wonderful, gracious gift! I
especially love that this principle and practice helps me celebrate the Truth of
the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, "In our every deliberation, we must
consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." I
cherish the integrity of this motto!
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