I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.

— Lao Tzu

Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

The change of the seasons always coaxes me into a change of thinking and a change of heart. How about you? And this season, I'm faced with a new idea rooted in simplicity. The more years I spend on this planet, the more I come to understand a deeper meaning of simplicity, its richness and value and its impact on my life. I am wondering, dear reader, if this is also true for you.

Recently, I walked into my favorite shoe store (and you know my passion for shoes!) and walked out empty handed. I know! The look on my husband's face was priceless. And, as I sauntered through the beauty of thousands of shoes crying out to be given new homes, a thought echoed in my brain: I don't need these. For me, it was a mystical moment. A moment that made me pause and consider what the heck was happening to me.

This thought went beyond the “I'm getting older” and charged right into the cost of collecting and consuming far beyond our needs. Even shoes. More does not make us better. More does not make us more human. More does not make us more compassionate. More does not, as culture would have us believe, indicate success. More does not fill inner longings. More is simply more.

It seems as if we have progressed in our warped symbols of success, moving from over-filled calendars to over-filled closets. Trophies of success for souls unfulfilled. “When I have that, I will be happy.” We have fallen for it all. The lessons from spiritual leaders such as Lao Tzu, St. Francis of Assisi, The Buddha and countless others can be summed up in the quote that begins this letter. Read it. Read it again.

Simplicity does not mean deprivation but, rather, an honest approach to need. And many of us have much more than we need.

So, at this seasonal change, who would benefit from our more simplistic approach to this life? Who would be helped if we shared our abundance? Could it be true that by doing less and collecting less we could, actually, have the true MORE? Think for a minute of our most precious possession – time. What could we be spending our time on if we had less? Less clothes to clean, less vehicles, fewer homes to care for, … Where could you spend that time?

Volunteering for a cause, with your children or your parents, spending time in nature, taking precious time for ourselves for restoration of body, mind and spirit? The possibilities are endless. Perhaps it is time to do a little closet cleaning. I'm starting with the shoes!

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: Are you brave enough to live more simply?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides spiritual coaching, sacred ceremonies and chaplain services to people of all traditions. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.