True Simplicity is Different than What You Think
Monk Mindset for Living Well
Detachment: Seek Nothing to Find Everything
Reflection on the Monk Mindset & Quote
I lived for 6 years with a “vow of poverty”. I committed to God that I wouldn’t own anything. Most of us aren’t called to such poverty. It’s not practical or encouraged because you need money and things to pay for a roof and put kids through school and buy groceries.
But, we are all called to a “simplicity of life” because it opens the doors to greater awareness, love, and communion with God.
Poverty and simplicity of life refer not only to material possessions, but sometimes even more importantly to immaterial possessions that can possess us. How we spend our time and money often reveals our priorities. As Jesus once said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we think of possessions, we typically think about our house, cars, stuff. But what about our status? Our recognition in society? Our successes? Our achievements, degrees, how we appear to others? Our need to be right? Our petty addictions? Our will to have things like we like them? You get the idea.
Simplicity means shedding these layers too. But, to let them go, we must first recognize they exist. And secondly, ask for the grace to let them go. Because we can’t really be free of their control on our own.
Put It Into Practice This Week
What is one non-material thing you’re attached to (hint: if you lost this, it would scare you)?
RIGHT NOW, spend 30 seconds asking for the grace to begin letting this go.
Ask again tomorrow.
Follow Us