Through 40 years of observation and personal experience I have discovered that simplifying one’s life can greatly improve the quality of life. Living simply is not about doing without the material comforts in life. It is about having enough—enough intimacy with others and with nature, enough sense of purpose and fulfilling work, enough fun and joy.

Living simply is about living in community, as a whole, spiritually-aware human being, caring for oneself, the Earth and others. A more descriptive term might be “mindful living,” “intentional living” or “soulful living”.

Voluntary simplicity involves living more lightly, with fewer distractions—unburdening life of needless material things, activities or relationships; letting go of anything that interferes with the integrity of life. As one simplicity maven put it, we give up “a giddy, adrenaline-fueled whirl of changing experience without substance, touch without intimacy, information without meaning, company without community.”

Simplicity requires a two-step process. First, we must invest the time and energy to discover what stirs us as human beings, what makes our hearts sing. Then, we create the life that reflects the unique individual we are. Connecting with our inner self and whatever higher spiritual presence we believe in, all else falls into place.

The concept of simple living is not new. It is a mindset, a way of looking at life, a commitment to live consciously and deliberately. It’s not the same thing as easy living. The deeply satisfying rewards that come include peace and fulfillment, reflected in service and love to others.

Civilization is a limitless
multiplication of
unnecessary necessities.
~ Mark Twain

I recommend living in a foreign country, even for a short time, as a catalyst for transitioning to a different way of life at home. Because the pace is so much slower in non-Western cultures, it is relatively easy to slow down and live in the present. For one thing, we are physically removed from all the daily “shoulds”. By removing the noise and confusion of normal life, we can more easily hear from our inner self. Please, never let money stand in the way. Viable options include overseas home exchange, caretaking, volunteer work that includes housing or paid work.

Note, too, that simplicity for the well-to-do is not an oxymoron. Everyone has the opportunity to discover what is truly satisfying for them, to live mindfully, at a relaxed pace, to engage in activities that nourish the soul and to realize their purpose. It’s a lifelong process.

Adapted from Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World and Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Linda Breen Pierce. Contact her at www.GallagherPress.com.