Over the course of the last six months, most of us have had to think about organizing our lives differently.

Whether our calendars have been full or empty on Zoom or in other physically distanced social settings, for the most part we’ve become less busy. Working from home — and really doing everything from home — has made for a slower pace of life in a lot of ways. Less commute time, more time with those we live with (for better or worse…mostly for better we think!!), more time to be present to each moment in the form of a meal without scrolling or a prayerful morning cup of coffee. There’s a certain re-balancing and peace that has been found in this period of reorienting and reframing.

This time at home has also made it evident that we don’t really need all the stuff that we’ve accumulated. Clothes, junk drawers, shoes, and furniture have been cleaned out (for some, multiple times). We’ve down-sized our stuff and passed it on to find a loving home elsewhere. Hopefully, by trying Ridwell, donating to your local Goodwill, or even redistributing your goods to some community organizations (see our current list here), we have also reduced waste. The circular economy does seem to be alive and well as more of us are at home.

Though the last six months have been difficult, there have been some bright spots…living simply being one of them! Though somewhat of an inevitable in quarantine, this principle is one thing that has also been held as one of the positives that many of us hope will stick around after COVID is over. And it’s got spiritual significance too. From the desert mothers and fathers, to St. Francis of Assisi, to even the Amish today, there is precedence for Christians to empty of themselves (kenōsis…see Phil. 2:7) of their “own power and desire on behalf of the other” — very Christ-like and incarnational indeed (Introducing Eco-Theology, 194). We would argue too, that we become more ourselves — more of who God calls us to be — when there are less clutter and distractions, and more love for God and our Beloved Community.

Here are some ideas to practice more simplicity:

Reflect — breathe and contemplate this Richard Rohr reflection on Wendell Berry…also, check out Fr. Rohr’s series on Simplicity here.
Relationality is key — in this time of physical distance, check in on neighbors, friends, and family that you haven’t connected with in a while. Phone calls and snail mail are encouraged!
Take a sabbath — including from screens!
De-clutter — go through your stuff and find items new homes.
Support your neighborhood — frequent your local school, butcher, coffee shop, gas station, etc…and invest in relationships there.
Mindful movement — take a walk outside or do some gentle stretches to simply be present to all that is around you.

So what are some ways you’ve been living more simply, especially in these last six months? We’d love to hear in the comments below!