TO SIMPLIFY

Simplify: get rid of what you no longer use or need, and keep only what is necessary.

To simplify requires dealing with things we have acquired, mentally, physically or emotionally, to support our ideas of how life functions. The issues behind acquiring (whether too much work, too many commitments, too many clothes, too many books, computers, gadgets, cosmetics, etc. is an underlying insecurity calling out for more props to help us contend with our life, to be more readily accepted, to prove our worth, or to hide our shame and guilt. To simplify is to recognize and get rid of the props that we no longer need or use.

Accumulation is a common trait with the justification being, “you never know when you might need one of those.” Garages, storage units and barns are full to over-flowing with such items and logic. The conflict of simplifying is believing we are getting rid of things that are valuable and not seeing the value of getting rid of things. This can be over-loads of work, habits of television viewing, computer curiosity and mindlessness, scattered friendships, email bondage, and other things we have accumulated. Our psychological condition begins to look like our garage. (I do indeed know.)

Our spirit can be as overloaded as our calendar. The oldest of the spiritual disciplines is to simplify. While ridding our souls and minds of unnecessary baggage, we have more room for Godly things that make us stronger. A good yard sale of things spiritual, emotional, physical and psychological that we no longer use is always in order. Sell them cheap or give them away, but get rid of stuff. Come to believe, “You will not need one of these.”

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus