Simplicity and Small Not-Doings

I am reading a wonderful little book, a Christmas gift from my buddy Cheryl. SIMPLE LIVING was written by Jose’ Hobday, an American Indian nun. Hobday builds a strong case for simplifying our lives to make room for the truly important. She speaks to streamlining in the areas of food, clothing, transportation, housing, work, and recreation.

The attraction of living more simply grows as I age. With the years, I have accumulated not only more “stuff” (and plenty of that) but also a longer and longer list of interests, passions, and commitments: more friends and acquaintances; more activities, organizations, and “causes;” a longer wish list of places to see and things to do. I want to attend every lecture, every concert. Eat in every restaurant. Missoula is small for a city, but it has more than enough options to populate my time and the desire to indulge.

One computer has given rise to two (with only one user in the family) because I want to hang out in coffee shops and blog on a laptop. A love of books is always difficult to contain. I joined a gym with more machines, a bigger pool, and a fancy track with a view. With three flavors of cereal, I always have a choice. And ten fresh veggies. And how many pairs of black shoes?

I hear an underlying question, both from Sister Jose and from my own soul: Does having more lead to greater happiness? Not only more stuff, but more choice? Would my life be more joyful if I decided, perhaps just for a week, to eat the same combination of oatmeal and fruit every morning? Wore the same outfit to work at home three days in a row? Decided to attend only one concert each month?

When setting holiday wellness goals, buddy Jane lamented, “I just can’t see adding one more thing.” In commenting on the value of small, do-able goals, buddy Sharon wrote, “My challenge this coming year is to NOT-DO things to leave an opening for bigger things. So even at NOT-DOING, small NOT-DOINGS are things to celebrate!

I have seized the phrase “small not-doings” and made it my own. How about a not-to-do list? We keep adding, and less often remove: unread magazines, classes we want to take, home (and personal) improvement projects, social events, and technological wonders.

Where will you create a small space in your life with one act of conscious not-doing?

Until the next time, go well.

Pam Gardiner
www.wellbuddies.com