This past weekend I spent a chunk of time weeding out my wardrobe — it’s not quite spring cleaning as it is most definitely still winter. But the closet was looking a little too full for my desire to live simply.
The living simply thing is important to me for a few reasons — one, I really don’t need or want a lot of stuff. Two, I don’t like being attached to stuff (as compelling as stuff can be). Three, the more clutter there is around me, the more constricted I feel (even if subconscously) and that’s not a good way to be when you want to be free to go where God calls you to go.
So back to the closet … I ended up horrifying myself because I generally thought that I had a basic number of clothing items — but oh no. Once I piled everything up on the bed it was like Mount Everest! Where did all this stuff come from??? When things are scattered about in this or that drawer, in a closet, or (heaven forbid) tossed hither and yon, it’s tough to see how much you got. Now I’m no Imelda Marcos of clothes (not by a long shot), but I had way more than I thought and way more than I wanted to have. I think the problem is that I only wear about 20% of what I have so it feels like I don’t have a lot — and I’m good with not having lots of stuff. But I discovered this other 80% of things that were usable stuff but which I just didn’t rotate into the wardrobe.
So now that I have duly horrified myself with all this *stuff*, I’m determined to do something about it. I’ve got a system down. I weed out the stuff that I haven’t worn for a while and really don’t *need*. Then I neatly fold each piece and place them in a “give-away” bag. I put the bags in the porch and leave them there to “forget” about them for a few days. I do this because if one of those items was really important I could rescue it; otherwise if I don’t even think about it, I know it is time for it to go to a new home. Within a week, I take the bags over to The Brown Elephant and I’m done!
What are some ways that you practice (or want to practice) living simply?
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Julie,
I’m definitely on a quest for a more simple life, and I’m right there wih you regarding the weeding out of stuff. My mental state benefits from this “cleansing,” too. On my personal quest, I’m not depriving myself, but I am thinking twice about that extra Starbucks latte. I wish us both the best on our quests!
Amy
I’m currently weeding through my closet, desk, bookshelves, etc… It’s a constant battle – I don’t know where the stuff comes from! Glad to know I’m not alone.
Tea…
I love tea and I used to have a whole cupboard of the stuff – different flavours, different brands. A while ago I decided that I could only buy a new package of tea when one of the old packages was used up…now only have three kinds of tea and soon they will be gone. Then I can buy new tea.
It’s funny, I resent having to use those leftover old teas because I don’t particularly like them. On the other hand I a) feel good that I can do without something and b) I feel very, very grateful, humble and privileged that I am among the happy few who can afford to buy loads of the stuff. I just don’t have to do it. Focusing on the essentials and giving up what’s not necessary i’s good spiritual practice for me. (But, oh, don’t look in my wardrobe -it’s scarily messy and stuffed to overflowing…long way to go!)
Cleaning out the closet is such a gratifying experience! I clean mine out every season and try to stick to the 4 pile rule. Keep, Mend, Donate, Rags. While I am a self-admitted clotheshorse, it feels great to see the donate pile grow and get rid of the things I don’t need. The problem is making sure I don’t fill the space left by the donate pile with more things I don’t need.
Funny you should write a post on this now…I changed residences this past Sunday. There’s nothing quite like boxing up all of one’s possessions, taking them down some steps, loading them into a car, driving them across town (or across the state, or across the country), unloading them, hauling them up some more steps, and then unpacking it all to make one realize just how much “stuff” one has! I really can’t even say that I have a lot of anything–just a little of this (clothes, books, pictures) and a little of that (art supplies, old letters, momentos) that turn into a WHOLE LOT OF STUFF!! I often go through phases when I want to simplify & slim down some of the stuff, yet, when it comes right down to it…I like what I have & I just don’t want to get rid of it!
I think I fall into the “I only wear a handful of the clothes I wear”. In my Protestant Preacher days, I wore “business casual” suits all the time. Now I have not worn a suit in over a year and it was to an occasion where I felt my Habit might not be suitable. I should give my three suits away…but they are all over ten years old, and who wears suits anyhow?
I have casual clothes that are never worn and could be disposed of, they likely would just fill a couple of shopping bags.Really, I’m either dressed in work coveralls, a pair of Dockers for grocery shopping, or my Habit. Really dressed up in “seculars” is corduroys, shirt, tie and tweed jacket.
I did purge out some old clothes that were beyond mending and tossed them – I realised that it wasn’t worth my time mending – patches on top of patches. I can go to Value Village and buy a new-to-me garment for the cost of a spool of thread.
We have to learn to travel light, if only this culture was more helpful…
I decided that instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I would choose one word to guide my living for 2008. The word I chose was simplicity. So your post was very interesting for me.
I’m in the process of decluttering my stuff – some things are hard to let go of, but generally I get a feeling of liberation. If you want to read more about my idea of simplicity, I’ve written a post on my blog.
Keep up the good work, Sr Julie. I really enjoy your blog.
Dear Srs,
I desire to become a nun, but my financial situation prevents me from joining. What can I do to live my life as closely to the life of a Nun without actually taking official vows.
Sincerely,
Sherle
Dear Sherle, Thanks for writing. Two important things to do are to pray regularly and be of service to others. Community is also an important part of being a nun. If you can, associate yourself with a faith group so that you have some support. If you continue to desire to be a nun, do what you can to improve your financial situation. Blessings to you, Sherle. Sister Julie