You might remember an earlier reflection on my household's experience with Simplicity Challenges. We've continued drawing from our Simplicity Jar every week, and though there have been some repeats, we've also engaged with some new ways to pursue a less superficial, more wholehearted life as good stewards of our resources. Here are a few more of the challenges we've adopted over the past few months.
- One week, two screen-free nights. Exactly what it sounds like: We chose two nights to seek meaningful quality time away from phones, computers, and TV. I think we're all aware how insidious our technology can be, leaching much more of our time, attention, and dependency than we might intend. I've long been an advocate for screen-free Sabbaths and enjoy the practice of relational connection rather than technological connection.
- One month, no clothes dryer. This was super easy for me, since I usually hang all my wet laundry anyway. But some people are more fond of the convenience of a dryer, and this is a good reminder of how much energy clothes dryers really use. In fact, unless you have a new dryer, it's almost certain to be the most energy-sapping appliance in your home.
http://grist.org/news/your-clothes-dryer-is-a-huge-energy-waster/
- One week, no refined sugar. This may not initially sound like it fits the category of "simplicity," but in a society that is entrenched in unhealthy habits, saturated with excess sugar, and suffering the related health consequences, I assure you it fits. In fact, a recent NPR article entitled Keep Things Simple for a Healthy, Long Life sums up quite well why a healthy life is based on simple choices.
I'm constantly trying to cut back on the sugar I eat, which is a continuous battle with my pronounced sweet tooth. For this week, the boundaries weren't set in stone, but we all gave up desserts and candy, while also generally attempting to choose meal options with very little added sugar. For me, this meant choosing things like eggs and oatmeal for breakfast, salads and grains for lunch, and fruits for snacks. I also tried to cut back on foods made with only white flour, since our bodies convert this instantly into sugar when we eat it. And it was hard! I know at least three or four of the six of us would rank this as week of the most difficult simplicity challenges we've undertaken.
http://visual.ly/what-sugar-really-doing-your-body
- One week, 10 clothing items. This is our challenge for the current week. It's a reminder that although the Service Adventure program provides us only with minimal allowances for living expenses and personal spending, we are truly fortunate to have more than enough in almost every way, including clothing. In fact, we could probably eliminate 75% of our clothes and still have plenty to wear. (And even if we didn't, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7 not to worry about what we will wear.) I think this is an especially important concept to engage with as some of the Service Adventure participants work very closely with individuals and families living in poverty.
After some initial wariness in choosing our 10 items for the week, I think most of us came up with an assortment we're happy with. Exceptions are outer garments (winter coats, etc.), undergarments, pajamas, and socks. My outfits for the week will be comprised of:
- Black jeans
- Two tank tops/workout shirts
- Three sweaters
- A hoodie
- Black boots
- Tennis shoes
- A scarf
Though there have been plenty of difficult moments, my sense is that all six of us have found this exercise in endeavoring to live simply to be worthwhile. I encourage you to examine your own life for opportunities to simplify and reflect. If you do, please share! I'd love to hear your stories.
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