Simplification Continued

Cutting Back

“If you began your simplification program out of the need or the desire to cut back on your spending, your entertainment expenses were probably among the first to be reduced. If you’re seeking simplicity as part of getting off the fast track, then reducing your need for outside entertainment will no doubt be high on your list.”
Elaine St. James

The Lenten study that my Sunday school class is doing uses the experience of the desert fathers and mothers as an example of the ascetic life necessary to detach from the superficial demands of the world. Needless to say, we are not giving those ancient mystics a run for their money. Last week, one day’s practice suggested walking rather than driving a car for one day. We came up with as many excuses as there were people in the class, myself included. The closest grocery store for me is about a mile, clearly not even a challenge; but I whined about how heavy grocery bags would be to haul home, etc. Then we remembered women in Africa who walk that far everyday just to get water from a well. I remembered Mayan people in Guatemala, who walk for miles to the nearest market with baskets of woven fabrics and tapestries on their heads—women and little children. That put the ease of our lifestyle into perspective.

Yesterday’s practice was to refrain from looking into a mirror for at least half the day. I thought that would be easy. Lots of days, I don’t put on make-up or style my hair. But it wasn’t easy. I found that there are mirrors everywhere in my house, and by habit I glance into them as I pass. There are mirrors in my car and even in my old beat-up pick-up truck. I was surprised how often I scan myself in a mirror just to make sure I pass muster. Who’s muster? Who’s looking??

Today’s quote is from Simplify Your Life, by Elaine St. John. I have been cutting my budget for several months to bring it in line with my retirement income. It’s not easy. For one thing, I love to see movie’s on the big screen. I don’t buy popcorn and such, but the price of tickets has skyrocketed from $5.00 just a few years ago, to as much as $9.50 now. That’s a big chunk of change on a limited budget. I am not a person who requires a lot of entertainment; I don’t crave live shows or expensive theater productions. But I’d feel deprived if I didn’t see a couple of movies a month. Contrast that with the image of tribal people singing and dancing in a community gathering. In places where people have not become conditioned to ‘being entertained’ by sitting in dark theaters watching someone else sing and dance, everybody participates. Whole families sing and dance, even granny women like yours truly. How much more engaging would that be?

If nothing else, this belt-tightening Lenten study has made me take a good look at how very much I take for granted, and at how I complicate my life by the things I think I need that are truly unnecessary. Will I do my life differently as a result? Perhaps. Stay tuned to find out…

Here’s lookin’ at you, kid,
Jane