Consider our fast-paced, consumer driven daily living and American society’s quest for more, bigger, and better. It is no wonder that people are suffering from high blood pressure, ulcers, heart attacks, and just plain stress! There are, however, alternatives to the lifestyle of constant motion and acquisition. Sustainable living, or simple living, is not a new concept, but one that is increasing in popularity today. Along with movements to save the environment, cut down waste, and save energy, we also have the seven principles of Catholic social teaching that help us understand that we are meant to be good stewards in caring for one another and the earth.

Many groups are forming simplicity circles, or support groups, to share ideas and work on concrete ways in which to live simpler lives by eliminating the excess, and consciously choosing how much is enough. The following is an example of this decision by my fellow parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Warren, Ohio.

Sustainable Living Retreat

As part of their planning for retirement, Julie and Chuck decided to take part in a sustainable living retreat with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania. Julie knew she wanted to simplify her life, but told the sisters she did not want to live in a sod hut. She was asked to be patient and listen to what was offered.

Julie learned that sustainability and simplicity go hand in hand. It is a matter of being reflective of our actions and taking responsibility for them. She summed up the concept with the following two questions:

• What do I need to exist?
• How do I decide when something is no longer a need, and when it becomes excess?

The answer is surprising—for everyone it is a personal choice! For Julie it has also become a passion.

The retreat was a positive influence for the changes Julie and Chuck decided to make in their lives. They took the time to observe their home life, what they did, how they did it, and why they did it. “It means looking at what it takes to make you comfortable without harming those around you, the environment, or the economy,” Julie said.

An example of a small change they made was in recycling. Julie and Chuck had always been recyclers, but realized that the one thing they had never recycled was junk mail. In changing that habit of recycling junk mail rather than placing it in the trash, they reduced their weekly contribution to the landfill from three large black trash bags, to one much smaller bag. Julie stressed that it is a matter of re-education and doing things in a different way, or a better way for self, community, and environment.

Julie said that they do not need ‘stuff,’ and having an excess of ‘stuff’ could be sinful. One of her husband’s favorite sayings is, “I have never seen a U-haul truck following a hearse.” Since they have pared down their possessions, Julie and Chuck are at peace, and life is less stressful. She assured me that ‘stuff’ will not make you happy, and all we go through to attain ‘stuff’ causes stress.

Before they simplified, Julie and Chuck had two cars, even though a majority of their activities were done together. Now, down to one car, they need to communicate a little more about scheduling so that they can plan out a route for errands.

What it Means to be Christian

These changes have made a difference, not only in effecting the way they use money and resources, but also in their faith. They believe following Christ means taking care of themselves, others, and of creation. Julie said, “There are too many people without direction. Part of being a Catholic is following the example of Christ. Jesus listened to others and cared for their needs.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, chapter 6 in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus urges everyone to depend on God for their needs and not to worry about food, drink, or clothing. The Lord’s Prayer, in that same chapter, lays out a formula for living simply: bless God, do God’s will, ask for your needs, and treat others as you wish to be treated. Perhaps if we spend a little time reflecting on our daily needs versus our daily habits, we can make choices to cut back on the clutter and the unnecessary. It is not too late to make the choice to live a simpler life. It can be an excellent model of Gospel values for the young people we love and serve.