“Minimalism is not that you should own nothing. But that nothing should own you.”- Joshua Becker, The More of Less
“A whispered chaos swirls in the mind of those who carry unmade decisions.”- Emily P. Freeman
In Chapter 2 (“Become a Soul Minimalist”) of The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman notes her tendency to hoard opinions, facts, perspectives, and lists when facing an important decision. Yet, Mrs. Freeman wonders, what if she approached making important decisions like a minimalist? Would it make a difference if she cleared space, quieted her mind, and listened for whispers in the silence? Emily explains:
“When the answers aren’t clear, what we want more than anything is peace, clarity, and a nudge in the right direction. The problem is we are often looking for direction in all the wrong places. Often the clues to our next decision remain within us, unheard and undiscovered. When we take the time to follow these clues, we might find we are holding on to some things we no longer need and gripping some things we might need to let go.”
However, the author asserts, taking the next step begins in an unlikely place. Rather than making a list, it’s time to clear the decks. Furthermore, often before you’re able to move forward, it’s essential that you do the next small thing immediately in front of you. Like learning to ride a bike before you drive a car. That’s at the core of becoming a soul minimalist.
In conclusion, Emily offers this idea on what to do when nothing rises to the surface in regard to the right direction to go:
“What I’m finding to be more helpful than any list, question, or sage advice is simply to get quiet in a room with Jesus on a regular basis, not for the sake of an answer but for the sake of love. . . . when you have a big decision to make, you need all the love and support you can possibly get. The only place I know to find that for sure is in the presence of Jesus.”
Today’s question: How can you apply Joshua Becker’s view of minimalism to your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The colander of silence – decluttering the soul”
