Simplicity: A Means Not an End

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

In her article “A Spirituality of Contentment,” Dee Dee Risher makes it clear not only that simple living is more than a lifestyle but also that practicing simplicity is not an end in itself. It is a means of grace. It is a way (as is the silence Read more [...]

The Richness of Simplicity

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

You can't force simplicity; but you can invite it in by finding as much richness as possible in the few things at hand. Simplicity doesn't mean meagerness but rather a certain kind of richness, the fullness that appears when we stop stuffing the world Read more [...]

The Road We Follow

Posted on December 12, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

I have learned by some experience, by many examples, and by the writings of countless others before me, also occupied in the search, that certain environments, certain modes of life, certain rules of conduct are more conducive to inner and outer Read more [...]

Two Ways to Get Enough

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

There are two ways to get enough: One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less. ~ G.K. Chesterton Read more [...]

WANTED: Earthen Vessels

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

There is an intimate and integral relationship between the practice of silence and simplicity and the spirituality that infuses Advent. It is the silence required for a listening heart and the simplicity required for an unpossessed heart that makes it Read more [...]

Simplicity: The Art and Practice of Making Room

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

I have been thinking about this month’s theme – practicing silence and simplicity – in light of Advent. The silence that is necessary for a listening heart is what allowed Mary not only to hear but to embrace and hold dear the truth of the blessed Read more [...]

Simplicity and the Spirituality of Relinquishment

Posted on December 5, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

It is more than just interesting, it is revealing, I think, that among other definitions, the word simple also has the connotation for lacking mental acuteness, unlearned, ignorant, unsophisticated, naïve, simpleminded. It is easy for some people to Read more [...]

Simplicity Helps Us See the Essential

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

Practicing resurrection¹ begins with a radically new way of seeing. The truth of the resurrection of Jesus, the reversal of fortune for the despairing or defeated, and the revivifying of all reality brings about a transformed worldview. Practicing resurrection Read more [...]

Simplicity and the Soul’s Task

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

Simplicity is a counter-cultural practice. Never in the history of humankind have the subtle and not-so-subtle forces of culture been more at odds with a spirituality of simplicity. In this regard, the symbol of American culture is the man or woman at Read more [...]

Practicing Silence and Simplicity

Posted on December 1, 2009 by Daniel J. Miller

To practice resurrection¹ means to view the world and live in it from a radically new perspective. For Christians this means that contrary to the front page of the morning newspaper, the headlines on this morning’s webpage, and yes, some of the realities Read more [...]

The Sacred Braid

Helping Persons and Communities Weave Lives of Spiritual Depth.

Category Archives: Simplicity