April 29, 2025
Have the courage “to swim against the tide”.
Have the courage to be happy.
Just as we need the courage to be happy,
we also need the courage to live simply.
Pope Francis
As national headlines foretell a possible recession and empty store shelves, there are also stories Pope Francis’ dedication to a simple life. Stories that land for me as more cosmic synchronicity.
On becoming Pope, he chose a wardrobe of plain white robes and his black leather shoes over the traditional and expected fur trimmed capes and red velvet slippers. 
He rejected the opulent living quarters of the Vatican, choosing to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guest house where his room consisted of a single wooden bed with minimal furnishings such as a lamp and telephone. His study consisted of a simple table with a few chairs and a cross on the wall. Clear statements that for him there were more important things to be concerned with.
He never wavered. His values of humble simplicity were reflected in his choice of a simple coffin.
I often reflect with admiration on the monkish philosophy of one robe and one bowl. And I reflect on dear friends who are now living in England with only their back packs. I’m not there and likely never will be. But Dennis and I still live in the small house we built by hand with recycled materials almost fifty years ago. My mother was horrified that it has only one bathroom and, more significantly, very little storage space. Stuff in, stuff out, and constant purging has been our philosophy. We still have so much more than so many. And so much more than we really need as we aspire to stay out of the collective consciousness of consumerism.
The cottage in Ireland is now evolving into a space of sacred retreat and sanctuary. When I was last there I sat and listened to messages of clearing the clutter that distracts from spiritual connection and sacred encounter. Ah, more purging. Brilliant.
As I get ready to head to Ireland for six weeks, I’ve been possessed by the idea of traveling with only one carry on piece of luggage. For a stay that long I’ve always taken two. When I’ve mentioned this to some of the sisters, they are surprised. Six weeks is a long time. Well. Yes, it is. But if Pope Francis could embrace simplicity for his entire life, I think I can manage six weeks. After all, there are more important things to be concerned with.
Beannacht,
Judith
I am taking note of the simplicity. Although we have more personal possessions than Pope Francis, I am far more aware today of the benefits of simplicity than I use to be. May your 6 weeks go well for you.
Sounds good. Sounds healthy. Sounds wise. I don’t have much, I guess, except too many books. Living in a collision with my last office, when I closed it. Thank you for sharing on the lives of Francis and you. Traveling mercies.
Hey Christopher. Thank you. It’s healthy for me. And, laughing. I almost included a comment on how all our purging and simplistic living does not include our books. We have purged some books over the years. But more come in than go out. I use the excuse that our bookshelves that line so many walls is good insulation. And thank you….I look forward to being away from this madness for a while in sacred sanctuary. Although sadly, what’s happening here is spilling across the world.