My journey towards embracing more simplicity has revolved around accepting my limitations, accepting my humanity. And knowing that at the very core of who I am, I am beloved. Coming into this posture of rest means accepting the here and now; being at peace with what is, and not what is to come.
Here are a few resources that have shaped my views on prioritizing Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing, this counter-cultural way of being:
B O O K S
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, John Mark Comer (2019)
I highly recommend this book as a resource to shape a theology of rest. If you don’t read anything else, read this one.
Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human, John Mark Comer (2017)
“Sabbath is a way…to silence Pharaoh’s voice and break free from Egypt’s pull…to tune our life to God’s rest.”
This one is similar to The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, but addresses the importance of work - as well as rest - in bringing about God’s kingdom here on earth
The Sabbath, Abraham Heschel, a 20th century Jewish Rabbi and scholar (1951)
I also highly recommend this book as a beautifully-crafted theology of Sabbath’s importance
A classic of Jewish spirituality
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, Jenny Odell (2019)
Though not written from the Christian tradition, artist and academic Jenny Odell speaks prophetically into the craziness of our time. She grew up in Silicon Valley and brings a unique voice to this conversation.
Her perspectives challenged me, “Our value [in the capitalist, productivity-driven modern world] is determined by our productivity.”
Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster (1978)
I am still working my way through this, slowly savoring Foster’s wisdom. He devotes a full
chapter to simplicity, as well as chapters on 11 other spiritual disciplines
P O D C A S T S
Rule of Life, hosted by John Mark Comer and produced by Practicing the Way
A podcast designed to guide followers of Jesus as they explore spiritual
practices such as prayer, sabbath, solitude, and fasting.
The Next Right Thing, hosted by Emily P. Freeman
A podcast dedicated to making decisions, but I find it be most life-giving in the
sphere of soul-care and learning how to be present to your life. I never miss an
episode of this weekly podcast, it’s that good.
D O C U M E N T A R I E S
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016)
A deep dive into how our consumer-driven society, if left unfettered, can harm us.
I found their perspectives to be extreme, verging on radicalism.
This is the documentary that inspired me to get rid of a lot of stuff. I went through a big purge, and will admit today that I got rid of too much at that time.
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