Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Evelyn Rennich of Smallish Blog.
“Wherever you are, be all there.” —Jim Elliot
Minimalism, at its heart, is focusing time, energy and resources towards more important aspects of life.
For most people, this intentional fixation results in a widespread clearing of clutter. “Life clutter” may take on many forms: physical belongings, technological fillers (such as alarms or apps), non-life-giving calendar items, even unhealthy relationships.
The beauty and allure of minimalism is it produces a sparklingly streamlined life in which priorities are well-ordered and there is room for that which is most important to each person.
For me, this means relationships. My relationships with my family and close friends are paramount, but so many times those closest to us receive our worst because we are over-committed, over-tired and over-stimulated.
Often, our loved ones only receive a fraction of the love, joy, support, humor, or friendship we have to offer because we are distracted. Busy. Stretched too thin.
Minimalism can help us give our best to the people who want to see it most.
The American Chaplaincy uses a term called “ministry of presence.” The idea generally translates to the act of blessing hurting people merely with a presence—by showing up. By being there. By offering tangible support, whether it’s in the form of a hug or a steaming bowl of soup.
I love the concept and name “ministry of presence.” I’d like to tweak the definition a little; let’s think of it more as a daily choice to be intentionally present in relationships.
As we move through each day, it is easy to be physically present but mentally and emotionally elsewhere. You know what that looks like: you might be in the room but disengaged from the conversation or the needs of those around you. Maybe you’re in the house but checked out and browsing online. Maybe it means you’re busy stuff-managing (organizing) again. Maybe it looks like forgetting that a friend has surgery scheduled this week.
In our busy, over-planned, over-stuffed world, it’s easy to forget that every encounter we have with another human being provides the opportunity to bless, to shed light upon, to pay attention to, whether they are in pain or not.
Embracing a simpler, clearer, more pared-down lifestyle can provide the energy and focus needed to concentrate on the people in front of us, whether it’s a dear friend over for coffee or the silky-haired child in my lap waiting for a story.
Less stuff, fewer commitments, and fewer distractions allow my main priority of relationships to shine through.
When life is slower and intentionally styled to value relationships, I am primed to interact better. To actively listen. To offer a fully formed thought instead of an absent-minded “hmmm.” To engage with a little bit of humor. To grasp someone’s hands and share a spontaneous prayer with them. To offer affirmation in the form of direct eye contact. The opportunities to share what you uniquely have to offer are endless.
Minimalism provides room for ministry of presence to be a way of life.
One of my favorite quotes is by a missionary and author Jim Elliot: “Wherever you are, be all there.” That’s ministry of presence. That’s the gift of being truly you, wholly present in every conversation.
Minimalism can clear the rubble to reveal you—able to be all you—fully present in each interaction. The ripples of such a decision will provide a valuable gift to everyone you meet.
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Evelyn Rennich writes about her attempts to live modestly, frugally, and green at Smallish Blog. You can also find her on Twitter.
April @ Oxford Mins says
I am trying to focus on the relationships and commitments that are most important to me, but find myself conflicted while I’m in the process of reducing my physical and digital clutter as this inevitably takes time, time that I would rather spend on the things I know are more important. It’s particularly difficult with people who are not on the same journey of simplification – it’s kind of hard to explain that you can’t meet up on Saturday afternoon because you’re decluttering your living room!
Kathy from CT says
“Stuff management” …. Love that phrase. Great post. Now off to your blog!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Loved this post Evelyn! I’ve been trying to be more fully present in my own life, especially during the time that I’m with my young daughter. Time is such a gift and I’d be doing such a disservice to myself and those I love if I wasn’t fully present for it!
Bethany @ Online Therapy and Coaching says
Beautiful post, Evelyn! And you are so right. When our lives are less cluttered with possessions, commitments, and just plain old mental clutter, we are able to be more present for those we love. Our relationships with those around us is what really matters in life.
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Hi Bethany! Love your thoughts.
Cheryl Smith says
Love everything about this post…such wonderful advice and wisdom here. Thanks for sharing, and God bless. :)
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Thank you, Cheryl. :)
Mark Tong says
Hi Evelyn, lovely post. Of all the things that bring the most joy i think it is relationships and actually spending QUALITY time with the people we love, not just any time and quality time means being ‘present’ as you put it. Thanks
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Great point, Mark! Quality time is formed by being intentional, right? Thanks for sharing.
Fiki Firmansyah says
“Living in The Moment” :-D
Linda@Creekside says
Yes, yes, Evelyn, to this gift of presence. I know no lovelier way to connect, to relate, to love …
Simplify Life Blog says
Linda, this is a great message.
Simplify Life Blog says
I paid too much attention to others and let myself suffer. I know that is typical, but for the first time I am concentrating on my health, money, and happiness.
In the past I used to think the more stuff I had the happier I would be. I was misguided, although I was surrounded by the things others wanted, but in secret I was in turmoil.
Brian Gardner says
“The beauty and allure of minimalism is it produces a sparklingly streamlined life in which priorities are well-ordered and there is room for that which is most important to each person.”
This is one of the best sentences I’ve ever read.
What I’ve found on my own journey to be the most important part is the “to each person” phrase you mention.
I think we have a tendency to define minimalism as a very specific way of life — kind of a one-size-fits-all — that we use to throw judgement and opinions around at will when it differs from our own.
To me, the idea of minimalism is intentional, and looks different for each and every person.
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Great thoughts, Brian! You noted pretty much why I love this site so much–Joshua is intentional about making it clear that we are all on a JOURNEY to less. Therefore any step that we each take to live more minimally should be celebrated together as a community, not compared or judged. Thanks for sharing!