Storyfest Review of New Books & Tapes on Storytelling & Spirituality - 7
Simple Living
The Path to Joy and Freedom
by Sister José Hobday
There are many popular books available on the topic of simple living. But it is best to choose wisely, and read one by someone who actually lives simply. And that book, perhaps more than any other, is Simple Living: The Path to Joy and Freedom by Sister Jose Hobday.
José is a Native American and a Franciscan sister who lives in New Mexico among the poor and the marginalized. In her childhood she was shaped by her father's teachings rooted in Native American spirituality. In her adulthood she took St. Francis of Assisi as her spiritual guide. And, she has clearly integrated both traditions into her own spiritual odyssey. And, most importantly, José offers her insights and encouragement to all of us.
Sister José begins her book by saying, "Simple living is not about elegant frugality. It is not really about deprivation of whatever is useful and helpful for our life. It is not about harsh rules and stringent regulations. To live simply, one has to consider all of these and they may be included to some degree, but simple living is about freedom. It is about a freedom to choose space rather than clutter, to choose open and generous living rather than a secure and sheltered way."
She discusses simple living and Food, Clothing, Housing, Work, and Transportation as the five areas of inventory that we need to take in our desire to live simply. But more than that, José speaks eloquently about the Spiritual Hunger that is in each of us and at the root of our desire to seek simplicity.
Perhaps, best of all, this is indeed a "simple book": written with honest, straightforward talk and in a brief paperback format. It is only 92 pages, can be tucked in a pocket or a purse, and immediately engages us in an inner dialogue with this remarkable woman.
The book was given to me by a priest who had just visited Sister José on his way to the seminar I was teaching in New Mexico. He said he had gotten a number of the books. He was obviously giving them away in the spirit of generosity that José Hobday brings to her writing and her life.
The book has touched me. I have taken her advice to heart. And hopefully I am living a bit more simply, and generously, because of it. Now that I have read the book, I want to pass it on. I wish I could give you my copy, but I am passing on my copy of the book to a friend. The paradox and the beauty of this book is that it is not meant to be hoarded. Most readers will want to pass on this book to someone they care about. And that's what it's all about.
