Practicing Voluntary Simplicity

As the year 2025 draws to a close, many are sharing that it is natural to feel a heavy sense of exhaustion. I must say that in November, I was feeling the drag and drain; so much so, that I compassionately gave myself permission to skip the November blog post. Through setting some things down and mindfulness practice, I gained some clarity. I hope that what I gained in my time away might contribute in some way to your own healthy reflection and actions as we contemplate the end of this year and beginning anew in 2026. I encourage you to reflect on your own energy levels. If you are reaching exhaustion levels, read on. If you recognize some need to reduce clutter and/or activities in your life, read on.

We are often overwhelmed not only by the seasonal rush of activity but also by the weight of global hardships and the rapid pace of a world that demands constant attention. In these moments, practicing intentional pausing to reconnect with ourselves and decide what’s called for in those moments, where we actually want to direct our attention, is important. During periods of overwhelm or exhaustion, using our meditation and mindfulness practices to explore "voluntary simplicity" serves our health and well-being. Practicing voluntary simplicity fosters energy, assists in creativity and increases intentional kindness. It helps us remember what’s most important and purposeful in our lives.

Mindfulness Practices for Exhaustion

When your energy is low, mindfulness doesn't have to be a mission; it can be found in tiny, restorative moments.

• The STOP Method: Stop what you are doing, Take a breath, Observe your sensations and emotions without judgment, and Proceed with more self-compassion.

• Ceiling-Gazing Meditation: If you are too tired to sit up, lie down and simply observe the play of light and shadow on the ceiling, or name the colors you see out a window to ground yourself in the present. You’re practicing curiosity, maybe accessing awe!

• Sensory Grounding (5-4-3-2-1): Briefly name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste to anchor a spiraling mind.

• Kindness Phrases: Breathe in and silently repeat: "May I be safe. May I be at peace. May I live with ease". Breathe in kindness towards yourself, breathe out kindness towards others.

The Power of Voluntary Simplicity

Voluntary simplicity is a conscious choice to live with less—not as an act of deprivation, but to create space for what truly matters. This might mean decreasing physical and material things that take up space in our lives. It also might mean decreasing the amount of “doing” and activities that take up space in our lives.

• Mental Clarity: Reducing physical and digital clutter directly lowers cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.

• Decision Energy: By simplifying your schedule and possessions, you reduce "decision fatigue," freeing up mental energy to handle life’s larger challenges.

• Fulfillment: Shifting focus from "more" to "enough" allows you to invest deeply in relationships and personal growth, which research shows leads to more lasting happiness than material accumulation.

Kindness as Strength and Resilience

In a year of uncertainty, kindness is not a "soft skill" but a survival strategy that fosters collective strength. I have been calling kindness my own personal act of fostering resilience.

• Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a dear friend. Acknowledging, "This is hard right now, and I am doing my best," replenishes the emotional resources you need to weather the storm.

• The "Helper’s High": Small acts of kindness—such as a genuine compliment to a stranger or donating to a local food bank—release oxytocin and serotonin, which can boost your own mood and immune function.

• Giving and Receiving: Resilience grows in the cycle of connection. Taking time to both give support to others and allow yourself to receive it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

By choosing simplicity and kindness, we reclaim our agency. We find that even when we are tired, we can still be a source of light for ourselves and the world around us.

May you experience light and kindness this month,

Karen