QuakerSpeak, May 2025

The Gift of Quaker Simplicity

“My favorite definition of simplicity, and in any tradition,” says Jennifer Kavanagh, “is ‘removing the clutter between oneself and the Divine.’ Simplicity is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.”

Twenty years ago, on returning home after a long backpacking trip, Jennifer realized she didn’t need most of the stuff she had. So she gave away or sold the bulk of her possessions, moved into a smaller place, and began to enjoy the freedom of a simpler lifestyle. Streamlining her material conditions allowed Jennifer to simplify her emotional and spiritual life, bringing clarity to her relationships with God and with other Friends in her meeting.


Transcript and Discussion Questions Available Here

Produced by Layla Cuthrell

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