Discussion group supports simplicity

The Daily Inter Lake

When Shelley Jo Isaak was investigating voluntary simplicity, one source proved so enlightening that she wanted to share its wisdom with others.

When Shelley Jo Isaak was investigating voluntary simplicity, one source proved so enlightening that she wanted to share its wisdom with others.

So Isaak solicited members for a discussion circle to study "Simplicity Lessons," a workbook by Linda Breen Pierce, and is now hosting a group in her home every other Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The group of about 10 has met four times. Isaak is not in charge, she said, but participants take turns leading the group through a chapter.

"One of the things we've come to realize is that simplifying is a process, not an end place where you can say 'I'm simplified,'" she said. "It's a process, like peeling an onion, getting through layers and layers of things."

The process has led Isaak to discard about two-thirds of her belongings.

"I don't miss any of them," she said. "That's the crazy thing. I had corners and closets packed with stuff, but the stuff we have now is either useful or beautiful, something that we cherish."

As someone who used to work about 60 hours a week with commitments to numerous committees, she's found that simplifying is also about cutting down on time-draining activities.

"I was making money to spend money, and I decided I'd had enough of the rat race," she said. "I wanted to trim down and evaluate my priorities and values and live in a way that's more manageable and with less maintenance."

The book addresses the simplification of more than possessions. Budgets, relationships, diets, even beauty routines can be streamlined, Isaak said.

Isaak will be leading an eight-week session on the topic for a continuing education class at Flathead Valley Community College starting in January.

For more information on the discussion circle, call Isaak at 755-9297.