Money, Simplicity, and the Gifts of Community
Simplicity Living Circle – April 5, 2025 Recap
Simplicity Living Circle, 5 April 2025. Photo by Nikki.
What a beautiful afternoon we had for this month’s Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia. The sun graced us with its warmth, the temperature lingered around a perfect 75 degrees, and 23 incredible souls gathered at Lacey Woods Park to explore a theme that touches each of us deeply: Money and Simplicity.
Every time we meet, I’m reminded of the power of community and the quiet magic that happens when people come together to share their truth, their questions, and their hearts. There’s something especially grounding about doing so under open skies, surrounded by trees, with birds singing nearby and a soft breeze carrying our stories.
We opened our circle by welcoming both familiar faces and new ones. Each person shared their name and what called them to the group. A few themes quickly emerged—many people expressed a longing to reconnect with nature, to spend time with others who value intentional living, and to build relationships with folks walking the path of simplicity.
And of course, simplicity means something a little different to each of us. For some, it’s about decluttering their calendar or home. For others, it’s about reconnecting with what really matters: time, peace, purpose. But today, we dove into a topic that lives at the intersection of all these things—our relationship with money.
Why Money?
As I shared with the group, April is the perfect month to explore money and simplicity. With tax season in full swing and economic uncertainty looming large—rising inflation, shifting markets, job insecurity—it’s a natural time for reflection. Many of us in the DC area work for the federal government or as contractors. That kind of work can feel both secure and fragile all at once. And as conversations about recession (or even depression) become more mainstream, we’re being invited to pause and consider: How can we simplify not just our spending, but our entire relationship with money?
Because simplicity isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a strategy for resilience, for sovereignty, and for peace of mind.
Group Exercise: Reflecting Together
Small group discussions on our relationships with money. Photo by Dani.
We split into small groups to explore four guiding questions:
What does simplicity mean to you when it comes to money?
Have you ever spent money on something that actually made your life simpler?
Where do you feel the most scarcity in your finances? Where do you already experience abundance?
How does your relationship with money reflect your values?
The conversations that followed were honest, vulnerable, and wise. Many spoke of learning to see money as a tool, not a goal—a form of energy we can direct with intention. We talked about the pressure of consumer culture, and how even "simplicity" can be marketed to us in ways that are performative rather than real. There were stories of overcoming debt, downsizing homes, quitting high-stress jobs, and redirecting energy toward things that truly matter—family, nature, rest.
We acknowledged the collective anxiety so many of us are holding, and also the creative, communal ways people are navigating it—sharing resources, bartering, co-housing, gardening together, and rediscovering age-old practices of mutual care.
My Story: From Scarcity to Simplicity
Money isn’t just numbers - it’s life energy.
As someone who has struggled with money most of my life, I know how complicated these conversations can be. I shared a bit of my own journey—from financial instability and homelessness, to the long road of recovery and healing my relationship with money. In 2008, everything began to shift. As part of my personal transformation, I was invited to take a deep, honest look at my financial beliefs and behaviors. I did the inner work. I asked hard questions. I sought out guidance and inspiration from teachers like Suze Orman, Joe Dominguez, and Vicki Robin—whose book Your Money or Your Life truly changed the trajectory of my life.
Here are a few key takeaways I offered during the talk:
1. Reconnect Time and Money
Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin teach us that money isn’t just numbers—it’s life energy. Every dollar you spend equals time you spent earning it. When we see money this way, we begin to track our spending with a different lens. Does this purchase align with my values? Does it actually bring me joy or peace? Simplicity invites us to spend less unconsciously and instead invest in rest, creativity, and connection.
2. Define What “Enough” Means
Linda Breen Pierce's Choosing Simplicity offers the powerful question: What is truly essential for your well-being? Most of us have been conditioned to chase “more,” but there is immense freedom in defining enough. Simplicity asks us to practice sufficiency, not scarcity—and to root our worth in who we are, not what we earn.
3. Declutter Financial Obligations
Inspired by Janet Luhrs’ book The Simple Living Guide, I encouraged participants to consider how cluttered our financial lives have become. Multiple bank accounts, forgotten subscriptions, credit cards we don’t need. Simplifying our finances means choosing fewer, clearer commitments—so we can redirect our energy toward what matters most.
4. Plan for the End While You’re Still Living
A surprisingly funny book, this book approaches planning for the end with wisdom, levity, and grace.
A little somber, perhaps—but deeply liberating. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson reminds us not to burden our loved ones with our excess. Simplify your estate. Consolidate. Make a will. Get clear about your wishes. Financial simplicity brings peace to both the living and those who remain.
5. Build Community
At the heart of it all, we are not meant to go this alone. Every one of these authors reminds us: simplicity and financial freedom are not about isolation. They're about freedom from the rat race so we can have the time and space to build community, offer our gifts, and receive support in return.
A Walk, A Meditation, A Rock
Mindfulness Walk. Photo by Nikki.
After our discussion, we took a 10-minute mindful walk—pairing up and continuing the conversation while letting nature ground us. There’s something so healing about walking side-by-side, sharing what's on your heart. We returned refreshed and anchored.
To close, my co-facilitator Nikki led us through a beautiful meditation—bringing our attention inward and helping us integrate the day’s reflections.
Then, we got creative. Each person was invited to choose a white river rock and decorate it with a symbol or word that represents abundance. Some drew hearts, others wrote words like “flow,” “enough,” or “trust.” These rocks became touchstones—reminders that abundance isn’t something we chase. It’s something we can choose to notice and cultivate, right now, just as we are.
Until Next Time
As people lingered and continued talking long after our circle officially ended, I felt immense gratitude. This is what community looks like. Not just showing up—but staying, sharing, listening, and creating together.
Thank you to everyone who came. We can’t wait to see what unfolds in May. And if you're feeling called to step up and lead a piece of the next gathering—let us know. This is a collective effort. A co-created path. And there’s room for all of us.
With simplicity and gratitude,
Dani and Nikki 💚
Lacey Woods Park trees popping with color. Photo by Nikki.