Simple Living: The Path to Joy and Freedom

by José Hobday

Jose Hobday, a Native American and a Sister of St. Francis sees simple living as a way of life - an inner stance, an attitude, a disposition, and it is this message which she conveys in this book.

Genres: Spirituality

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Sister José at an annual convocation of the Jewish / Catholic Dialogue of Albuquerque a little over fifteen years ago. She was a vibrant, joyful, forthright spirit who took the highest pure joy in God’s simplest gifts because she kept herself entirely unfettered and open to receiving these gifts. I miss her presence on earth. Her book is her parting gift.

[Lisa Moschkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many simple helpful hints about living closer to God through diminishing the clutter (physical and mental) in our lives.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mom passed on to me to donate to my patients, so I read first being a short read of only 92 pages. I liked the structure of the book, short chapters, and this message to start off the year from the author, who is a Franciscan sister, "we usually hoard out of fear...but simplicity is for the sake of real love for ourselves and others."

[Carol Roote · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard her speak and she was fabulous! I still remember some of her stories, even though it was years ago.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to inspire you to live a simple life. The author, Jose Hobday, was a Native American and a Franciscan Sister. You might think you know what a nun would say about simplicity, as many religious orders practice simple living in order to focus on prayer and God. However, you will be surprised at how her Native American upbringing instilled simple living values and traditions that she practiced every day. I was sad to learn that she passed away in 2009 at age 80. I would have really liked to hear her speak as she was a renowned inspirational/motivational speaker who traveled 75,000 miles a year.

I got this book when I needed reinforcement about the value of the changes I was making to simplify my life. This book is not a step-by-step how-to guide, but it does have some very excellent practical advice that will help you simplify your life. This book helped me give more things away to charity. Before reading this book, I was too concerned with getting value out of the items I needed to get rid of. This was a sticking point that made me keep things. Jose helped me see the inherent goodness in finding someone who needs your things. She told me to find the poor in my town.

Read the book and you will understand why she donated her body to the University of Arizona for science research.

[Bookworm Adventure Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this quote:

in regard to her mother reading gone with the win, Jose Hobday writes: "She took the book over to my mother and said, 'Did you really read this? All of it?' When mother told her she had, she inquired further, 'Well when did you sleep?' My mother told her that she didn't. The librarian was shocked. She said, 'You mean you read all night? If I did that, I'd drag around all day'. My mother informed her that's exactly what happens. 'I drag around all day, but I've got a book in me forever'. My mother understood that discipline and that simplicity". p. 64

[Mary Harley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more of a long essay than a book. I wish I could have heard Jose Hobday speak. Her writing style sounds like a compilation of notes from talks she's undoubtedly given.
I think simplicity is going to be different for everyone. Things Hobday valued are not the things I would do to simplify, as much as the things I choose won't be the things that are important for everyone else. I liked her statement, though, that prayer is the way for people to truly know how God would like them to live.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not many words I could use to describe how much of a blessing and catalyst this book was when I read it. It came at a time when I was ready to accept certain dimensions of my spiritual life I had been avoiding. Practices that sr. Jose talks about in this book have become daily for me, years after reading it. I could not recommend this book more.

[Kelly Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a great inspiration. It truly reflects a spiritual attitude about possesions, that even includes books! If you are looking for a work that will help you evaluate what is important in your life and expose your hidden materialism, this is the book for you.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

excellent so far--food for thought

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elegant and practical guide to living light in the world. I find myself returning to her wisdom when I get bogged down by stuff and am seeking clarity and purpose. A book I'll read may times.