The Little Way of Living With Less: Learning to Let Go With the Little Flower

by Laraine Bennett

Do your possessions “spark joy”? In our materialistic society, we are often plagued with the slow torture of accumulated stuff, which creates disharmony, prevents us from living in the present moment, and keeps us from setting our eyes upon Heaven. The Little Way of Living with Less is a spiritual journey guided by St. Thérèse of Lisieux toward a “less is more” manner of living. It shares one couple’s effort to downsize, declutter, and detach ― and the challenge of growing in virtues that is associated with this process. Indeed, this book serves as a practical antidote to the consumerism and commodification of daily home life today. Through the words and example of the Little Flower, you will find peace, joy, and security as you learn how to overcome disorder ― whether physical, mental, or spiritual. St. Thérèse will help form you in single-mindedness to complete the ordinary with extraordinary, selfless love, and you’ll soon find yourself becoming intentional about making God the center of your life and your home. Best of all, you will discover that “everything is grace” (St. Thérèse) and will begin thanking God for your many blessings and experiencing His miraculous favors with greater attention to the present moment. Inspired by the Little Way, you will attend with greater confidence to the things above and “choose all” in holiness. Let “the greatest saint of modern times” guide you
By living an integrated life detached from materialistic pleasures, you will develop the freedom of a child of God to abandon yourself to the Father’s will. Enter into the Heart of Jesus and make room in your heart to experience the wonders of His love!

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2022

Reviews

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are thousands of books about simplifying your life and getting rid of the clutter in your home. Minimalism has been a fad for a long while. I've read just one book about this subject but, I wanted to read one from the Catholic perspective.

'The Little Way of Living with Less' helped me to clarify why my family and I have to live with less, not because it is the trend and actually healthier but because having way too many 'things' makes it difficult to focus on God and our mission here on earth.

The author uses The Little Flower's (St. Thérése of Lisieux) Story of a Soul to guide the reader. At the beginning I wondered what decluttering and living with less had to do with the Little Flower, however as quotes from her book were used here and there it sort of made sense. Her spirituality was one of great simplicity and although I do think the author took a little longer than I wished getting to the point overall I did enjoy the book. The 'Tips' section at the end of each chapter are very helpful.

[Kassie R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5 stars. I liked aspects of it and it definitely made me ponder how attached I am to things that I don’t really need or that keep me so distracted from my faith. Made me want to declutter and detach from a lot more of my “things” and stop buying stuff I don’t need. Also, made me realize I need to thank God for many things in my life!

[Madeline Eberle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice reflection on minimalism from a Catholic perspective. Each chapter contains words from St. Therese, tips from a professional organizer and ends with questions to think about.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catholic view on the minimalist lifestyle. Helpful to contemplate living detachment, gratitude, order within the home. Could be used to create a framework for housekeeping, organization, tidiness.

[Annalise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I’m so inspired to declutter and detach from my belongings. A beautiful way to connect minimalism to the Catholic faith

[liz murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt like this book tried to wear too many hats. they were good hats, just too many different ones