downsizing & decluttering - preparing for shared Prosperity

Making Space for Collective Abundance through Collaborative Living

As communitarians continue the journey toward LIVING SIMPLY, Step 3 of PREPARING FOR UNION focuses on decluttering and downsizing which are essential components of transitioning to DEEP UNION collaborative living. This step aligns with ONE CLOAK TENETS that emphasize modesty, collaborative provisioning, and environmental stewardship.

For these reasons, throughout the process, those undertaking these important tasks should bear in mind that decluttering is not only about reducing physical possessions; rather the central objective is to create space within our lives for deeper connections, intentional living, and the capacity to contribute to cultivating resource utilization that is harmonious with both the people around us and the planet.

Shedding Excess

This phase of TRANSITIONING TO LIVING SIMPLY involves sorting through each and every item of our belongings to decide if what we have, are things we truly need to hold exclusively to ourselves, or whether certain items could be assigned to the collective pool, or else donated, discarded, repaired or sold to raise funds to purchase shares in COMMON PURSE ‘COMMON’ WEALTH facilities and resources.

For some, the difficulty of completing these seemingly simple enough processes, may come as a shock. Sentimental attachments and also lack of trust that communal living will work out, maybe factors that stall the entire process of donating, recycling, or selling items that no longer serve us. As we strive to ‘clean up our act’ to merge into LIBERATED LOVE that sees us combining forces with many others to access shared resources, it is important to recognize that holding onto excess and unnecessary personal possessions, limits our potential to collaborate – to share, to have more than we ever could have via our own steam.

While the task of paring down clothes, shoes, books and other personal items, along with sentimental treasures we cannot bear to part with, may cause frustration and even overwhelm, for those prepared to persist and go the distance, the rewards for taking the time and making the effort to clean out closets, trinket boxes and chests of memorabilia, will be many.  

Over time, communitarians who make a successful transition to DEEP UNION come to see that instead of remaining limited to accessing and utilizing only the things we can afford to purchase by ourselves, shared living and loving opens the way for us to tap into a wealth of shared resources, enriching experiences and opportunities to reap the social and economic rewards of being part of collaborative provisioning production and distribution enterprise endeavours.  

This collective abundance fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging that far surpasses anything individual ownership can provide. This shift also reduces our individual burdens, while simultaneously enhancing our ability to thrive together in a supportive, communal environment.

Letting go of these “small things” tied to a separatist mindset can be made easier by reminding ourselves of the numerous benefits that communal living will bring. Cleaning out our closets is not just about decluttering; at its core, it is an opportunity to envision a life enriched by collaboration and shared abundance.

Remember through it all – the goal is to surround ourselves with only the essential and useful. The rest we must cheerfully let go of to make room for all that is to be shared. By downsizing to enter collaborative living, we open the door to having access to higher quality household items, appliances, vehicles, furniture and fittings etc.

Downsize Gradually

Keep in mind that reducing the quantity while also selecting the highest quality of things we take into UNION, does not all have to be cleaned up and organised in a day, a week or even a month. The most sustainable and effective approach entails setting weekly goals and scheduling time to tackle one task at a time. 

If those intending to enter union currently live in a larger space, they may want to consider downsizing to a smaller home or living environment that aligns more closely with the goal of TRANSITIONING TO THE RICH BY ASSOCIATION SHARE ECONOMY. This gradual process of paring down the things we hold exclusively to ourselves, will help prepare the novice both mentally and physically for co-living.

Fashioning A Modest Wardrobe aligned with Ethical Consumption

Throughout the downsizing process, communitarians TRANSITIONING TO LIVING SIMPLY are encouraged to regularly attend the GESTALT PROVING sessions that are offered on-line and face-to-face within forming and established Communitarian Unions throughout the globe.  Through the influence and example of others who are experienced in applying the principles and practices of modest attire, novice communitarians will soon possess the ability to recognise and root out the residues of glamour that keep us cycling through compulsive patterns that contribute to WASTING THE WORLD.

These toxic strains of secular separatist compulsions likewise alienate us from moving into DEEP UNION with those who have the capacity to love and support us, both socially and emotionally, as well as contribute to ensuring we have access to the maximum measure of ecologically-sustainable, economic security.  

As novices focus attention on integrating the tapestry of ONE CLOAK TENETS into personal hygiene and grooming routines, significant progress will be made in relation to renouncing trends of personal attire which promote forms of glamour that may alienate others from attraction and adoption of the principles and practices that would otherwise bring them to living simply so others can simply live.

For this reason, from the 5th Year of Association and beyond, communitarians conscious provide external evidence of alignment with the practice of ethical consumption that is underpinned by the daily observance of commitment to RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH. In practical terms this means making every effort to be clothed in modest, practical, clean and well-maintained garments that relinquish fads and fashions that contribute to the exploitation of people, pollution of the planet and waste of resources.

In addition, in an effort to present themselves simply and plainly, communitarians refrain from wearing adornments such as jewellery, or applying any type of false toxic chemical concoction, such as make-up to their faces. Following the same principle, as a mark of unifying modesty, communitarians do not pierce or mark their bodies with tattoos, or the like.  Instead, the body is presented in a natural way, free from falsified enhancements or decoration.

Within the framework of novice communitarians setting the goal of adopting modest attire, the aim is to overcome the impulses to acquire, store, and wear, clothing and accessories designed to attract attention through a display of extravagance, boldness, or excessive decoration. Ostentatious styles are typically associated with a desire to elevate our value and importance at the expense of others, or impress our peers by displaying status, or else a fashion sense in a flashy or showy manner.

Through personal and group development GESTALT PRACTICE, communitarians arrive at the conviction that attachments to particular styles of clothing and footwear is often a reflection of broader wasteful consumption habits. For these reasons, rooting out secular, separatist obsessions with holding onto clothes and shoes, purses and jewellery, along with other forms of personal adornment that no longer serve us — pieces that clutter our spaces, yet do little to add value to our daily lives, needs to receive focused attention until these draws toward glamour and vanity are overcome.  

For communitarians, who value simplicity, modesty, and communal living, modest attire reflects values like humility, restraint, and a focus on the collective good. This approach aligns with the idea of living simply and avoiding excess, helping communitarians move away from materialistic consumption habits and toward a more mindful, community-centered lifestyle.

Creating a minimalist wardrobe to align with communitarian values of modesty and ethical consumption

By adopting a minimalist approach aligned with the principle and practice of ETHICAL CONSUMPTION, communitarians transitioning to COLLABORATIVE COMMON PURSE SHARED PROVISIONING can achieve liberation from the burden and waste of following fashion as well as décor trends that keep us tethered to the idea that more is better.

In this light, communitarians are urged to make the conscious effort to shift toward choosing quality, versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes and can be easily mixed and matched. A minimalist wardrobe is about intentionality. It encourages us to own fewer but better-quality items that are durable and timeless.

For those transitioning to COMMUNAL LIVING, this approach to clothing and footwear aligns with the principles of shared resources and sustainability. In these environments, wardrobe essentials may even be shared among community members, creating a practical system of resource pooling. As we move toward LIVING SIMPLY, focusing on communal values coupled to participation in collaborative provisioning, simplifying our wardrobes becomes a step toward lightening our load—both physically and mentally—while fostering a deeper connection with those around us.

Decluttering with Purpose

By embracing the complex mission of transitioning to collaborative living with a willingness to shift from unrestrained personal accumulation to resource sharing, material security will be found in the collective rather than in individual excess. From this perspective, the task of decluttering becomes more than a superficial act of tidying up; it is a conscious effort to release what is unnecessary so that we can focus on what truly serves THE COLLECTIVE GOOD.

To begin the process, it is best to start by evaluating each item we own through the lens of communal utility by asking;

  • Does this contribute to the shared well-being of the communal union I intend to join?
  • Is this item serving a meaningful purpose, or is it simply cluttering my current space and ability to make easy and relatively quick decisions on what to wear each day?

By planning to keep only the clothing or décor items that are functional and durable, communitarians make room for more important priorities—like building relationships and offering hospitality within a communal setting.

Creating Space for Hospitality

While decluttering and downsizing contribute to simplifying both personal and communal living spaces, it also prepares those transitioning to collaborative living to offer hospitality, which is an important foundational unifying custom. Living spaces that are free of clutter and well-organized create an atmosphere that welcomes others, demonstrating that we value their company and are open to offering comfort and support in any way it may be needed.

By creating room for others in both physical and emotional ways, we build a foundation of trust and mutual support within the community.

In this context, hospitality within communal living facilities, is not only about welcoming others into our space; rather it is about sharing resources, time, and attention. As novices declutter, it is important to consider how our space can be used to support communal gatherings, provide comfort to guests, or serve as a hub for shared activities.

Embracing Ethical Consumption

An important element of downsizing and decluttering entails knowledge and practical application of the principles of ETHICAL CONSUMPTION underpinned by deliberate decisions to acquire only what is necessary, while carrying out this organising task in ways that align with communitarian values. By resisting the influence of pretentious wasteful consumer culture, communitarians demonstrate the massive social, economic and ecological benefits of BREAKING FREE OF CONSUMER CULTURAL CONDITIONING, while also actively contributing to a planned system of production and distribution of necessary life supports that include: clean-green organic healthful and energizing food, secure accommodation, clothing, renewable energy, access to transport, health care, education, and travel, along with recreation and leisure that prioritizes shared well-being over personal gain.

ETHICAL CONSUMPTION also contributes to CONSERVATION of the planet’s limited resources, such as fertile land and fresh water supplies while also positively impacting air quality.