Downsizing is often seen as a rite-of-passage as we get older. But what if living with fewer material possessions was a way of life? And as I will suggest in my reflection, material clutter is not the only baggage we might carry with us.

In June 2017, Rev. Jeff Jones left full-time parish ministry (nine years in Fredericksburg, VA, and seven years in Marietta, GA) to pursue Community Ministry in Compassionate Living, a cornerstone of which is Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Jeff and his wife now live in Asheville, and he is enjoying creating this new ministry as student, aspiring practitioner, and facilitator.