Activity time: 30 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Handout 1, Mindful Spending
• Leader Resource 1, The Fulfillment Curve
• Newsprint, markers, and tape
• Optional: “Voluntary Simplicity (YouTube video),” an interview with Vicki Robin, coauthor of Your Money or Your Life, on University of Washington television
• Optional: Computer, projector, and speakers

Preparation for Activity

• Draw the Fulfillment Curve in Leader Resource 1 on newsprint and post.
• Write the following questions on newsprint, but do not post:
  • What purchases or possessions add to the quality of your life?
  • Are you spending your money the way you want to—on purpose rather than by accident and habit?
  • Does your spending match your priorities and your personal and spiritual values?
  • What is “enough” for you?
• Optional: Preview and queue the video and test the equipment. Prepare to show only the first segment of the video, up to 6:25.

Description of Activity

Show the video up to 6:25 or distribute Handout 1, Mindful Spending, and ask participants to read it. Give participants several minutes to read it. Invite participants to offer reactions.

Next, call attention to the Fulfillment Curve you have posted. Again invite reactions.

Post the questions you have written on newsprint. Ask participants to reflect in silence. After two or three minutes, ask them to find a partner and respond to the questions on the posted newsprint. Allow about ten minutes for paired conversation. Then regather the group and invite participants to share insights.