A friend asked, “How has a vow of poverty manifested itself?”

For the basics like work, job, and belongings:  I decided as a teen to strive to
work only for good people who are honest and run a business that would not bring harm to others. As an adult I worked for free in a number of businesses, turned down full time employment resulting in job creations for others, and routinely gave away my belongings.

I studied and worked with a group facilitator from 1981 to 1996,  assisting, co-facilitating, and facilitating movement based creative and expressive arts therapy groups. I chose to not get paid thus enabling more folks access to the workshops by keeping the cost lower.

In the mid 1980’s I helped someone I barely knew build his house, and sometimes got gas money but was never paid.

Worked at an antique store for 18 years, which was owned by good and kind people. Not a high paying job, but I was paid in learning a new skill (archival framing) and got to handle and see beautiful antique art work.

Chose to not accept full time employment at two different facilities I worked at thus enabling the hiring of 2 more therapists.

Volunteered at various community organizations over the years and occasionally offered workshops for no cost.

Giving away 4 different working vehicles over the years to folks that needed transport. Giving away my belongings to individuals and the Good Will.

Currently I don’t work. My SS is only a bit less than what I was paid as a senior counselor facilitating in/out patient groups.

These decisions were choices that I made to lend support to how I wanted … and yes …. needed to live. To cultivate and keep in mind , heart and body a focused connection with all around me in a prayerful practical way.

See:  second draft https://richardbbrunner.com/2026/02/17/12420/