Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Voluntary Simplicity - What is it we really need?

My meditation this week is focused on another quote from my recent Northwest Earth Institute's Voluntary Simplicity Discussion Course.
"The bottom line for us is, if you can become self-sufficient in the basics of life, which are shelter, nutritious food, and clothing - if you have these things covered, then all you have to do with the rest of your time is make yourself a peaceful person."
-- Janet Lehrs
How true that we need so little, yet expect so much from every day. I know, there are VERY few of us that are completely self-sufficient when it comes to shelter, food, and clothes. But how easily we convince ourselves that we need just a little bit more... then just a little bit more...

Quotes like these usually lead to me making a massive sweep though my home, followed by a trip to the local mission to donate. Over the years, I've learned to live with less and less stuff, and more and more experiences. Because really, at the end of the day, what do we REALLY need?
For more about Voluntary Simplicity, check out the following posts:

6 comments:

Holly said...

this world tells us we need more and more because this world tells us to be selfish. it's a daily battle to not succumb to this world's beliefs. it's more about the journey and the relationships we have along the journey.

hmd said...

Holly - VERY true!

Grampa Ken said...

It's so difficult for anyone growing up in the average N American home to enjoy nature and the good things in life. Excessive marketing and consumerism are with most of us from childhood and there is so much money promoting a continuation of this.

Perhaps the internet will provide the resources for change.

hmd said...

Grandpa Ken - It's definitely difficult when we're on auto-pilot, which I think why it's so vitally important to make conscious choices about what we feel is truly important (because once we make that deliberate choice, it's actually pretty easy).

The internet, though can be a similar trap because of all the ads. In providing resources, do you mean that more mindful lifestyles are more readily apparent?

Grampa Ken said...

I was thinking of the websites and blogs that are trying to making positive social change a public issue. There are numerous blogs on the just environment alone. The more these things get talked about the more we will all become aware of all the waste and artificial aspects of our consuming lifestyles.

hmd said...

Grampa Ken - You're absolutely right. There's tons of info out there and it seems to be catching on (thank heavens!)