SIMPLE LIVING
Choosing an Uncluttered, Focused, Rich Life
Letting go of nonessentials so that you can joyfully embrace what’s most important to you – that’s what it means to live simply. Choosing simplicity involves clearing away clutter that detracts from the true purpose and beauty of your life. It means taking a fresh look at what you really value and making sure you’re spending your time, energy, and money to support your cherished goals.
Voluntary simplicity doesn’t mean a bare-bones budget or shunning the wonders of modern technology. It may mean buying that new notebook computer so that you can spend time writing under the pine trees at your uncle’s cabin. It may mean splurging for the month-long overseas trip you’ve been dreaming about for decades.
Since we all have different values, gifts, and dreams, our ways of simplifying life will naturally represent a delightful range of choices. There is no one right way; we each must follow our passions, listen to our hearts, and create our own simple lifestyles. The intent is not to be more frugal than your neighbor.
Once an off-course test pilot radioed back to the control tower. He said, “I’m lost, but I’m making record time.”
Many of us, like that test pilot, are moving faster, doing more. With little time for reflection, we squeeze one activity after another into our frenzied lives. But are we really getting anywhere, or worse yet, will we end up in the wrong place?
YEARNING FOR BALANCE
According to national survey results, Americans are seeking balance. When asked to describe what would make their lives more satisfying, the answers usually do not focus on material goods. Instead of newer gadgets, more expensive cars, and bigger homes, most Americans say they want simpler lifestyles more in line with their core values.
In a 1995 study commissioned by the Merck Family Fund, 66 percent of Americans said they would be much more satisfied if they were able to spend more time with family and friends, while 56 percent called for a less hectic, more relaxed approach to life. Over 80 percent agreed that most of us buy and consume far more than we need. Particular concern was expressed about today’s youth being overly focused on buying and consumption. When asked what is causing so many of our society’s troubles, the respondents basically said our values are out of whack.
Nearly 30 percent of the respondents had voluntarily downshifted to a simpler lifestyle. The most com-mon changes were working fewer hours, opting for a lower paying job, and withdrawing from the workforce to stay at home. According to the Trends Research Institute of Rhinebeck, NY, simplification is a leading trend of our times. The excessive, frenzied quality of American life has left more and more people yearning for balance and simplicity.
WAKE-UP CALLS
Some wake-up calls are dramatic, such as surviving a plane crash with minor injuries, being revived from cardiac arrest after a near-death experience, clinging to life through the horrors of a concentration camp, or the death of a loved one.
Other wake-up calls are more subtle, but the results are always the same: a reminder that our lives are precious, that we no longer have time for pettiness, that we have much to give, and that now is the time for doing what is important.
The words of cancer survivor Anita Siegel echo sentiments common to many who have had close brushes with death: “In a way, I’m happy I got cancer. It changed my whole concept of what life is all about. My goals became different. My interests changed. The last eight years of my life have been much different from what they could have been if I hadn’t been faced with the fact that my life might be coming to an end. I accomplished more and I’ve experienced more than I could have imagined.”
After a wake-up call, one becomes less interested in things and more focused on the treasures of relation-ship, spiritual growth, creative expression, and service to others. Clearly, wake-up calls remind us not to give undue attention to the material side of life.
NEED OR GREED?
Compared to other industrialized nations, the United States ranks first in billionaires and number one in children and elderly living in poverty. We rank number one in big homes and number one in homelessness. And while we’re last in savings, we lead the world in private consumption.
Americans represent less than 5 percent of the world’s population. Yet we consume nearly one-third of all natural resources used each year... and produce a similar percentage of the world’s solid waste. In fact, it would require four Earths for everybody on the planet to live the lifestyle of North Americans!
It’s easy, as individuals, to believe we can’t make a difference. We may feel we lack the knowledge, ability, or power to influence a problem. But nothing is further from the truth. The key to dealing with environmental challenges is recognizing that our actions can contribute directly to a solution. Each of us can play a small yet vital role in helping to bring more balance to our “need or greed” dilemma.
By streamlining our lives in simple, satisfying, and comfortable ways, we help to stretch our world’s abundant resources so that the basic needs of all can be more fairly met. Every time we conserve, recycle, reuse, share, or forego a marginally important purchase, we make a difference through our actions and by our example.
Paul Hawken states, “Leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, and make amends if you do.”
Treat the world well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was lent to you by your children.
Kenyan Proverb
CLEARING AWAY CLUTTER
How much clutter is there is your closets, drawers, attic, basement, or garage that is taking up space and is seldom or never used?
As you think about these and similar storage areas in your home or work space — or better yet, as you actually look through them — you may be amazed at the amount of stuff you’ve accumulated. Break the uncluttering job into manageable portions, perhaps clearing out and organizing one drawer or shelf every few days.
Next, with a fresh eye, browse through the rooms of your house, following the advice of Sarah Ban Breathmach, author of Simple Abundance: “Let the Divine Spirits of simplicity, order, harmony, and beauty accompany you.” Are there changes you want to make, items you want to let go of? If you’ve not used something in the last year, and it’s not a treasured item with high sentimental value, why not pass it on to someone who would appreciate it?
Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful.
William Morris
Soon your living area or office will feel decidedly more open, organized, and pleasant. Chances are you will feel different too — less burdened, more refreshed, and more open to new perceptions and possibilities.
MAKING FRESH STARTS
Another kind of clutter gets in the way of a simply beautiful life — old hurts and resentments which we’ve been unable or unwilling to let go. The process of clearing away these inner blockages to the good life is similar to housecleaning. It usually works best to concentrate on one area at a time, in a way and at a pace that feels good to you.
Friends, mentors, and perhaps a professional counselor can help you through the process of finishing old business and letting it go. If you are spiritually inclined, prayer, meditation, and inspiring reading can do wonders to assist you.
UNIVERSAL SHOPPING LIST
During recent decades our habits of consumption have expanded significantly. As we consume more, we have more to take care of and more debt. We drain the earth’s resources, contribute more to pollution, and spend more time on the job. The authors of Your Money or Your Life point out that the average North American works 20 percent more today than in 1973 and has 32 percent less free time. (Of course, due to loss of higher paying jobs, some individuals have been forced to work more hours just to break even.)
Shopping has become one of the most popular away-from-home activities. Not surprisingly, most teenage girls report that shopping is their favorite activity.
In The Circle of Simplicity, Cecile Andrews recommends that we ask ourselves a series of questions before making a purchase. Drawing in large part from Dr. Andrews’ work, we have created the following Universal Shopping List:
1. Do I really need this? Is there anything I can use instead?
2. Will this item bring enjoyment and beauty into my life?
3. Will it benefit others?
4. Will this item help me to engage in life more fully?
5. Is the cost of the item worth the time it takes to earn the money to buy it?
6. Could I buy it used? Borrow it? Rent it? Share the purchase with someone else?
7. How will this purchase affect the environment?
INTUITION SIMPLIFIES DECISION MAKING
On the journey of simple living, your intuition is one of your best friends. Your intuition is your inner sense of what is true or what is best to do. It will guide you in making decisions both large and small, it will bestow inspiration, and it will assist you in scattering kindness and serving others.
Workshop leader and author Caroline Myss says it well: “Every person is incredibly intuitive. So the first step is to acknowledge that. Stop looking for instantaneous proof, and thinking of it as magic. Eventually the realization crystallizes that every feeling about a person, or an event, is information that is generated intuitively. It’s up to us to pay attention to it.”
Pay attention to the feelings, thoughts, and pictures that seem to just “pop” into your awareness. Honor your gut feelings about what to say and what not to say, what to do and when to do it. Heed your con-science— the still, small voice within. Exercise discrimination and courage in following through on what you believe is best. Listen to the whispers of your heart, not just sometimes but regularly. Doing so will enable you to make better decisions and will enrich your life.
THE TIME EATERS
High-definition television, e-mail, the World Wide Web, alphanumeric pagers, cell phones, digital cameras— the offerings of modern technology clutter and dominate your life. Question how much, if at all, you want to use the various gadgets that beckon for your money, time, and energy.
For example, let’s consider TV. If carefully chosen, television can be a wonderful source of news, entertainment, and education. But how much is enough? Do you really need a satellite dish that will give you a choice of over 200 channels? At the end of this precious life of yours, will you look back on thousands upon thousands of hours spent passively watching TV as a truly wise use of your priceless time on earth?
And what about our children? Most youngsters spend more time watching TV programs laced with enticing advertisements than in any other activity except sleeping. According to one estimate, if Ameri-cans continue in their current television habits, by the time today’s children are 70, they will have watched TV for a full seven years of their lives. Not surprisingly, for an increasing number of Americans, reducing TV time is a favorite strategy for simplifying and enriching their lives.
If you would like to open up more free space in your life — time for expressing your creativity, blessing others, and doing whatever it is that your heart desires — try this: Limit your TV watching to seven or fewer hours a week. Based on typical American television habits, you’ll gain at least 700 hours of free time each year. Think about that!
DROWSY AMERICA
Millions of Americans are seriously sleep-deprived, and about half of us don’t get enough sleep. It’s a surefire signal that we need to slow down, simplify, and re-prioritize our lives.
Sleepiness and the related lack of alertness are principal or contributing factors in accidents of all kinds. For example, drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel account for nearly 50,000 collisions and 1,500 deaths annually.
Aside from accidental injuries, think of how much we miss in daily life because of varying degrees of exhaustion. And how do you think lack of rest affects relationships, judgment, school performance, our immune systems, our creativity?
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that simply getting enough rest could drastically improve our individual and collective well-being. Sleep doesn’t cost money, it’s not controversial, and for most of us it’s a pleasant, no-effort activity with lots of positive effects.
So turn off those lights a little earlier, and if you haven’t already discovered the pleasure and productivity-enhancing effects of a daytime nap, try it the next time you’re feeling a little tired.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
Although it’s been said, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” it’s not always that simple. Yes, it can work that way and often does. However, sometimes an individual launches out and does what he or she loves, and enough money to live on does not follow. Or, it may take a long time before sufficient financial abundance starts to flow.
Nevertheless, a key element in leading a simple, focused life is following your passion and doing what you love as much as reasonably possible.
Listen when your heart says, “Wasn’t that fun!” or “Wouldn’t you like to do more of this?” Your soul often speaks to you in signs of joys, satisfaction, and increased life energy. Pay careful attention. Either you will receive confirmation that you’re already on target, or you will be prompted to make minor, or perhaps major, changes in your life. As you move through life your aspirations naturally may shift as new opportunities arise and fresh insights dawn.
SUPPORT YOURSELF
When we start to make positive changes in our lives, we often run into resistance. It can come from fears, doubts, and old habits as well as from family and friends. Just knowing opposition may crop up can help us get through it. We’ll be more prepared to face it and respond creatively.
Starting a Simple Living Journal, in which you record your dreams, goals, struggles, and progress will help you weather the storms of opposition and discouragement. While having a spouse or other family member who shares your interest in voluntary simplicity is ideal, it’s by no means required. Another invaluable aid is exchanging support with like-minded friends. Many also report that inspirational reading, quiet time, being with nature, and learning to say no have smoothed their way on the simple living journey.
What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.
Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BEAUTY
What sings to you? What pulls your heart? What do you find pleasing? Engage your heart and all your senses, begin paying more attention to aspects of everyday life that enchant you. Focus more on beauty...in household items and other belongings, and in people and nature. As you dwell on beauty, you attract its healing qualities into your inner and outer worlds. Beauty delights the heart. Beauty creates comfort and harmony. Beauty nourishes our souls.
PAUSE AND ENJOY
Tune into life’s simple joys: the invigorating spray of shower water cascading down your back, the colorful faces of wayside flowers, the warm touch of a loved one, the delight of interesting conversation with a good friend. Make a list of simple pleasures that truly appeal to you.
In the words of counselor and author Melody Beattie: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow...Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
You should carefully observe the way toward which your heart draws you, then choose this way with all your strength.
Martin Buber
To be content with what we have at this moment, to bloom where we are planted — this is the wisdom of gratitude, this is the very foundation of a simply beautiful life.
Adapted from “Simply Beautiful.” Prepared by Sam Quick, human development and family relations specialist, and Robert Flashman, family resource management specialist (1997), Kentucky Cooperation Extension Service.
Costing little or nothing, they are yours to embrace.
Every day, all the time, life surrounds us with countless wonders. Make it a point to tune in more frequently, to pause for a few seconds and enjoy what is. Remember: The past is a memory, the future a dream. But right now — this moment — is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.
A GRATEFUL HEART
Heartfelt thankfulness — a simple practice that awakens us to the goodness of life and reminds us that we are awash in a sea of blessings. The more we count the many gifts of life, the deeper our appreciation and contentment grow. Gratitude helps us attract what we truly need and opens doors where before we saw none.