Simple Living is Not so Simple
The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn't simple.
~Doris Janzen Longacre
The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn't simple.
~Doris Janzen Longacre
No one ever said that when they grow up they want to be “overwhelmed”. Sadly, that is exactly what most of my clients express when they call me for an intervention. What they are so desperately seeking is a simpler way in their day-to-day. Many times that is in terms of their “stuff” and their “time”. They conclude that “stuff” is making them, their relationships and their environment sick. Change rarely happens on a voluntary basis, but when the desire to change becomes a priority in ones life, I have noticed some similarities that contribute to a simpler meaningful lifestyle.
1. Limiting material possessions to what is needed and/or cherished.
2. Meaningful work, whether paid or volunteer.
3. Quality relationships with friends and family
4. Joyful and pleasurable leisure activities
5. A conscious and comfortable relationship with money
6. Connection to community, but not necessarily in formal organizations
7. Sustainable consumption practices
8. Healthy living practices, including exercise, adequate sleep and nutritious food
9. Practices that foster personal growth, spirituality, journal writing and up-lifting reading.
10. Connection to nature and delighting in spending time in nature regularly.
11. Aesthetic beauty in personal environment.
12. Living in harmony with values and integrity.
As in any lifestyle change, I always say to take it slow. You might want to include one or two of these practices this year. Next year, you may want to add on a few more. What is most important is connecting with your true self and deciding that you are worth the change.
1. Limiting material possessions to what is needed and/or cherished.
2. Meaningful work, whether paid or volunteer.
3. Quality relationships with friends and family
4. Joyful and pleasurable leisure activities
5. A conscious and comfortable relationship with money
6. Connection to community, but not necessarily in formal organizations
7. Sustainable consumption practices
8. Healthy living practices, including exercise, adequate sleep and nutritious food
9. Practices that foster personal growth, spirituality, journal writing and up-lifting reading.
10. Connection to nature and delighting in spending time in nature regularly.
11. Aesthetic beauty in personal environment.
12. Living in harmony with values and integrity.
As in any lifestyle change, I always say to take it slow. You might want to include one or two of these practices this year. Next year, you may want to add on a few more. What is most important is connecting with your true self and deciding that you are worth the change.
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.
~E.F. Schumacher
Website of the month:
www.stresslesscountry.com
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