Interestingly enough, just pondering this statement may provide a momentary relief from the complexity of our lives that keeps many of us in a constant hurried mode.
In the essence of the statement, we can catch our breath and imagine how full our lives might be in a simpler world without all of the material goods and professional ambitions we are told we need, should want, and can't live without. In a Zen-like moment, we get a glimpse of living in the paradox of the blog title where we let go of all we have and experience all we need.
Studies show that most of us long for more—time with friends and family-- and that we want to enjoy the life that feels like it is passing us by. Our hectic lives contrasted with our desire for something different begs the question "Why are we working?" and "Why can't we just slow down and live more simply?"
Juliet Schor, author and professor at Boston College who writes on the "New Politics of Consumption", says it's because we are caught in a cycle of overspending that keeps us in a perpetual spin of needing to work and be productive. Our insatiable habit to accumulate more and more keeps us working hours in excess than we did just a decade ago with no signs of lessening in the near future.
What would it take to create a shift in our status quo? While some of us may look externally (from our employer, our government, our family…) for a change that will make our lives better, we are more likely to experience a timely result when we take charge of our own lives.
Begin with these simple questions:
•What matters most to me in my life at this time?
•How aligned is my life to what I value?
•What is one simple step I can take in the next two weeks to bring about greater alignment with what I most value?
•Repeat this exercise every six months.
Get ready to live a life that surprises you with its simplicity.
Another reason everyone should go for a long walk sometime...you discover quickly that you can survive just fine with all you need (plus a few grocery stops) carried on your back. It makes coming home and seeing rooms and rooms of 'stuff' as mostly superfluous to peace and fulfillment. I wish more Americans could see this way to live instead of buying into our culture of spend spend spend fed by consumerism and advertising.
Posted by Bluebeareesometimes I can just sit not because it was voluntary. I was terminated from my position 6 weeks ago and now I realize that I can do without and I do have more time for my family. When I go back to work I plan on taking my time to find a job to suit being with my family and spending time with myself.
Posted by betsySounds as though you've put the emphasis on what you have gained from your situation and that mindset has helped you to recognize what you want in your next job.
Best wishes!
Simple. Right to the heart of the matter. I think I will do this today!
Posted by JillLast night, as I pulled my clams to the truck, my back began to hurt. As I was walking, I thought of my need to get home and clean the clams. I decided to take a break. I sat on my bucket looking out at the ocean. There was a solitary clammer left on the flats; the clammer was silhouetted by the shimmer of the rising moon.
I began to give thanks for the moment at hand instead of contemplating the moment in the future. That is the way life should be!
Posted by MarcBeing outside and surrounded by nature has made me realize how simple life is and can be. All you need is food,water,air,sleep & "friends". Thanks for the article. It's just what I needed during this holiday season.
Posted by Beth
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