Simple Living
also known as voluntary simplicity, is a lifestyle individuals choose to minimize the 'more-is-better' pursuit of wealth and consumption.
The idea is very old, seeming to stem from both asceticism and the shramana traditions of India, just not practicing either to the same extent as their original definition.
I have to admit that I have been thinking more and more about this lately. The idea of getting away from the mad consumerism and unhealthy work life we all have these days, seem very appealing to me. Granted, the change to a simpler life style will require discipline and dedication. The benefits (or my perception thereof) seems to outweigh the initial adjustment though.
Just a little thought I thought I might set free on here and see what thoughts/feelings you might have about it.
PS. there are numerous sites that will give you information on this. Just google it ;-)
Let me go on with the same life style. Maybe in my 40s I will consider a change.
... but simplicity doesnt mean also to have less than what you deserve isn't it?
i won't bring religion to what is my opinion but for me, simlicity in your heart and achieving higher, bigger in your dreams that would come to pass.. that is how simpicity is about.
..Simple living means, you learn to CHOOSE to be happy each day no matter what or even plans won't go as you expected. By having good ATTITUDE in life, Also means to have humble heart and peaceful mind.
heero'
...Habit however is like PC, you can reprogram your habit by doing so, do the new habit everyday...replace bad habit to good one.
"letting go doesn't mean ur weak,only shows you're stronger to let go"
No matter how much you 'volunteer' to minimize your spending lifestyle, you'll probably automatically be going back to your usual habit.
It's like forcing yourself to stop smoking when it's been your habit all your life.
"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
Uhhmmmm, actually not my idea. It's been around for 100s of years :) I think more people are leaning towards a simple life though and with the power of the internet at our finger tips, it is easier to make it a reality.
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Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence - Carl Sagan
Oh Shamiri, such a lovely sounding Idea!
Refreshing to say the least.
It all depends on how complicated one's life is to start with :)
Yep, I was quite surprise by R&R's move to start it here hehe.
I do think though as people are becoming more environmentally responsible, SIMPLICITY (quality/sustainability over brand) might become a status symbol/measurement.
To me that would be the wrong reason for VS, but with the right outcome hehe.
I love the idea, Shamiri...it's my secret fantasy, lol.
I find it interesting that RandR came here to carry this out, while I feel that I won't be able to until I go back home. So much emphasis here on "stuff" and "status".
I do try to minimize whenever possible and try to set an example for my kids that we don't HAVE to have EVERYTHING.
hm..maybe.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Ohhh FFS cant we have ANY discussion without faith and religion entering it?
Shamiri what you are talking about is what i always believed and is taught by my faith.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
The idea of voluntary simplicity is NOT that you HAVE to be self sufficient. It is rather that you need to consciously think about your spending (and consumption) habits and rather spend money on sustainable products (instead of disposable).
Self sufficiency is an added bonus :)
Of course you don't have to go the voluntary simplicity route to become a more responsible consumer. Many people already do this as a moral choice. Also, VS does not mean you will spend less money on a product. In some cases you will actually spend MORE to purchase a more durable product from sustainable sources.
and also have solar electricity in it.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
One which many of us aspire to, but hardly ever achieve.
Years ago I worked with a guy who grew his own vegetables, lived pretty frugaly and only worked as an IT Consultant when neccessary.
I wish that i could follow teh same path..
I am gonna have farm in Somalia. part of simplification of life.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Ohhh no, sorry for the misunderstanding. I won't start this while I'm in Qatar. Only once I return to South Africa.
Although you could say I am doing this here already, as the only expenses I have is for food, fuel and my own airfares for traveling.
Since I am single, it is easy to go this route. I can only imagine that for a family, this will become a more difficult option.
Shamiri, lovely idea! I would love to hear more on how far you can carry on this type of life style especially when you live in Qatar, with family to support and high rent to pay.
I took early retirement and a pay-cut to come to Qatar for one reason - time to spend with my family.
In the last one year, we have traveled to 5 different countries and planning another trip that will take us to three foreign shores.
My children are much happier and I feel my own outlook becoming more positive.
After spending nearly a decade in high pressure corporate environment, I am asking myself why I didn't do this earlier.
Good luck.
Well,
I can tell you what my current planning is. If it will work is another question hehe.
Firstly, I am planning to move out of the corporate world. Maybe start of with working 3 days full time in my current industry (IT) and 2 days a week at other projects (carpentry, woodworking, making furniture etc). The one advanyage I can see is that I will get more time to actually create something instead of just consume. Also more quality time with members of my family, more time to get involved in various charities, more time for spiritual growth/meditation etc. Currently I am just too tired after a day's work to even think about any of that.
The big adjustment will be that I have to be disciplined enough to get along with a lower income. The one advantage I have though is the money I make here will basically serve as a "retirement fund" to carry me for quite a few years while I make the adjustment.