"To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring
these are some of the rewards of the simple life."
- John Burroughs
How do your days pass?
Are they mostly lacking fun and buzzing with just too much to do? Are they filled with upsetting problems or simply wasted?
Perhaps it may be time for a review to consider if a change in lifestyle would make living better. If it is possible in your particular situation, an easier, more enjoyable and healthier existence may be quite attainable.
Simple Living, or Voluntary Simplicity are concepts that can ease financial difficulties, provide more time for family fun and relaxation, and contribute to better health. Imagine what pleasant things you could be doing with those extra hours and days.
The notion that working strenuously and excessively to possess more and better products and services is just plain wrong living. We that can afford to do so often buy more than we can wisely use. The added waste produced by this irrational behavior has eaten up more natural resources unnecessarily and more of our valuable time here on earth working for more.
All this is not only a demonstration of false pride but it is too costly for us and our world.
The problem is everyone seems to be going along with this madness, persuaded that maximizing one's possessions is the only way to live. Yet by now many of us must be wondering about the possibilities of an easier, more self satisfying, and kinder regimen for going forward.
It is not necessary to leap into an entirely unfamiliar, say rural lifestyle, which sets you apart from everyone. Without making big changes to where and how you are now living there are some easy steps to take to test the waters and feel the benefits of stressing less and having more disposable money and time.
For a quick and easy start why not reduce your 'needs' and consume less; take in more of the good things in life for self and family.
A simple example is resisting persuasive advertisements by watching less TV commercials which should reduce your 'need' for new or newer products or services. There are many ways to get your toes wet such as these short and easy to follow Simple Living tips from an earlier post.
An abundance of ideas for a peaceful journey through life are scattered around the internet and easily searched. Leo Babauta's very popular Zen Habits has excellent articles and tips on this topic. Check out his archives list and find the find the posts that interest you.
"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao Tzu
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