Steps to a Simple Life

Steps to a simple life

A simple life, also known as voluntary simplicity, was defined by Duane Elgin as

“a manner of living that is outwardly more simple and inwardly more rich, a way of being in which our most authentic and alive self is brought into direct and conscious contact with living.”

There are many more terms or off-shoots of simple living, such as; green living, sustainable living, back to basics etc. Whatever the term used the general idea is to consume less, live more, become better stewards to our environment, and choose to live our lives on our own terms.

We jumped off the proverbial plank into the life of voluntary simplicity in 2008. We sold EVERYTHING we own except for what fit into 4 carry-on suitcases and a few photographs, and set out to travel through Latin America with our kids. We are completely free without any demands on our time other than what we wish to bring into our lives.

We walk or take the bus, we eat raw, fresh foods, our heating & cooling requirements amount to approximately 5 gallons of propane a month, and we have not purchased anything we don’t need during the first 6 months of our adventure. Our time is spent learning, through our readings and through our experiencing other foods, cultures, and people.

We had in mind to simplify our lives as one of the goals of our lifestyle change. And while our approach is not likely to be followed by many…we think there is something to be said for practice a life of simplicity. This isn’t about deprivation, or moving to a remote mountain cabin…it is about making small steps towards a sustainable lifestyle.

Here are some ideas…

• Get rid of stuff: Although the process was certainly emotional at times, getting rid of ALL of our stuff took on a healing or cleansing quality to it. Removing clutter in our lives is cathartic.
• Get your finances in order: We recommend starting with your debt. Having our personal finances in order allowed us to easily change our lifestyle and travel with our children.
• Design your life plan: It is my assertion that most of us do not spend enough time thinking about what we want from life, and then developing a plan to get it. Spend some time thinking about what you want your life to look like.
• Reduce stress: Stress is a killer…literally. Find ways to eliminate those things in your life that are causing you stress. They do not need to be in your life, regardless of what types of pressures society puts on you.
• Be happy: Easier said than done for many of us. I am working on it…and finding that it is a lot of fun as well.
• Get rid of negative messages: One of my favorites. Turn off the T.V. and stop reading the newspapers…there 75% of the work is already done. Now get rid of a few “friends” that have nothing but bad news for you every day and you are home free. It is amazing what impact these steps can have on your overall health.

There is an endless amount of things we can do to make our lives simpler. Our family has spent time working on the ones above.

Share some examples of what you and your family is doing to simplify your lives.

http://www.simpleliving.net/main/ - resource