Seeking a simple life

[Flaxbee]

(If you click on the link, there is a video interview that starts automatically - I personally HATE that - prefer to click to start, rather than have something start automatically. Anyway, just fyi)

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/seeking-a-simple-life-20120708-21p6f.html#ixzz20S3GBvM6

Stepping off the career treadmill and embracing a life less harried need not be as hard as some fear.

[WHO] Greg Foyster, former advertising dynamo, exploring the burgeoning Simple Living movement
[WHAT] Documenting in a blog and book people's decisions to change lifestyle
[HOW] Riding 4000 kilometres through Australia with partner Sophie Chishkovsky

SO many people experience a nagging, gnawing apprehension that they are not living the life they ought. Philosophy, it can be argued, is rooted in asking the question of how should one best live; as an individual, as part of the broader community and, indeed, as part of the world.

In a lamentably large number of cases, angst about the progress of one's life is not the result of poor decisions; it's primarily a function of mongrel circumstances. Lack of opportunity, economic hardship, homelessness, addiction, mental and physical illness and bastardry by others trap people in misery. In still other cases, of course, people do find themselves suffering the consequences of bad choices.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I have always wanted to do this.

I have wanted to step away from stressful work and meaningless jobs. I have read books on "how to do it". And yet, I cannot take that step. I don't consume much. I don't care much for material things. But I can't do it......it feels like stepping off of a cliff. It seems irrational.

I don't know how to do it. And just telling me to "do it" isn't good enough. And now I am getting older, and all the work involved in homesteading or building a sustainable home is too much to imagine these days.

So, to anyone who thinks that they would like to do this----I wish you luck and guts.

[cbayer]

2. I have done it, but I had help and her name was Katrina.

It was easier than you may think, but it does require taking a jump off a cliff and being prepared to take what comes. It may seem irrational, but it rapidly became the most rational thing I ever did.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Yes, something like Katrina would do it.

It would be the push that is needed. I keep thinking that if I lost my job, or something disastrous happened (like you had with Katrina), that would be what I needed. I am glad it worked for you...if I think of jumping off that cliff, all my mind can see is jagged rocks to bounce off. I don't see that lovely lake to splash into or a handglider. Can you tell, I am not good with change???

[Tsiyu]

4. You'll like this website as well

This is art two of one of the essays, you should be able to navigate to part one.

Enjoy.

http://ofthehands.com/2012/01/29/how-to-be-poor-an-argument-for-voluntary-poverty-part-two/

[Flaxbee]

7. thanks, tsiyu

It's quite interesting; I've bookmarked so I can follow the blog.

[Tsiyu]

9. you're very welcome, Flaxbee

I actually stumbled across the site when I was googling "solar bathhouse" ( my current dream - check out the one they built ooh la-la )

The posts are a bit myopic, and "well, duh" speaking of balancing modern excess and realistic sustainability. It's hard work, who knew, right?

But then again, it helps to have someone say out loud how easy it is to get distracted, to not see the forest for the trees.

Just another perspective on the journey!

[ghostlake]

5. Simple life

I was happiest as a wilderness ranger in the Tongass National Forest of Alaska, riding ocean swells on a sea kayak, rainfall, ancient forest nearby, sea otters, eagles & whales, good book (Arctic Dreams), shelter, food, . . . much happier then!

[NMDemDist2]

6. welcome to DU ghostlake!!

[Flaxbee]

8. I'll second that - welcome, ghostlake!

What do you do now that makes you less content?