As I have eliminated a lot of unnecessary things in my life, whether it be stuff, obligations, TV or other activities, I find I am a lot more content with simple tasks and the mundane. For example...I used to DREAD doing the dishes....I would put it off as long as possible with an overflowing gross sink in favor of doing other things. But now, I do them every night and it doesn't bother me. The same thing with laundry (this post was inspired by some quiet-time in the laundromat today), paying bills, ect. I can't say I get an ecstatic joy out of these things, but I do feel peaceful and happy doing them. Not only to get it "out of the way", but just feeling geniunely OK with my quiet life. Don't get me wrong...I still desire adventure and excitement whether it be traveling or other endeavors, butI actually look forward to having my quiet time doing laundry, dishes or whatever else needs to be attended to that day. It reminds me of alot of the Buddhist and some Taoist schools which used simple every day tasks...thinks that are truly necessary in life like gardening, washing, ect...to reach enlightenment. I guess once the necessary is completed...you realize that there really isn't much else! No striving for the newest fashion, car, or plasma TV...at least that is how I feel at the moment. I'll bet though after I have this baby I will want a new wardrobe! We will see....hopefully I can resist the urge!
I also made a green decision with my husband today. We will hopefully purchase our first home soon and we essentially have NO appliances (save a toaster!) I really don't want to buy new but DH wants Energy Star appliances...both have green value to them however I really think so much pollution and materials are used up in the production of these goods, sometimes equal to or more so than there use. (Another blog, Earth Home Garden talks about this with cars...a great and interesting post recently). We certainly don't need a lot...we aren't into anything fancy, we just want the basics. We reached a compromise that we are going to Freecycle or Craigslist as much as possible AND try to find ones that are Energy Star off of these lists...hopefully we will get the best of both worlds. Hopefully we can be patient and disciplined enough to do this right for our budget and more importantly for a greener world.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Can we just "be" ?
I used to think that if I just bought this, or invested my money in that...that would be the solution to being who I want to be. Surely if I bought the outdoor gear...I would be an outdoors person! Or surely if I bought the magazine on something I would gain that interest. It is almost an exercize in self-loathing...instead of being content and happy and just doing what I wanted to do, I thought I could buy my way into being who I wanted to be. Thank goodness I have gotten over that mentality...not only for my own sanity, but for the sake of the earth, and of others.
I have really truly enjoyed my last few weekends. I think it is mainly because I have taken the time to do nothing, to relax and simply enjoy what I have. This has given me time to reflect not only on my own life and happiness, but some general musings as well. I guess I am REALLY happy that during these nice quiet down-times I have truly felt "Enough". I am happy with where I am in life, and I definitely I feel as if I have enough in life - enough food, enough clothing, enough friends and family, ect. I feel no striving for a new plasma-screen TV, the latest fashions, or whatever. I don't feel like this everyday, but I guess that is why it is important to me to take stock of my life on a regular basis so I don't get sucked in by Society's - BUY BUY BUY siren song. And I am by no means perfect! It has taken me a long time to have the courage to just be.
One thing that was disconcerting today...I got the chance to go to a local park and just enjoy nature, observe the river (I got to see a Great Blue Heron harass a flock of mallard ducks today!) and just chill. I was amazed at how many people seemed unable to do that! Everywhere I looked there was at least one person yammering on a cell-phone or doing something else to distract themselves electronically or otherwise.
Are so many really that conditioned by The Consumer Culture to feel DIScontent, restless, and unfulfilled that it is impossible to simply enjoy some quiet moments and reflect? To not be connected for even a short time for fear of missing out on the next big thing?
Even in my day-to-day life, I am amazed at how the majority of conversations turn to TV or the next product to purchase. Fewer people seem to be just reading books, spending quality time with loved ones (without the Idiot Box), or simply having their own independent thought or even hobbies beyond shopping for the next big bargain. We have more leisure time then ever and what do we do with it....do we create? do we explore? do we challenge ourselves and our thinking? do we help others or solve problems?
No.... we fill our lives with all these distractions. Its amazing number of people who just CAN'T BELIEVE how little TV I watch, how I never shop "just to shop", and intentionally remove myself from consumer culture. I don't even bother to listen to the radio anymore beyond NPR as it is 70% commercials and 30% crappy music with the same 10 songs repeated over and over and over.... (Thank you Crappy Clear Channel Corporation).
Are we beyond hope? It seems we need to go beyond appealing to the goodness of people's hearts to change our massive overconsumption that is destroying the planet and keeping others in poverty. People's very way of thinking and way of life needs to change...living by example I think is key...showing society there IS another way. But...are there any willing to venture into this new territory...to go seemingly backwards from supposed progress....to boldly experience our own lives, own minds, our own ideas without distractions...without anyone telling us how, why, or what is important for us? Can we just be?
I have really truly enjoyed my last few weekends. I think it is mainly because I have taken the time to do nothing, to relax and simply enjoy what I have. This has given me time to reflect not only on my own life and happiness, but some general musings as well. I guess I am REALLY happy that during these nice quiet down-times I have truly felt "Enough". I am happy with where I am in life, and I definitely I feel as if I have enough in life - enough food, enough clothing, enough friends and family, ect. I feel no striving for a new plasma-screen TV, the latest fashions, or whatever. I don't feel like this everyday, but I guess that is why it is important to me to take stock of my life on a regular basis so I don't get sucked in by Society's - BUY BUY BUY siren song. And I am by no means perfect! It has taken me a long time to have the courage to just be.
One thing that was disconcerting today...I got the chance to go to a local park and just enjoy nature, observe the river (I got to see a Great Blue Heron harass a flock of mallard ducks today!) and just chill. I was amazed at how many people seemed unable to do that! Everywhere I looked there was at least one person yammering on a cell-phone or doing something else to distract themselves electronically or otherwise.
Are so many really that conditioned by The Consumer Culture to feel DIScontent, restless, and unfulfilled that it is impossible to simply enjoy some quiet moments and reflect? To not be connected for even a short time for fear of missing out on the next big thing?
Even in my day-to-day life, I am amazed at how the majority of conversations turn to TV or the next product to purchase. Fewer people seem to be just reading books, spending quality time with loved ones (without the Idiot Box), or simply having their own independent thought or even hobbies beyond shopping for the next big bargain. We have more leisure time then ever and what do we do with it....do we create? do we explore? do we challenge ourselves and our thinking? do we help others or solve problems?
No.... we fill our lives with all these distractions. Its amazing number of people who just CAN'T BELIEVE how little TV I watch, how I never shop "just to shop", and intentionally remove myself from consumer culture. I don't even bother to listen to the radio anymore beyond NPR as it is 70% commercials and 30% crappy music with the same 10 songs repeated over and over and over.... (Thank you Crappy Clear Channel Corporation).
Are we beyond hope? It seems we need to go beyond appealing to the goodness of people's hearts to change our massive overconsumption that is destroying the planet and keeping others in poverty. People's very way of thinking and way of life needs to change...living by example I think is key...showing society there IS another way. But...are there any willing to venture into this new territory...to go seemingly backwards from supposed progress....to boldly experience our own lives, own minds, our own ideas without distractions...without anyone telling us how, why, or what is important for us? Can we just be?
Friday, January 26, 2007
The "I Deserve" Mentality
I have noticed that a lot of my family and friends do care about the environment.....but not enough to change to greener habits.When it comes down to it, many have either the "I Deserve" or the "I Need" Mentality
"I know this car is a gas guzzler, but i have worked so hard for it and deserve a new car"
"I know disposable plastic is a bit wasteful, but I am so busy and deserve the convenience"
"I know the packaged food is bad for the enviornment but I deserve this treat"
"I know soda takes so many chemicals and such to produce but I need the caffeine/sugar"
When did this mentality start to emerge? I am guilty of it at times as well, but where does it come from? Advertising? Peer Pressure? Both? Why don't people realize that having all of these things is a PRIVELEGE and not a need? I personally get very tired of the whole "I Deserve" way of thinking. I think there are very few things people actually deserve - Food, Water, Shelter, Safety, Adequate Healthcare - and that is about it. Sounds harsh I know, but why do we NEED to have all these things when others must go without...sometimes BECAUSE we consume these things? When did a luxury car or a gigantic SUV become a NEED and not a privilege? When did we start to NEED highly processed food, iPods, ect.?
I am trying to change my vocabulary about this. Yes I would LIKE to have an iPod, and I would LIKE to have the convenience of throw-away containers....however I don't feel that I DESERVE these things or NEED these things...especially when it destroys our environment and puts others in a bad situation (i.e.-unfair trade, sweatshops, ect.). It is a privilege but not necessary and thus I can do without in order to help others and the earth. At least I am trying...believe me I need a lot of work myself! No more "I need" or "I deserve"!
"I know this car is a gas guzzler, but i have worked so hard for it and deserve a new car"
"I know disposable plastic is a bit wasteful, but I am so busy and deserve the convenience"
"I know the packaged food is bad for the enviornment but I deserve this treat"
"I know soda takes so many chemicals and such to produce but I need the caffeine/sugar"
When did this mentality start to emerge? I am guilty of it at times as well, but where does it come from? Advertising? Peer Pressure? Both? Why don't people realize that having all of these things is a PRIVELEGE and not a need? I personally get very tired of the whole "I Deserve" way of thinking. I think there are very few things people actually deserve - Food, Water, Shelter, Safety, Adequate Healthcare - and that is about it. Sounds harsh I know, but why do we NEED to have all these things when others must go without...sometimes BECAUSE we consume these things? When did a luxury car or a gigantic SUV become a NEED and not a privilege? When did we start to NEED highly processed food, iPods, ect.?
I am trying to change my vocabulary about this. Yes I would LIKE to have an iPod, and I would LIKE to have the convenience of throw-away containers....however I don't feel that I DESERVE these things or NEED these things...especially when it destroys our environment and puts others in a bad situation (i.e.-unfair trade, sweatshops, ect.). It is a privilege but not necessary and thus I can do without in order to help others and the earth. At least I am trying...believe me I need a lot of work myself! No more "I need" or "I deserve"!
what IS important to me?
A question was posted on another blog: http://www.naturally-natural.blogspot.com/
as to what is truly important to you....do you have to much junk in your life, what can and can't you live without?
I KNOW I have too much junk in my life! but I am working on that, slowly but surely. (going on 3 weeks of a decluttered house...um...the first floor anyway!) Getting rid of things that have no use and limiting/eliminating your intake of stuff helps...but I think this question is really important and a great way to take stock of things to help me continue to simplify.
What I Can't Live Without or Don't Wish to Do Without
There is the obvious (not in order of importance)
1. My husband
2. My two insane cats
3. My best friend
4. My parents, in-laws, and siblings.
There is the not-so-obvious but understandable
5. Meaningful and challenging work
6. Quietness and time for reflection - something I have only recently discovered.
And the material, but also important to me
7. Wholesome, natural organic food...makes me function so much better to be healthy!
8. Good wine and beer (ok, not while pregnant but otherwise this is something I enjoy)
9. My "hippy" one of a kind patchwork clothes I love but DH hates (hee hee)
10. Baggy sweatshirts and flip-flops (comfy!)
11. A porch with chairs to be outside and observe my surroundings
12. A good hot cup of coffee
13. Books, magazines, and other material to broaden my horizons.
14. Contact with nature and nice natural surroundings (please don't make me look at concrete all day!)
Some things I could DEFINITELY live without?
1. TV
2. knick-knacks
3. An SUV or any brand new car (totalled mine months ago and have been perfectly satisfied with my tiny, cheap, used, no frills car)
4. Eating out for lunch everyday (expensive and un-necessary -love my PB&J!)
5. Credit cards (woohoo, don't have one anymore!)
I will continue to add to this list after my "experiment"! (sorry for the science geek talk)
I have an empty spare bedroom save for another bed and an empty dresser. I am going to "move in" and only bring in what I use on a daily basis (will do this slowly as I need/use things). After a month or two, I am going to chuck/donate/recycle anything in my currently disasterous cluttered mess of a bedroom that I haven't used or missed. Wish me luck!
as to what is truly important to you....do you have to much junk in your life, what can and can't you live without?
I KNOW I have too much junk in my life! but I am working on that, slowly but surely. (going on 3 weeks of a decluttered house...um...the first floor anyway!) Getting rid of things that have no use and limiting/eliminating your intake of stuff helps...but I think this question is really important and a great way to take stock of things to help me continue to simplify.
What I Can't Live Without or Don't Wish to Do Without
There is the obvious (not in order of importance)
1. My husband
2. My two insane cats
3. My best friend
4. My parents, in-laws, and siblings.
There is the not-so-obvious but understandable
5. Meaningful and challenging work
6. Quietness and time for reflection - something I have only recently discovered.
And the material, but also important to me
7. Wholesome, natural organic food...makes me function so much better to be healthy!
8. Good wine and beer (ok, not while pregnant but otherwise this is something I enjoy)
9. My "hippy" one of a kind patchwork clothes I love but DH hates (hee hee)
10. Baggy sweatshirts and flip-flops (comfy!)
11. A porch with chairs to be outside and observe my surroundings
12. A good hot cup of coffee
13. Books, magazines, and other material to broaden my horizons.
14. Contact with nature and nice natural surroundings (please don't make me look at concrete all day!)
Some things I could DEFINITELY live without?
1. TV
2. knick-knacks
3. An SUV or any brand new car (totalled mine months ago and have been perfectly satisfied with my tiny, cheap, used, no frills car)
4. Eating out for lunch everyday (expensive and un-necessary -love my PB&J!)
5. Credit cards (woohoo, don't have one anymore!)
I will continue to add to this list after my "experiment"! (sorry for the science geek talk)
I have an empty spare bedroom save for another bed and an empty dresser. I am going to "move in" and only bring in what I use on a daily basis (will do this slowly as I need/use things). After a month or two, I am going to chuck/donate/recycle anything in my currently disasterous cluttered mess of a bedroom that I haven't used or missed. Wish me luck!
true connection, green action, and frugal choices
I was reading another blog about sustainable living : http://pathtofreedom.com/journal/
I highly reccommend it. They have been dealing with heavy frost and their harvest is severely effected. It is so humbling to read about others who are truly living in connection to the earth. It is a good reminder for all of us that although the grocery store isles are far removed from nature, it all comes at a price. That 99cent box of Mac and Cheese really isn't 99cents when you factor in all the costs of manufacturing, transport, packaging, processing ect. It may not get passed onto the consumer...yet. I actually wish it would. I wonder what things would TRULY cost if these factors were actually accounted for? I don't think we here in the United States would be so spoiled if that was so.
Speaking of green things - I finally emailed the priest at my church in regards to "greening up" our parish. I am not sure if we are recycling or things like that but I emailed him to volunteer to get us started in some more sustainable practices. I think as Christians we should be setting an example for others as far as respecting His creation and using God's resources wisely.
Not a whole lot of decluttering the past couple of days but am successfully keeping what is done clean and organized. I also resisted the urge to get take-out/packaged food for dinner after an exhausting day and instead made a frugal dinner out of some random stuff I had at home. This recipe I got out of a cookbook but it was all stuff I just had sitting unused in the cabinet - it was great! And enough leftovers for tomorrows lunch.
Pasta
1 can salmon or tuna (dolphin safe of course)
1 can navy beans
Pasta
Lemon Juice, basil, salt and onion powder to taste
Olive Oil (~2 tbsp.)
Warning: If you have cats you will have to fight them for it!
Sorry its not exact but it is pretty good! Now off to make some frugal/sustainable menus so I don't overshop at the store this week :)
I highly reccommend it. They have been dealing with heavy frost and their harvest is severely effected. It is so humbling to read about others who are truly living in connection to the earth. It is a good reminder for all of us that although the grocery store isles are far removed from nature, it all comes at a price. That 99cent box of Mac and Cheese really isn't 99cents when you factor in all the costs of manufacturing, transport, packaging, processing ect. It may not get passed onto the consumer...yet. I actually wish it would. I wonder what things would TRULY cost if these factors were actually accounted for? I don't think we here in the United States would be so spoiled if that was so.
Speaking of green things - I finally emailed the priest at my church in regards to "greening up" our parish. I am not sure if we are recycling or things like that but I emailed him to volunteer to get us started in some more sustainable practices. I think as Christians we should be setting an example for others as far as respecting His creation and using God's resources wisely.
Not a whole lot of decluttering the past couple of days but am successfully keeping what is done clean and organized. I also resisted the urge to get take-out/packaged food for dinner after an exhausting day and instead made a frugal dinner out of some random stuff I had at home. This recipe I got out of a cookbook but it was all stuff I just had sitting unused in the cabinet - it was great! And enough leftovers for tomorrows lunch.
Pasta
1 can salmon or tuna (dolphin safe of course)
1 can navy beans
Pasta
Lemon Juice, basil, salt and onion powder to taste
Olive Oil (~2 tbsp.)
Warning: If you have cats you will have to fight them for it!
Sorry its not exact but it is pretty good! Now off to make some frugal/sustainable menus so I don't overshop at the store this week :)
a closet full of foolish purchases....letting go and scaling down!
I cleaned out an entire closet today! I was dreading it but finally got it done.
3 boxes for donation
1 BIG trashbag of crap.
I couldn't believe some of the stuff I found. All the trash, a lot of papers from when DH was in college (2 years ago!) and from when I was in college (4 years ago!) and just junk in general. Even a broom handle...no broom, just the handle! Why on earth would we keep something like that?
It was embarassing and even depressing to find all these things that I have accumulated. So much wasted money, wasted resources on foolish purchaes, things I never used or only used once. It was nice to let those things to so I can start fresh and be more mindful of my spending and what I truly need. The added benefit is that it will help me pursue an ecologically sustainable, greener lifestyle as I will be consuming WAY less, and simplifying. Being more organized keeps me from buying more things as I know exactly what I have and what I need. My goal for this year is to buy ONLY what is really necessary (and no, that new yoga mat is NOT, I already have one!) and/or adds beauty and substance to my life (such as a really good book). This decluttering project, which is far from over, has really given me perspective on what I really use and need and how nice it is to be organized and neat! My house is so much more peaceful and serene since it is neat and very simple. I can breathe!
In addition to drastically reducing my consumption, some other green goals are keeping the heat low, keeping only the lights on that I am using (switching to compact fluorescents too), and reusing everything I can until it totally wears out. Now if I can only convince my family that my little baby girl really does NOT need 5000 cute pink onsies......
3 boxes for donation
1 BIG trashbag of crap.
I couldn't believe some of the stuff I found. All the trash, a lot of papers from when DH was in college (2 years ago!) and from when I was in college (4 years ago!) and just junk in general. Even a broom handle...no broom, just the handle! Why on earth would we keep something like that?
It was embarassing and even depressing to find all these things that I have accumulated. So much wasted money, wasted resources on foolish purchaes, things I never used or only used once. It was nice to let those things to so I can start fresh and be more mindful of my spending and what I truly need. The added benefit is that it will help me pursue an ecologically sustainable, greener lifestyle as I will be consuming WAY less, and simplifying. Being more organized keeps me from buying more things as I know exactly what I have and what I need. My goal for this year is to buy ONLY what is really necessary (and no, that new yoga mat is NOT, I already have one!) and/or adds beauty and substance to my life (such as a really good book). This decluttering project, which is far from over, has really given me perspective on what I really use and need and how nice it is to be organized and neat! My house is so much more peaceful and serene since it is neat and very simple. I can breathe!
In addition to drastically reducing my consumption, some other green goals are keeping the heat low, keeping only the lights on that I am using (switching to compact fluorescents too), and reusing everything I can until it totally wears out. Now if I can only convince my family that my little baby girl really does NOT need 5000 cute pink onsies......
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