This post may or may not be of interest to those who are not Christian/Catholic but I do hope that everyone can get a little something out of it.
The season of Lent is here. Lent is a very solemn and special period in the church and while a lot of others may dislike all the "rules" and regulations of Catholicism, I have actually gotten alot out of them, especially by knowing the spirit in which these regulations were thought of.
My priest gave an excellent homily on Sunday (luckily for me he usually does a great job, even talking about materialism and environmentalism on occasion) and talked about how Lent is not supposed to be just about giving up chocolate for a month, meat on Fridays, or whatever else it is people do. He describes it as a time to slow down and simplify our lives.
Its certainly not a bad thing to practice a little self-discipline and certainly money that would otherwise be spent on things like chocolate bars or coffee could be put to better use. However the purpose of Lent is truly to take a break from things that prevent us from hearing the voice of God and to tend to the more important things in life. He suggested maybe giving up TV or internet to make more "space" in our lives. Another thing one can do is give up things that hurt others such as swearing or gossip (and believe me, giving up gossip would simplify my life a lot!). You can then use the time to add other things such as prayer and meditation that truly enrich our lives. Simple living isn't necessarily about eliminating tons of items or tasks from our lives, but rather focusing only on what is truly important and enriching which sometimes means both taking away adding things to our life.
I think that even those who are not religous could probably benefit from a sort of "Lenten" season every now and then. Giving up some things that complicate our lives or suck up resources that could be put to better use for a more fulfilling purpose.
This season comes at a time for me when it doesn't make sense for me to slow down. A baby on the way and a dissertation to write make for very hectic times. However, I see God's plan in this as I learn to trust God, and make the time to follow my simplicity endeavors. Life will always have the potential to be hectic and cluttered, if I don't continue to simplify and make time for the truly important things now I never will. What I am giving up isn't going to help the environment, save me money, or even free up more time. I won't share here what I am giving up as I don't want to do this in hope or expectation of recognition or praise. However, I do hope that it will make some spiritual "space" for me and declutter myself of anger and bad temperment.
Regardless of religous affiliation, I think periods of spiritual and personal reflection are a good thing. It can help us declutter emotionally and point us back in the right direction of where we want to go. Sometimes we lose our way without even realizing it and just stopping and taking notice of our surroundings can get us back on the right trail.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Attached to Outcomes
One thing that is nice about simple living....one thing that I often take for granted in favor of all the distractions of modern life (constant business, TV, work work work...) is that I have time to reflect on my own self...that is if I choose to do it.
A hectic week led me to watching more TV to wind down (didn't help at all), and feeling that getting busier and busier and more and more flustered would get the task done (also didn't help at all). Now the week is almost over, some major projects and tasks completed and I finally took some time for ME instead of distracting myself with other things. Why didn't I do this earlier? I feel much better, more relaxed and content doing this rather than TV or anything else that I do to try and "relax"......
So what did I find? I have found that I am attached to Outcomes. DESPERATELY attached. And when these Outcomes don't occur, I mourn them like a tragic loss, rather than just a change of plans....
I want to accept what God and the universe has to offer me that day, regardless of how I envisioned it.
Don't Be Angry. Don't Be Bitter. Don't Be Spoiled....Be Grateful, Be Joyful, Be Blessed....Just Be.
A hectic week led me to watching more TV to wind down (didn't help at all), and feeling that getting busier and busier and more and more flustered would get the task done (also didn't help at all). Now the week is almost over, some major projects and tasks completed and I finally took some time for ME instead of distracting myself with other things. Why didn't I do this earlier? I feel much better, more relaxed and content doing this rather than TV or anything else that I do to try and "relax"......
So what did I find? I have found that I am attached to Outcomes. DESPERATELY attached. And when these Outcomes don't occur, I mourn them like a tragic loss, rather than just a change of plans....
- I want the light to turn green....NOW so I can be to mass 10 minutes early...no later.
- I want plenty of closer parking spaces when I get to work (the university sold 600 more parking passes then they had spaces this year...)
- I want my experiments to turn out in a specific way and the data to tell me exactly X, Y, and Z and on the first try.
- I want chores and tasks to follow the timeline I set out...no longer.
- I want vacations and trips to go along exactly as I envisioned them.
- I want friends and family to treat me a certain way, all the time, regardless of how their day went.
- I want the store to have exactly what I want, when I need it.
I want to accept what God and the universe has to offer me that day, regardless of how I envisioned it.
Don't Be Angry. Don't Be Bitter. Don't Be Spoiled....Be Grateful, Be Joyful, Be Blessed....Just Be.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Everyone Else's Dreams and How Little I Need
Whew! A very hectic week so I haven't posted in awhile. Work is crazy as I try to finish up labwork and my dissertation so I can graduate in April and be Dr. SimpleNeoHippy before the babe arrives.
One of my favorite sites is www.simpleliving.net , particularly the discussion forums. Lots of thought-provoking stuff, inspiration for simple living and nice people. There was a post from a woman there who is due about the same time and is getting really aggravated with "Everyone Else's Dreams". Basically - everyone is trying to tell her and her husband what they really want - big house, big car, ect. ect. and of course tons of stuff for the baby...but they really don't want any of that for themselves.
I must say I share the same problem. Everyone has an opinion on what we "need" to survive. How interesting how as I get closer to being a mother, my life has been an experiment on how LITTLE I can live with. I have cut expenses dramatically, cooked frugally, decluttered, and even cut back on TV and other "needs". I have been pleasantly surprised on how little you actually need to live....and not just get by...to live WELL, fulfilled, happy, and content. Some things I have found I do NOT need to live well....
1. I don't need all 5 pairs of jeans I own...I am finding I only wear two pair frequently Same goes with the rest of my clothes, many of which will be donated to others who actually need them.
2.I don't need to eat out all the time. I get satisfaction out of cooking, and even spending time with friends, we have had just as good a time..if not better...sharing a homecooked meal together. I am healthier and have cut WAY back on my expenses this way.
3. I don't need TV. There are maybe two shows I actually watch but I end up missing them anyway because I get busy doing something else such as working, knitting, cooking, or reading.
4. I don't need a lot of space. I have been spending almost all my time in one room. I work on the computer, read, and eat all in this room. And of course as I declutter, I have 2 rooms of my house that are half empty...no need for a McMansion here.
5. I don't need kitchen gadgets. I have finally gotten into the habit of cleaning up the kitchen everynight. And I have found only a handful of utensils and pans get used, and certainly none of the "gadgets", even when I get creative.
6. I don't need a lot of food - being content with leftovers (actually a Godsend after a late night at work!) I really only need to shop for 3 meals to make the whole week.
7. I don't need a big car - The car seat fits, I plan to use a fabric baby sling, and my gosh half the backseat and the entire trunk is empty still! My little tiny 4-cylinder compact is more than enough for me, DH, and baby - even two later down the road - SUV is totally unnecessary for us.
8. I don't need cosmetics - short hair, sensitive skin - hair gel and expensive shampoo totally worthless for me, and with my sensitive skin prone to breaking out makeup only makes it worse. I only have to wash my hair every other day, and the look of my skin has actually improved by not wearing make-up (i think its silly anyway), or all the moisturizing, "revitalizing", "pore-cleaning", expensive stuff out there anyway...I don't think any of it really works better than simple soap and water anyway...at least not for this girl.
So how little do you need to live well? Are you living YOUR dream or everyone elses?
One of my favorite sites is www.simpleliving.net , particularly the discussion forums. Lots of thought-provoking stuff, inspiration for simple living and nice people. There was a post from a woman there who is due about the same time and is getting really aggravated with "Everyone Else's Dreams". Basically - everyone is trying to tell her and her husband what they really want - big house, big car, ect. ect. and of course tons of stuff for the baby...but they really don't want any of that for themselves.
I must say I share the same problem. Everyone has an opinion on what we "need" to survive. How interesting how as I get closer to being a mother, my life has been an experiment on how LITTLE I can live with. I have cut expenses dramatically, cooked frugally, decluttered, and even cut back on TV and other "needs". I have been pleasantly surprised on how little you actually need to live....and not just get by...to live WELL, fulfilled, happy, and content. Some things I have found I do NOT need to live well....
1. I don't need all 5 pairs of jeans I own...I am finding I only wear two pair frequently Same goes with the rest of my clothes, many of which will be donated to others who actually need them.
2.I don't need to eat out all the time. I get satisfaction out of cooking, and even spending time with friends, we have had just as good a time..if not better...sharing a homecooked meal together. I am healthier and have cut WAY back on my expenses this way.
3. I don't need TV. There are maybe two shows I actually watch but I end up missing them anyway because I get busy doing something else such as working, knitting, cooking, or reading.
4. I don't need a lot of space. I have been spending almost all my time in one room. I work on the computer, read, and eat all in this room. And of course as I declutter, I have 2 rooms of my house that are half empty...no need for a McMansion here.
5. I don't need kitchen gadgets. I have finally gotten into the habit of cleaning up the kitchen everynight. And I have found only a handful of utensils and pans get used, and certainly none of the "gadgets", even when I get creative.
6. I don't need a lot of food - being content with leftovers (actually a Godsend after a late night at work!) I really only need to shop for 3 meals to make the whole week.
7. I don't need a big car - The car seat fits, I plan to use a fabric baby sling, and my gosh half the backseat and the entire trunk is empty still! My little tiny 4-cylinder compact is more than enough for me, DH, and baby - even two later down the road - SUV is totally unnecessary for us.
8. I don't need cosmetics - short hair, sensitive skin - hair gel and expensive shampoo totally worthless for me, and with my sensitive skin prone to breaking out makeup only makes it worse. I only have to wash my hair every other day, and the look of my skin has actually improved by not wearing make-up (i think its silly anyway), or all the moisturizing, "revitalizing", "pore-cleaning", expensive stuff out there anyway...I don't think any of it really works better than simple soap and water anyway...at least not for this girl.
So how little do you need to live well? Are you living YOUR dream or everyone elses?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Simple Tasks and the Next Green Decision
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.
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.
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)