Simplicity

I started this blog in hopes to shed light on simple, creative things with a budget. It wasn't that I really knew how to do it then (or now), but I had some ideas that I thought would be useful to people other than just myself. What I have been learning is that I have a long way to go.

An article in the Times yesterday shed light on a family from Austin (the same place I call home) who is giving away most of their earthly possessions and moving to Vermont to live on an organic homestead. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/us/17texas.html?ei=5087&em=&en=facbba5425ad78e8&ex=1211169600&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1211026694-BJaF/SDtorerOoVgjRZHLQ

I don't believe I'm ready to give it all up just yet: after all, I am just starting out. But whittling away at what is most important, I believe I could do without about 2/3 of the things in my possession. Most of them are not needs; they are wants. And I think, for me, the most important step in living simply is to distinguish between the two, and set definitive boundaries for those two very small words.

Years ago, I took a trip to Costa Rica. Before the trip, we were taught about voluntary simplicity versus forced simplicity. It has taken me the last 3 years to understand exactly how that can impact my life and the globe.

I am trying to make small changes in my life to achieve simplicity (and ultimately serenity), because I have seen so many people get bogged down by material possessions.

Growing up in the Church, I have heard the story of Jesus calling his disciples hundreds of times. This week, it struck a new chord with me. In Mark 10:21 we read, 'Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'

This family in the article is donating most of their things to charity. They do not say they are doing this to follow this Christian teaching; but, I can understand it in that light.

We are living in a time when, finally, Americans are becoming aware that their own lives have an impact on the globe. Our own selfish tastes, our knack for consumerism, our push to gain the biggest and best—these are destructive ideals for the globe. On Earth Day this year, I took several quizzes to see just how much we'd need to support a world full of me. If everyone lived like I live (and I believe I live somewhat modestly), we would need MORE THAN FOUR Earths!

There are many ways to begin living simply.

For me, the first step is to rethink every purchase. At Target last night, I put down the decorative porch lights that happened to be on sale. I reasoned with myself: These are just another thing. I do not need them. If we move, we will have this other thing to pack up. They will not bring me serenity. They may not even add to the decor.

And even though I still managed to leave Target with a new straightener for my short hair, I still felt as if I had made a small success.

Some purchases I have made to become more self-sufficient. In the last few weeks, I have bought a Dutch oven, a cast iron skillet, and a bread stone. These things, I hope, will help pull me away from processed foods and allow me to sustain myself better. Then again, I keep trying my hand at bread and have yet to have a successful loaf emerge from the oven. In time, I'm sure I will get it.

I am also trying to buy more durable things that will last longer. Once I cycle through the batch of semi-disposable tupperware I have right now, I will invest in small glass dishes that can be reheated, refrigerated, or frozen. This will also cut down on the number of petroleum-based products in my life, another goal I'm working toward.

And, finally, I hope to begin buying only hand-made products, or making my own. I do not know how this will work with clothes, but I may turn to buying used clothes because this has less of an impact on the environment. (Oh, boy, my dad is going to have a field day with this..)

So, in essence, I want to find creative ways to change my life so that I can live more simply.

And while I'm at it, can I just tell you that I have been reading a lot about Yoga and meditation lately (haven't been doing much of it), and I am trying to alter my mind so that I even think more simply. This involves relaxing more to allow my mind and soul to dwell on heavenly things as opposed to worrying about earthly things.

I'll let you know how that goes.