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COURSES
VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY
A SEVEN-SESSION COURSE FOR THE WORKPLACE, HOME OR CENTER OF FAITH
Purpose:
- To understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity.
- To consider how life might be enriched through the practice of simplicity.
- To explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth.
Topics Covered
The Meaning of Simplicity: The concept of simplicity, as a religious practice or philosophy of life, has a long history. Inner simplicity and outer simplicity are both involved. What are some common misconceptions about a a simple life? Readings: excerpt from Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin, excerpt from Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lingbergh.Living More With Less: Accumulating material possessions is part of the American Dream. For some, the dream has become a nightmare. When do material possessions add meaning to our lives and when do they detract? Readings: The Lesson of the Hummingbird by Eknath Easwaran, A Spirituality of Contentment by Dee Dee Risher, excerpt from Living More with Less by Doris Janzen Longacre.
Your Money or Your Life: A growing number of people wish to resolve the conflict between the desire to make and spend money and the desire for a simple life. Why is that so difficult in our culture? Readings: Economy and Pleasure by Wendell Berry, excerpt from Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin, Remaking a Living by Brad Edmondson, excerpt from Downshifting by Amy Saltzman.
Do You Have the Time?: In modern society, our minds are focused on the "business" of the day, our current problems, and our future challenges. Are there alternatives to the fast pace of our mainstream culture? Readings: Do You Have the Time by Ralph Keyes, excerpt from Plain and Simple by Sue Bender, Washing the Dishes by Thich Nhat Hanh.
How Much Is Enough: As a society, we engage in patterns of material consumption that are damaging the environment. How much do we really need? Readings: How Much is 'Enough'? by Alan Durning, Waste by Wendell Berry, The Conversion of the American Dream by Tom Atlee.
Swimming Against the Tide: Our country's guiding economic principles push growth, consumption, and technological advance as inextricable and desirable goals. In our efforts to live simply, we may feel like we are swimming against the tide. Readings: Growing up with Technology by Jerry Mander, Can't Live Without It by Alan Durning, A Declaration of Sustainability by Paul Hawken.
The Practice of Simplicity: There are countless practical benefits in moving toward simplicity. What steps can be taken to move toward a life simple in means, rich in ends? Readings: Conversation is Good Work by Wendell Berry, Know That What You Eat You Are by Wendell Berry, excerpt from Car Trouble by Steve Nadis and James J. MacKenzie, Waste Reduction by Recycling Advocates.
"Lasting
change happens when people see for themselves that a different way of life
is more fulfilling than their present one."
-Eknath Easwaran