Voluntary Simplicity

[francesmama]

Hi. I'm looking to spend some time reading, thinking, learning about voluntary simplicity. I am on vacation so I do not have access to my local library so I am trying to find some information on the internet. ALL I can find is website that SELL books or Tshirts or bumper stickers about voluntary simplicity ... ironic? It is certainly annoying.

I don't want to buy a book (obviously) and for the next three weeks I can't get a book out of the library so do you have a website you would suggest? I'm interested in the theoretical aspect of Voluntary Simplicity but I'm also really interested in lists of concrete ideas that could get me started.

Thanks!

[Rebecca]

Some good books are:

Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin
Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs (I think)
I have others, but I'm spacing the titles.

www.simpleliving.net has a good discussion board. I post there occasionally with the same username. http://www.simpleliving.net/main/custom.asp?recid=3


www.barnesandnobleuniversity.com has a free online course about Simplicity, specifically Janet Luhrs' book listed above. You dont need the book to take the free class (which basically just helps you refine your thoughts on the topic), but it's a good read if you have the chance. There are lots of good ones and I'm sure this one will come up again before long.

[francesca'smom]

Hi
I second all of Rebecca's recommendations. Also, there is a website for the Center for the New American Dream at http://www.newdream.org/

with lots of good information on different aspects of simplicity: parenting, living green, energy, etc.

If I think of more I'll post later.

[phillychiquita]

Yep, well, its an interesting conflict that you would have to spend to simplify isnt it?

Books I've liked:
Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World by Linda Breen Pierce

Your Money or your Life, by Joe Dominguez and Vicky Robin

The Circle of Simplicity: Return to the Good Life, by Cecile Andrews

And ditto on the new dream website -- their discussion forums are really the best place I have found for learning more.

[Rebecca]

I'm also learning that by reading Zen and trying to live more consciously, I automatically encorporate VS ideas. You want to be fully aware of your choices that you have every day, many of which you may make unconsciously. Respect yourself by paying attention to your money, diet, and how your time is spent. Stop trying to multitask and try to concentrate on the task at hand. It's the only way to do a good job. I know, it's hard with kids... mine are little and I'm constantly interrupted, but I'm working on it a little each (good) day.

[Rebecca]

Oh, there's a thread in Finding your tribe about this.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=493157