Simple Living

  I am reading a book called  Sustainable Happiness, a compilation of articles from Yes, Magazine.

Reading this has helped me to clarify my own thinking,  and in particular, realize that my own thinking is, in fact, a philosophy and a specific choice of lifestyle.

I won't repeat here the content of the book.  But perhaps I can comment a bit on where I am in my own life at this particular time.  One of my retirement notions was that I would nurture family and friendships  (which sometimes were on the back burner during full time employment).  But now, at least to some degree,  I have definitely worked on the nurturing, seeing each one of my children on a regular one-on-one basis, as well as at larger family gatherings.

I have also nurtured a few friendships, and have made a few new ones as well.

One of the biggest benefits of my unencumbered life (no work schedule) has been that I have had time to be creative, and to let my creative self emerge.  There has been a considerable amount of fruit from that labor.

I notice in Sustainable Happiness that all of these things are the very heart of what brings satisfaction in one's life.

The other really big one is making a difference.   I do hope that in some ways I do.  I am confident that there are those who would miss me if I were not here.   I think I have probably made an impact on some people during the years of my ministry,  and have contributed to the spiritual growth of others.  Perhaps I still make that kind of a difference with my occasional preaching opportunities. Hopefully, I am a positive role model.

Other features of simple living include:  being non-materialistic;  being concerned for the greater good;  being concerned for the earth itself and its future.     We are very conscientious about re-cycling every aspect of our consumption.  Now that I purchase very little processed food,  the size of our trash is quite small.   Nothing is wasted. Anything no longer wanted is given to charity.

I learned long ago that shopping does not yield happiness.   I get pleasure out of very small purchases;  I get even more pleasure out of being able to get my favorite shoes repaired, rather than replaced.

All of this allows for a new openness,  making room so that new and exciting and interesting things can come in.

It certainly brings peace.