[amazon_link id="0061779261" target="_blank" ]
[/amazon_link] This week, I finished reading [amazon_link id="0061779261" target="_blank" ]Voluntary Simplicity (2nd edition)[/amazon_link] by Duane Elgin.
Amazing book. Wow.
I think, though, what i found most amazing is that even though the book was originally written 30 years ago, very little in the world has changed as far as what STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE!
The predictions, the commentary, the ideas… ALL of them are still valid, still relevant, still NECESSARY. I’m really quite shocked that these things have been around so long and we’re still barely cracking the surface towards implementing any REAL change on our planet.
I found it entirely inspiring. My favourite chapter was the last one – in which Elgin outlines things that need to happen, that require hearts & minds to get involved in order to make them happen. Many of these things are projects that my friends, colleagues and communities are already starting or growing. Some are things we’ve had ideas about, but haven’t started yet… THAT was inspiring – to know we’re thinking on the right track.
When our world (mine & ian’s that is) essentially disintegrated last august, we were presented with a rare opportunity to complete reassess our life, our place in the world, and how we want to BE in the world. One thing that rang thru loud and clear was that we needed – AND WANTED – to simplify. We learned the uncomfortable way that we had TOO much stuff… and discovered – to our surprise and utter delight – that we could really live without most of it!
This has thrown me wholeheartedly onto a new path of simplicity – learning how to live, work, collaborate, shop, celebrate, eat, share, give… more simply, with less impact on the planet.
I have a long way to go yet – but i’m committed. And excited!
And the planet needs a mind-shift too. THAT is gonna take a little bit more work. There is SO MUCH TO DO. It’s almost overwhelming. But if each of us lends a hand to ONE thing, there’s hope we can accomplish what needs to be accomplished. And heck, if you can do TWO, great!
Here are some resources to check out:
- WiserEarth.org – basically “facebook” for the sustainability crowd but with some good collaborative tools. After you sign up, find me!
- WWF 2010 Living Planet report – which, actually, i found at the Global Footprint Network – some pretty interesting stuff there.
- The GREENDEX – more nasty stats on how poorly we’re doing at slowing down or reducing the damage
- The Cloud Institute – if you’re a teacher, or know a teacher, check this out for sustainability education tools – if they’d used this stuff when WE were in school, we might be a bit further ahead of the game by now.
- Planet Friendly – Specifically Canadian sustainability info
