Voluntary Simplicity

   Voluntary Simplicity, a term coined by Duane Elgin, refers to conscious living choices and
    reduction of expenditures. It is a simpler and less stressful lifestyle, supporting
    contentment and ease. It is about living a balanced life, while conserving the earth’s resources.
    This lifestyle offers  a new appreciation of nature as you reap its rewards. "Outwardly simple,
    inwardly rich…"

    Henry David Thoreau chose to live deliberately, his mantra. "simplicity," "simplicity,"
    "simplicity." A Harvard educated scholar, he found peace of mind through simple living and
    cultivated a grand appreciation for nature, experiencing its beauty and fulfillment.

     "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign
     yourself to the influences of each." Freshest of foods, purest of water, and cleanest air…this
     was the path this man chose, sharing his experiences through his writing…always moving
     forward in his curiosity of life. Walden Pond enhanced his experience of life and we all have
     similar potential. We all possess a place of contentment. It is up to each and every one of us
     to locate this space and draw upon it…. a garden, a park, a back yard, a path of nature.

     In essence, voluntary simplicity allows us the opportunity to stop and tap into the music only
     nature will supply. It offers a way of life, available to everyone, with only the sacrifice of
     superficiality unnecessary material possessions.

     To love what is natural is a step on the right path. Peace of mind, freedom of spirit and
     independence, the reward.

     Living "simply" results in a true sense of abundance. Elimination of "clutter" opens up space
     for prosperity. Clutter involves more than merely surplus of material possessions, but useless
     and time-consuming activities and connections.

    It might be time to re-evaluate your life and choose what is truly important and what is merely
    clutter. How many items are draped on exercise equipment, stuffed in closets, and shuffled
    from drawer to drawer? How many connections have run their course and are energy draining?
    Lifestyle obligations and unwanted interactions may require a second look. It might be time to
    unclutter.

    Simplicity is the art of elimination. Life is too short to spend arguing or struggling through
    relationships, which no longer serve a positive purpose.

    Surrounding oneself with intellectually stimulating and motivating individuals is essential for
    positive growth and inspiration. These are the "true" power people in your life. These are the
    people who feed our minds. We always have the capacity to grow intellectually and it is
    important to maintain a fertile environment for the mind.

    Check out your life and determine if it is "inwardly" rich and "outwardly" simple, or are you
    expending excess energy on nonsense and overlooking the elegance of simplicity.
    Contentment is not about "keeping up with the Jones"…it is about comfort in your authentic
    life, being your authentic self. It is about living in balance with nature and experiencing an
    abundant sense of well-being.

    Begin by taking a closer look at your life and determine who you truly are…your own likes and
    dislikes (not those of society). Decide what your choices are…begin simply, and build.

    We have one shot at this life. Think about your decisions, your choices, and what is
    necessary for your own brand of happiness. It might not be the another’s cup of tea, but if it is your
    choice, you have an obligation to see it through to fruition.

    You will begin to attract others who share in your choices and before long, you will have
    constructed a life of your choosing, with your authentic choices and your preferences. This is
    not selfish…this is being true to yourself.

    There needs to be a vacuum in order to receive in life. If you wish to receive abundance, it’s
    time to form this vacuum, a space in which to receive it. This is why it is essential to unclutter
    your life of unnecessary "things," which only keep the vacuum blocked. It’s time to free the
    space and create more room to receive.