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Voluntary Simplicity For The Holidays

This 2008 holiday season, we find ourselves, as a nation and a global community, confronted with both an economic and ecological crisis. Perhaps this is the perfect time to re-examine our "more is better" consumer mentality. There is another school of thought deeply embedded in our American heritage and that is "Voluntary Simplicity." Historically, this concept can be attributed to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, to Buddha, Francis of Assisi, and Mahatma Gandhi; and in North America to the Quakers and the Shakers, to Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Voluntary simplicity is sometimes mistakenly equated with deprivation and poverty. But poverty is an inflicted way of life that is both degrading and demoralizing; whereas, living simply is a heartfelt choice that enriches and elevates one's entire being. A contemporary social scientist David Elgin explains, "We can describe voluntary simplicity as a manner of living that is outwardly more simple and inwardly more rich, a way of being in which our most authentic and alive self is brought into direct and constant contact with living."

Voluntary simplicity means reducing the mindless detractions and stresses in ones life and instead nurturing one's inner life and spirit. It means living lightly upon this earth, choosing products and actions that reduce your ecological footprint. It means having a compassionate awareness of the other people and species with whom you share this plant and choosing to "live simply so that others can simply live." It is a matter of quality versus quantity, of intrinsic values over possessions. Voluntary simplicity means unburdening yourself of the unnecessary complications in your life and having your outer existence reflect what you truly hold most dear. Gandhi aptly reflected this life choice when he said, "My life is my message."

How would the up-coming holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, etc, look if consumerism took the back seat to your faith and values? What if this year you first stopped and considered what these holidays truly meant to you and then found ways to creatively express those feelings in your celebrations. How might you adopt voluntary simplicity and in doing so de-stress your holidays? Here are just a few ideas:

Make a list of all your traditional holiday tasks and cross off at least two or three that don't reflect the true spirit of the holiday.

Look at all the people on your gift list and then consider Emerson's words, "The only true gift is a portion of yourself." Who would be most appreciative and truly benefit from such a gift?

Buy local produce, handmade crafts, and eco-friendly products. Support small businesses in your community.

Volunteer to insure that others have the opportunity and means to celebrate their holiday.

Don't over commit your time and energy, so that you can be present and enjoy the people with whom you are sharing this special time and the traditions you are creating.

Simplify, simplify, simplify! Be mindful and conscious about how and what you are doing. By shifting your mindset and embracing "less is more," you can make this a holiday seasons deeply satisfying and truly enriching.

Copyright (c) 2008 Karin Marcus

Article Source: http://www.newagelivingarticles.com

Karin Marcus, Certified Life Coach / Retreat Leader "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do" Rumi Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247 www.SteppingOutCoaching.com Download your complimentary "Walking with Intention: A Self-Guided Mini Retreat" www.SteppingOutCoaching.com/newsletter.html

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