| |
|
Article Directory :: Self-Improvement/Motivation Articles
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.
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Karin Marcus
|
Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:
Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - General
Computers & Technology
Finance & Investment
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Home & Family
Internet Marketing/Online Business
Legal
Pets & Animals
Politics & Government
Reference & Education
Religion & Faith
Self-Improvement/Motivation
Social
Sports & Recreation
Travel & Leisure
Writing & Speaking
|
More self-improvement articles: - Rico's Quickies - 'Weird' Little Tricks Designed To Improve Your Happiness, Your Wealth, Your Health (Rico Mente)
Rico's Quickies - 'Weird' Little Tricks Designed To Improve Your Happiness, Your Wealth, Your Health - Discipline Determines Your Destiny (Sally Anderson)
Think about every thought you have in a 24 hour period. These thoughts manifest your current reality. If you focus on fear, worry, anxiety, inner critic dialogue, confusion, issues, problems, challenges then this plays a part in how you experience your world. - Are You on the "Yes" Express? (Anne Presuel)
What happens when you trust your intuition in business and do something outrageous? And why would you do that anyway? Read more here… - Self-Reliance During a Breakup (Laura Smith)
What does self-reliance during a breakup mean? Why do the words "self" and "reliance" seem difficult to swallow right now? Probably because the idea of turning inward for solace rather than outward seems nearly unbearable, right? It feels good to talk it over with someone that cares about you, doesn't it? Sometimes, do you wish you could rely a little bit more on yourself than others? - Your Search For Panic Disorder Help Is Over (Joeden Dunne)
Many people around the world are seeking panic disorder help in some form or fashion. Those suffering from this disorder find themselves reading every book ever written on the subject and trying every new treatment that comes their way.This journey in search of hope can be long and frightening, but you should know help is here. - Accelerate Success With Subliminal Mp3s (Ravey Dio)
There are many ways to achieve success, like doing research or reading along the lines of the goal, observing other people who have already accomplished their goals, as well as discovering new ideas or doing new things to hasten reaching the goal are steps to be taken by anyone who is serious with achieving an objective. - Why You Can't Achieve Your Goals (Patric Chan)
There are many reasons people don't achieve their goals - no determination, limiting beliefs, procrastination...what can we do to ensure that we achieve our goals without deviating from the path that we set out for ourselves? - Take The Plunge and Jump In The Deep End (Dr Greg Schreeuwer)
Taking the plunge in life and pushing yourself to take risks is always a challenge for the majority of us. By giving ourselves the opportunity to look beyond caution and step outside our comfort zone, we create the possibility for amazing experiences, insights and more. - Time Management Tips - 3 Ways to Realign Your Energy to Recharge Your Personal Productivity (Paula Eder)
What if you could recharge your enthusiasm to reach your top goals? These 3 guidelines help you to redirect your energy for productivity and success. - Conversation Starters - Make New Friends? (Ron Vicari)
You know that when you want to come up with some good conversation starters, you don't have to feverishly think of something devilish clever to say. In fact, when you try too hard, it often comes off as rather artificial, and forced.
We Automatically Distribute Articles
To Thousands Of Publishers And Web Sites:
Submit Article
All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributing authors and not necessarily those of this web site, or its owner, Takanomi Limited.
|
|
