12th May
‘To simplify life in a time of disruption is not to withdraw from the world. It is to re-engage it more truthfully. It is to recognise that accumulation and control, while promising security, can leave us disoriented and disconnected. It is to begin the slow work of learning how to live within limits that are not only necessary, but life-giving.’ (1)
As children we have to learn that whilst chocolate is nice, eating a pound at a time is not: it makes us feel sick. And the effect is pretty immediate. It is the same with material consumption. Buying/ owning/ stock-piling things we want – or even things the world tells us we want – in ever increasing quantities does not make us feel better. In fact in can make us sick – although the effect may not be immediate and we can loose touch with the feeling of happiness that things first gave us. We also loose touch with non consumerist pleasures – having time to talk with the people we meet; not having to rush to be first in the queue; having time to stand and stare; spending time with family; needing to spend less time cleaning and caring for our large home/ car/ portfolio; enjoying the anticipation of the first strawberry of the season; taking a siesta in the hot months; going to bed early in winter with a good book…. It is to reconnect with the seasons, with our local community, with a gentle pace of life.
(1) https://hazelnutcommunity.substack.com/p/the-life-we-miss-while-wanting-more?r=1r0y9l
The Green Tau 