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THINKING ABOUT SIMPLICITY
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by
View
April 6 - 12, 2006 |
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Sitting around the crowded table at this week’s Simplicity Circle, I
have to admit feeling the odd man out. Even though I’m an avid
recycler and a hard–core vegetarian, this group quickly puts me to
shame. I still haven’t made a personal commitment to compost
and when it comes to mindfulness, I’m more prone to multi–task
than to take it one thing at a time. But despite being surrounded
by those in various stages of organic activism and global
mindfulness, I’m assured that simplicity isn’t necessarily about
going whole hog, rather, it’s about thinking about your choices
and making positive changes for yourself and the environment—
no matter how small they may be.
“For me it comes down to the idea that everything’s
interconnected, so whether someone decides to recycle when they
haven’t been recycling or compost when they haven’t been
composting or buying local produce, whatever it is, it all matters,”
states Mary Beth Druery who, along with Elaine Logie, started up
the Simplicity Circles on the McMaster campus two years ago
(though, it should be noted, you don’t have to be a Mac student
to attend, the circles are open to everyone). “I think that for each
person it will be different, but the important thing is that it’s one
step that somebody takes and that will lead to the next step.”
At its core, the simplicity movement is about introspection
and contemplation, self or otherwise. Whether it be questioning
the labour used in clothing production, how far your food
traveled, or what it is you value in life, those involved with the
movement feel that by considering the big picture, we can make
choices that help us live more consciously.
“I think that in our current system, we’re encouraged to be
busy all the time and encouraged to keep doing and getting and
not encouraged to be,” Druery explains. Connecting with our own
values and living life accordingly, she says, can lead to greater
fulfillment, something she contends is missing from many
people’s lives. “Our society says that it comes from having and
from how you look and from how productive you are and the
things that you own.” She points out that it’s not so much
affluence that gets people down as it is the constant pursuit of
acquisition, “more is illusive, it never happens. That leads to
unhappiness because it’s an unachievable goal.”
This consumerist “more” doesn’t fill the voids in our souls,
but fills up our landfills, something those involved with the
simplicity movement see as a big problem both experientially and
environmentally. They’re not the only ones; Environment Canada
suggests that Canadians produce more waste per person than any
other country on earth. Simplifiers see all this waste as a by–
product of confusing wants with our actual needs and ignoring
the impact we have on the rest of the world. Instead of mindlessly
buying stuff, those at this week’s circle encourage each other to
note whether an item is made from recycled materials or if it’s
even needed at all before splurging at the stores.
Getting over the consumer hump can be the most difficult
change for those wishing to scale down. “Media savvy companies
are very astute at making us equate their products with our sense
of self worth,” says Logie. This collision of ideals can be tough to
reconcile not only within but also amongst others. It’s often this
issue that generates obstinate resistance from friends and even
family.
“It can be very difficult to go against the stream, so to
speak,” she observes. “Especially since the vast majority of
individuals don’t question our consumerist driven society.”
Resisting urges that are second–nature to most can jar everyday
perceptions and many in the movement feel a reorientation of
thought and action is necessary to living life meaningfully.
For some this may take the form of something small such as
supporting local businesses or environmentally sustainable
practices. For others, the change requires a hefty shift in priorities
and ditching a high–stress job for one which may pay less, but is
substantially more fulfilling.
Whatever it is, an uncluttered lifestyle often means
sacrificing societal expectations for a gentler way of being. A
Simplicity Circle can provide the moral and emotional support
needed to make these sorts of changes. “Even the most self
directed individuals need a community of support and
understanding,” remarks Logie. Turns out, finding clarity in
today’s society, can actually be quite complex, especially for
those new to the concept. Simplicity Circles can be a gentle
reinforcement, providing help and guidance to those just starting
out and even ones who’ve been doing it for some time. “Having
that social support is very important, very vital in being able to
maintain these values long–term,” emphasizes Druery.
Whatever the entry point may be, Simplicity Circles can be
the glue for those looking to adjust to whole living. Those who
commit to voluntarily scaling down often note an increased sense
of well–being and a greater connectedness with the world around
them—a style of living not found on a shelf. If you feel
something’s missing, maybe it’s time to reevaluate, take a
moment and get simple. V
[SARAH VEALE]
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