Voluntary Simplicity

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Voluntary Simplicity is a five-session discussion course book for the workplace, community or faith center, university or home.  This course addresses the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment.

Discussion Course Goals:

 • To understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity.

 • To explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth.

 • To acknowledge the connection between our lifestyle choices and the condition of the earth.

“The voluntary simplicity course is beautifully put together, and the readings are well-chosen and diverse. The format of the course is ideal for encouraging discussion and growth. The course provided an opportunity to reflect on current lifestyle, and sparked positive, healthy changes in buying, consumption, transportation, conversation, community, sustainability and living. Many thanks to the Northwest Earth Institute for this service you make possible!”

-- Allison Cruse, Alamosa, CO

Topics Covered:

1. The Meaning of Simplicity: The concept of simplicity, as a religious practice or philosophy of life, has a long history. How is simplicity connected to personal happiness and well-being?

2. Living More with Less: Accumulating material possessions is part of the American Dream. For some, the dream has become a nightmare. When do material possessions and technological advances add meaning to our lives and when do they detract?

3. Making a Living: A growing number of people wish to resolve the conflict between the desire to make and spend money and the desire for a simple life. Why is that so difficult in our culture?

4. Do You Have the Time?: In modern society, our minds are focused on the "busyness" of the day, our current problems, and our future challenges. Are there alternatives to the fast pace and technology overload of the dominant culture?

5. Living Simply and Sustainably: As a society, we engage in patterns of material consumption that are damaging the environment. How much do we really need? And how are simplicity and sustainability connected?

“To live more simply is to live more purposefully and with a minimum of needless distraction.”

 -- Duane Elgin

Voluntary Simplicity Course Description Flyer

Resource video: Story of Stuff

*This course contains an optional sixth Celebration session where participants can explore follow up actions.