I’ve always felt like Simplicity is the key to a happy and successful life.  I’ve done a pretty good job at keeping things as simplified as possible, but feel that I need to go even further to really get the full benefits of what this way of life has to offer.

There’s already been a few posts by me praising the notion of living a simple life, but I’ve never really talked about how the bicycle, and riding a bike fits so perfectly into the whole simplicity mix.  I’m still moving towards a much more car-lite lifestyle, and those who are already there can attest to the feeling of simplicity that it provides.  Living without a vehicle might not be as handy in some instances, but I think the peace of mind and freedom goes a long way in making up for it.

Even the bike itself is a product of simplicity.  Sure, they have become more complex over the years….but in the end they really are just two wheels on a frame.  A bike might require a few repairs and regular maintenance, but looking after it is so much more simplified then looking after a vehicle.

I sit and watch my two year old Son, and see how such simple things fascinate and entertain him.  Then I watch us adults, and see how we need all this “Stuff” to entertain us.  My Wife said it best a few weeks ago, when she said we all need to just “Be” more often. We’re so caught up in our fast paced lives that we never get a chance to let things simmer and just be for a little while each day.

Yeah, lucky for us….we have our bike rides that allow us freedom, simplicity, and the ability to just “be” for a little while.  Try extending that into the other parts of your life, and I’m pretty sure you’ll experience how that feeling on the bike transcends into the other areas as well.

Simple Living in a Not So Simple Society

Is it possible to live “the simple life”?  Better yet….is it possible to live the simple life and be happy?  I pose that question to you, but I’m going to also answer it in my semi-professional opinion.

We hear about simplifying our lives all the time….from many different mediums, but is it actually possible to accomplish?  Let me re-phrase that…is it possible to accomplish this in North America?  Well, I can tell you that I am a guy who at times has gone about as far as one can in simplifying their life…..and its been great.  But I can honestly say that living a simple lifestyle is not so simple in the culture of North America.

I’m a major advocate of  “Creating Your Own Culture” and promote this idea to many people, but as one of my life hero’s Morrie Schwartz says…“The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves” and it can make living the simple life difficult at times.

I’ve found myself quite confused as to why living a simple lifestyle in North America does not create quite the happiness that is promised.  It does create happiness in some ways….but not all.  I found the answer to this from a great friend of mine named Seth Seaver.  I met, hung out with, and became close friends with Seth way back when we were both living in St. Kitts.  Once Seth returned home to Connecticut, he wrote me and here is part of what he said….

”I need to get away from all of these conveniences and comforts.  They are killing my soul and spirit. I need to get back to the woods or the beach, and live a simple life again. Besides I miss my backpack.” – Seth Seaver

Seth and I both lived the simple beach bum life while we were in St. Kitts, and we were both happy with the situation we were in…..it wasn’t until we returned home to North America that things sort of changed.  I don’t mean to stir up controversy, but here in North America we are not given the chance to connect to our soul and spirit.  It’s possible, but it should come a lot more naturally….like what Seth and I experienced.  Being overloaded with convenience can be a thorn in the pursuit of a simple life.

Whoa, kind of deep huh?  So here’s to bucking the pursuit of living the American Dream and cranking things down a few notches….that is if it’s something you’re after.  The simple life is not for everyone, but if you’re one who craves it……may your soul and spirit find it soon.

Photo c/o Flikr