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.