Voluntary Simplicity
An Eight-Session Course for the Workplace, Faith Center or Home

Purpose:

1. To understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity
2. To explore the material and psychological distractions that prevents us from caring for the earth.
3. To consider how life might be enriched through the practice of simplicity

Topics Covered:

• The Meaning of Simplicity : The concept of simplicity, as a religious practice or philosophy of life, has a long history. Inner simplicity and outer simplicity are both involved. What are some common misconceptions about a simple life?
  
  
• 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 add meaning to our lives and when do they detract?
  
  
• Your Money or Your Life : 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?
  
  
• 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 of mainstream culture?
  
  
• How Much Is Enough? As a society, we engage in patterns of material consumption that are damaging the environment. How much do we really need?
  
  
• Swimming against the Tide : Our country's current guiding economic principles push growth, consumption, and technological advance as inextricable and desirable goals. In our efforts to live simply, we may feel like we are swimming against the tide.
  
  
• The Practice of Simplicity: : There are countless practical benefits in moving toward simplicity. What steps can be taken to move toward a life simple in means, rich in ends?

Course Readings :

I.THE MEANING OF SIMPLICITY

1. Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin
2. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

1. "The Lesson of the Hummingbird" by Eknath Easwaran
2. "A Spirituality of Contentment" by Dee Dee Risher
3. Living More with Less by Doris Janzen Longacre

1. "Economy and Pleasure" by Wendell Berry
2. Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin
3. "Remaking a Living" by Brad Edmondson
4. Downshifting by Amy Saltzman

1. "Do You Have the Time?" by Ralph Keyes
2. Plain and Simple by Sue Bender
3. "Washing the Dishes" by Thich Nhat Hanh

1. "How Much is 'Enough'?" Alan Durning
2. "Waste" by Wendell Berry
3. "The Conversion of the American Dream" by Tom Atlee

1. "Growing up with Technology" by Jerry Mander
2. "Can't Live without It" by Alan Durning
3. "A Declaration of Sustainability" by Paul Hawken

1. "Conservation is Good Work" by Wendell Berry
2. "Know That What You Eat You Are" by Wendell Berry
3. Car Trouble by Steve Nadis and James J. MacKenzie "Waste Reduction" by Recycling Advocates

If you are interested in starting a Voluntary Simplicity course, please contact:

Brattleboro:        Maria Echevarría              257-5609        mbechevarria@hotmail.com
Burlington:          Leah Wittenberg              343-1956         veicoordinator@yahoo.com
Montpelier:         Nicole DiDomenico           279-2371          ndidomen@yahoo.com
Rutland:               Mike O’Brien                    438-6170         skyobrien@adelphia.net
Statewide:           Barbara Duncan               333-3664         vei@valley.net
Upper Valley:     Deborah Hawthorn          436-18181       deb.hawthorn@valley.net