Small Simple Life

the trees are all there is left behind…

A. Simplicity — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:04 +0000

~
moments before sunlight impaled
darkness is known and follows wind blown
it has moments of sudden displeasure
reach past gold feather the clouds must be kind
it is dark now and shadows are blind
the trees are all there is left behind
~

a little stroll from where we live
where
when the sun sets
it rests on the mountains
for a few short minutes the light is perfectly golden

such a place to stop and rest
and the feelings that just being for now is enough
being here and knowing that we are so lucky
and happy and still and strong and small

No more than living size…

A. Simplicity — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:52:17 +0000

“The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish your feelings – words shrink things that seem timeless when they are in your head to no more than living size when they are brought out.”

~ Stephen King { Different Seasons }

We carry around so many thoughts and feelings, dreams and ideas. We let them flow, often unchecked, around inside our heads creating hopes and passions but also fears and doubts.

Sometimes it is important to keep dreams close at heart, to covert them, to protect them within ourselves. To let them grow in the timeless recess of our hearts.

Yet fears can also seem timeless when they exist only within us; they perpetuate feelings of despair and doubt. And it is the dark thoughts that should be set free, opened up to others so they can be formed into words and given life to change and be shaped by the world around us.

Our minds are where we dream and where we contemplate. Keep some things precious and safe inside but do not harbour those thoughts that bring fear and doubt; speak them aloud and diminish their influence by making them living size. Look upon them with perspective and set them free into the world.

so that the monotonous fall of the waves…

A. Simplicity — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:53:48 +0000

So that the monotonous fall of the waves on the beach, which for the most part beat a measured and soothing tattoo to her thoughts and seemed consolingly to repeat over and over again as she sat with the children the words of some cradle song, murmured by nature, ‘I am guarding you – I am your support,’ but at other times suddenly and unexpectedly, especially when her mind raised itself slightly from the task actually in hand, had no such kindly meaning, but like a ghostly roll of drums remorselessly beat the measure of life, made one think of the destruction of the island and its engulfment in the sea, and warned her whose day had slipped past in one quick doing after another that is was all ephemeral as a rainbow..

~ Virginia Woolf { To the Lighthouse }

time passes so quietly most times, so quickly,
we do not often raise our heads to look beyond what tasks are at hand
these small things, these tasks and deeds are what make up our life
yet it is good to raise our heads and see and hear the presence of our world
because
life is ephemeral
and that is the very thing that makes it so worth living

tiny pushes…

Please give : Haiti earthquake appeals

A. Simplicity — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:23:22 +0000

I apologise for my absence here over the last month. Due to other commitments I feel I am unable to dedicate enough time to writing; I hope to be back on track come February if not sooner.

In the meantime please consider those in need; and if you haven’t already done so, please give what you can to help those in Haiti.

There are wonderful aid organisations on the ground now working to save lives and help and protect all of those devastated by this tragedy. Please consider that collectively we can make a big difference by supporting these organisations in the invaluable work.

Please visit one of the following to find out more and to learn how you can help.

Unicef
World Vision
Oxfam

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!

The challenge to change ourselves…

A. Simplicity — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:27:53 +0000

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Victor Frankl

There are many times in our lives when we feel helpless; when we feel as though we are powerless to challenge the way things are. Situations big and small can be hard to confront and overcome, but we are, in the face of this, always able to change ourselves.

As we enter 2010, a decade into the “new millennium”, we are faced with so many challenges as a human race, as a world; as a planet. Current situations seem insurmountable and despite the want for change it seems there is still so much that can be done.

We are now, more than ever, aware of the impact we have on the world around us. The world has become smaller and our actions and in-actions have far-reaching effects on all people of the earth.

The politicians and nations in power are struggling to agree, to meet on common ground, to ’solve’ the issues that we as a human race face. Poverty, pollution, environmental destruction, greed and unsustainable development are the reality of our current world situation.

Many of us do not consider the true state of the world around us, because many of us still live a privileged, wonderful life filled with hope and abundance. And there is the sense we are powerless to make a difference.

When we see our politicians and world leaders fail to make sustainable and effective change, when, despite public support, measures to end poverty and environmental destruction fall short of the hope and good intention; it can be disheartening.

Yet, as Victor Frankl states, if we cannot change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. We would love things to be better but it can be so difficult to give up the things in life we covert, to change our ways so that others may benefit and may share in our wealth.

In reality we cannot expect things to change if we ourselves will not change.

Life is filled with opportunity to make small changes that make a big difference, in our own lives and the lives of others. We will keep travelling down this path, where the greedy and wealthy take advantage of the vulnerable and poor, unless we ourselves change.

The situation as it stands is a result of human enterprise, human nature; and the world is a wonderful place; it is up to each of us to ensure all people have the same freedom and opportunity and hope as you and I.

If we take the challenge to change ourselves, to look at the impact of our choices and take responsibility for the consequences of our actions; we can make a difference. If there are things in the world that you are concerned about, that you would like to see change; look first to yourself and see what effect your actions have on the world and those around you.

Through our power to change our own future we can hope to change the future of all people.

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” ~Pauline R. Kezer

The hour of meeting and of farewell…

A. Simplicity — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:29:01 +0000

“Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.” ~Jean Paul Richter

As we farewell the old year and bring in the new there is always a sense of reflection, of resolution, of opportunity missed but also the promise of new opportunities to be found. The sense of crossing over, passing by the year gone and entering into a new faze, a new era, where hope and change and chance prevail.

Each new day offers the same opportunity to embrace a sense of resolution and reflection. With pure and glowing feelings we can embrace each new day as a new opportunity to be present and hold onto resolution and reflection throughout the year; not just on the threshold of the new.

Each day is filled with hope, with chance and change and opportunity.. with a little reflection upon each days close the power and presence of everyday becomes real and tangible.

“A little reflection will show us that every belief, even the simplest and most fundamental, goes beyond experience when regarded as a guide to our actions.”
~ William Kingdon Clifford

I shall not pass this way again…

A. Simplicity — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:53:48 +0000

“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” ~William Penn

The hour of meeting and of farewell…

Vegetarianism and Choice

A. Simplicity — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:25:29 +0000

“Vegetarianism isn’t about fanatical personal purity, it’s about having some perspective. Move at your own pace; no one’s keeping score. Vegetarianism isn’t about scarcity, it’s about abundance. It’s not about restriction, it’s about liberation. Not about what we’re against but what we’re for; not for some far-off time but for right now. For me going vegetarian is less about becoming something and more about being true to ourselves.” ~Michael Gregor MD

I have truly been heartened by the press coverage and discussion in social media lately about vegetarianism and veganism. Vegetarianism is slowly filtering out into the popular consciousness and this has given me great hope, that perhaps we will as a society, start to pull down the walls that see people discounting the facts behind industrial farming and the slaughterhouse industry.

Much of society does not see the consumption of meat as an act of animal cruelty. Many countries have strict laws forbidding cruelty to animals and most people condemn acts of animal cruelty yet, the mass slaughter of animals is abdicated and supported by a majority of the public.

There is no way to absolve the actions of slaughterhouses, they are cruel and inhumane. The fear, suffering and ultimate death experienced by these sentient creatures, who feel pain, who feel fear and who suffer is not something you or I or anyone should accept.

We need to work towards true education, understanding and compassion bring about discussion and provide opportunity and support for change. As Michael Gregor says Vegetarianism is not fanatical, it is for you and me and for everyone. It is not unrealistic, unhealthy, or unattainable.

We have been lead to believe that we need to eat meat, that it is ok and that the suffering and death inflicted on animals is acceptable if conducted behind closed slaughterhouse doors. Yet so much can be gained from learning more about the way these animals are kept and slaughtered and that a healthy and delicious diet can be achieved without the consumption of meat.

Perspective and understanding of the true consequences is so important in making any decision. I believe that many of us simply do not truly consider the facts, do not consider the alternatives simply because as a society eating meat is the norm and there is not enough education and support to inspire change.

Yet, there are great websites and books and information available for anyone who would like to learn a little more about becoming a vegetarian and why. I don’t believe sensationalism and graphic images are a real way to inspire people to change and hope that the following sites may be helpful to anyone looking for a little more solid information and support on the issue.

You can check out the small article here or any of the following sites and I hope to provide further information on Small Simple Life soon.

Vegetarian Society
Australian Vegetarian Society
Animals Australia

It seems I have been breaking out the soap box a little this week : ) but with an aim to inspire positive action and discussion and thought. There are so many things we as individuals can do to have a positive effect on our own lives and the lives of all others.

It can be hard to step back and look at things in a different light sometimes and we each have our own opinions and beliefs that need to be respected. Each of us has the power to make choices that reflect true understanding and compassion and these small actions are what make the difference in our own lives and the lives of others.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~William James

5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!

A. Simplicity — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:50:48 +0000

“The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities imposed upon the rest of the world by the rich. Consequently, the modern poor are not pitied…but written off as trash. The twentieth-century consumer economy has produced the first culture for which a beggar is a reminder of nothing.”
~John Berger

With Christmas approaching there is not a better time to consider those on the earth who are in need; those who are faced with insurmountable poverty, starvation, disease and strife. Now more than ever our world is a place where so many millions of people are faced each day with the stark reality of poverty. Where they cannot earn a living off their own land, where they are trodden down by exploitation, government policy or warmongering, where greed has stolen their lively hood and their lives.

Nearly half of the world’s population lives on less than US$2 a day.
1 billion people live in abject poverty on less that US$1 a day.
50,000 people die from poverty-related causes every day.
Every three seconds a child dies from poverty-related causes.
800 million people go to bed hungry every night.

Source Make Poverty History

These are staggering statistics, but so often these numbers do little to compel us to action. There is a sense of hopelessness for many of us lucky ones, other than donating to aid organisations how can we have a positive effect on the lives of these people? How, can we, in developed countries make a difference to the poverty that exists around the world?

First we need to acknowledge the role of greed, the greed of governing bodies, organisations and corporations; the people who have the power to inflate markets and steal land and resources and exploit people and nations for money. And then we need to acknowledge that we play a role in this by buying into the products offered by these greedy manufacturers.

While governments on the one hand are giving aid to developing countries they are with the other taking away their lively hood. Through farming subsidies, trade injustice and no true governance to protect those affected by exploitation.

I know this is a very complex and multisided argument and that our very world economy is built on this kind of infrastructure; but there are ways you and I can make positive choices that opt out, to some degree, of this greedy and exploitive doctrine.

There is hope for all people of the world and it starts with freedom and equal rights and a true desire for all nations to work together for the benefit of all people not just the rich and powerful.

When governments and corporations are making gross profits, someone, somewhere has paid the price and sometimes it is the ultimate price. The loss of their livelihood, their home or even their child; these are the costs of poverty.

So how can we have some small positive effect on the lives of others and support communities and manufactures who are working towards sustainable and workable solutions to poverty?

Buy Fair Trade

Fairly traded and certified Fairtrade products are becoming more readily available in many countries and are a great way we as consumers can support small farmers and communities by putting our money into sustainable and ethical farming and manufacturing process. Fair trade protects farmers and manufacturers by paying a fair price for their product, promoting better working conditions and better equipping small producers and communities to take control of their own future.

By purchasing fair trade products we are not putting money into the pockets of companies who have a monopoly and who often economically disadvantage producers to make big profits. Keep an eye out for fair-trade certified coffee, tea, chocolate, dried fruit, honey, nuts, oil, rice and sugar. To learn more about Fair Trade have a read of the article here.

Buy Union Made

Our shopping centres and malls are filled to the brim with cheap but also overpriced luxury consumer items and many of these are made in some of the poorest countries where many workers are exploited to turn big profits. Although you may think it is cheaper to live in developing countries it still does not give the manufacturing corporations the right to pay their workers less than a living wage and demanding unethical working conditions. Many of these workers are denied the right to form unions which means they have no power to defend their rights and work towards resolving many of the exploitive conditions under which they work.

It can be difficult to find out exactly under what conditions many of our consumer products have been manufactured and there is still not a lot of endorsement for union made products. However they are becoming available especially in clothing and foot ware. Keep an eye out for Union Made, reconsider buying cheap, throw away items, buy pre-loved or research companies online. For more information check out the article here.

Support our own communities

When we support our own community and purchase products and services provided by small, local manufacturers we are not only having a positive and sustaining impact on our communities but avoid supporting big manufacturers and corporations who may be exploiting people and communities for profit.

Think local and always consider buying locally produced, farmed or manufactured goods over mass produced items. By visiting local markets and fairs, supporting local business and restaurants and encouraging our supermarkets to stock more locally produced products we can start to promote and sustain our own community over the wealth and greed of big corporations. This in turn provides growth and economic stability for the people in our own communities and gives back to small scale producers and families.

Support Aid Organisations

There are many wonderful aid organisations that are performing a service to all mankind by working with people and governments to ease the suffering and support the freedom and rights of people who live in poverty around the world. Many of these organisations are working with the people to promote a sustaining livelihood and helping communities to work together. Without the support of aid many millions more would die each year of starvation and disease. Consider donating time or money or organising or participating in a fund raiser to help these organisations to continue their crucial work.

Speak Out

Nearly all of us are aware of the poverty that exists around the world but how many of us talk about it. We see it and hear about it on the television but it is rarely discussed. Is this because we feel so helpless?

But we as consumers play a very big and fundamental role to the survival of greedy and unethical practices. We can, through voicing our concern and demanding equal rights, better working conditions, fair trade and an end to exploitation, let these greedy “big guns” know how we feel and that we will speak out with our voice and with our dollar.

Start talking about poverty within your own community, talk to your friends and family, talk to your supermarkets and manufactures, your local government and your governmental leaders. We need to speak out against poverty and support those who are taking steps to work towards a better future for all people.

Send emails or letters to manufactures to find out where they stand on human rights and working conditions. Write to your government leaders and ask them how they are helping to work towards a sustainable and better future for developing countries and people living in poverty.

Oxfam is a great organisation that provides help and support for communities and people. They also provide great information and guidelines for contacting manufactures and government agencies. You can visit their site here.

This Christmas and always consider the things you can do to reduce the impact of greed on all people and communities. We can make a difference by supporting those who are creating real opportunities and offering true sustainable and workable solutions to help end the grip of poverty on so many people and places around the world.

Poverty is more than ever a result of our wasteful and greedy lifestyle; we need to reassess our choices and make ones that reflect a true desire to no longer support greed and exploitation.

Where we can we should choose to make a difference by supporting fair trade, union made, local produce and aid organisations. And speak out against poverty it is up to all of us to work towards better future for all people.

For more information visit Make Poverty History

Life is a constant journey…

A. Simplicity — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:46:33 +0000

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
~ Douglas Adams

Life is a constant journey and we may not always know where it is we are going

or indeed where it is we truly want to go…

But, be present and listen to the heart; follow true dreams and be ready for anything.

Sometimes even when we feel we are going the wrong way

we end up in places we never dreamed or believed possible!!

Because, when we hold onto our true self;

we will never truly lose our way.

The hour of meeting and of farewell…