Jeff wrote:
> Some Quotes from the book "Simple Living guide"
> Do these quotes fit into sustainability?
> At night I went out into the dark
> saw a glimmering star
> heard a frog
> Nature seemed to say, Well.. do not these suffice?
> -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think one of the things our culture is missing is a deep understanding of
what is enough. I have seen children playing in mountain villages and
small farm plots in many countries who were completely engrossed in a game
with sticks and rocks, leaves and grass. I have seen their parents smile
proudly when asked about their children. I know their lives aren't easy
from our perspective, but I think they have a better idea of what is
enough. When possible my wife and I try to notice, and remind each other,
how great everything is. We are fortunate that we are not, currently,
caught up in the busy lifestyles we see our friends in. It is important to
slow down and be quiet at times. Cultivating a sense of what is
sufficient, or enough, will help us on our paths towards sustainability.
> What lies behind us and what lies before us are
> tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
> -- Oliver Wendell Holmes
I don't see a direct relationship between this and sustainability. It
does, however, seem to have a lot of spiritual and psychological meaning.
And one could say that a strong spiritual and psychological base is useful,
if not essential, for sustainability. There are also connections with
finding what we have inside us that will help us, and others, move toward
sustainability. And also something about paying attention to what you are
doing, or can do, now to be more sustainable.
> What is at the center of your life?
> Carefully examin where you spend your
> attention, your time. Look at your
> appointment book, your daily schedule.
> this is what recieves your care and
> attention -- and by definition your love.
> -- Wayne Muller
This is saying something similar to my idea about looking at what you
actually do and deducing your ethics and values. Actions speak louder than
words. I recently was trying to clearify my passions in life as an
important compontent in deciding my next "career move." There are many
things that I typically list as my "hobbies", "interests", etc., but I
asked myself what I always make time for, no matter what else is going on
in my life. The answer was surprising to me, and I recommend the exercise.
The other way to look at this is to make sure that you spend more time with
the things you love. Another good exercise is to ask yourself what you
would do if you found out you were going to die in one year (or two). Then
ask yourself why you aren't doing those things now. I was recently
reminded of the thought, "THIS is life. Don't miss it!"
> A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.
> Before him, I may think aloud. -- Emerson.
A good friend, indeed. With all of the effort to be politically correct,
eat the "in" foods, take the "in" herbs, watch "only PBS," etc. I find it
refreshing when I find someone who doesn't worry about how I might judge
what they do or say. Our culture puts a lot of emphasis on appearances and
social window dressing. We are not good at have discussions when people
don't agree. Why is that? I think it can be much richer and more
interesting, but most people find it annoying and distrubing.
Eric:
