This Paperback Book item from Gallagher Press was reviewed on 19-Oct-2008.
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1) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. Voluntary simplicity has some features to it that would benefit most people in the United States, and that I am actively trying to incorporate into my own life. These include less consumerism/materialism, financial "modesty" (for lack of a better term), less cluttered living, etc. When we speak of the priorities, however, we must not forget the "voluntary" aspect.
I can sum up my problem with this book with a single quote from page 170, "Simplicity is not about imposing beliefs on others or judging their actions... except, of course, by enacting and enforcing laws that mandate..." Throughout the book, every topic ends up with a discussion of how to tax, fine, or otherwise manipulate and coerce people into adopting the practices that the author believes would be best for them.
This sanctimonious, condescending attitude was so offensive that I found it difficult to draw anything positive from the book.¤ 2) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. I am both happy and not happy with this book. I purchased it hoping to find different ways to simplify my life. I found that I am already doing many of the suggestions and have already evaluated much of my life in the ways that the author suggested. This provided me with positive reinforcement that I am hopefully on a good path.
I think this would be a good book for someone just starting to evaluate their life or looking for a new approach.
I don´t like the way the author seems critical of many choices people make in their lives and find many of her suggestions to be of no value to me and my life. I try to be friendly to the Earth and its inhabitants. I buy locally, recycle everthing possible, and generally try to be as respectful and mindful of my place and purpose in life.
It is neither practical nor feasable for me to sell my house and move to a pedestrian friendly city so I don´t need to own a car or can share one with a neighbor.
I make no apologizes that I drive a SUV. My life more than occasionally requires this vehicle making renting one when I needed one financially stupid. If I didn´t live in an area that was snow covered several months of the year perhaps I could ride a Vespa or have a "commuting car." However how is having more than one vehicle simplifying my life? If I didn´t have co-workers perhaps bicycling to work would be possible. I can neither shower at the office I work at nor am I willing to carry a full change of clothing to put on after I arrive.
I am not going to opt out of health insurance on the hopes that I won´t need it. Of course I hope I won´t need it but I am not going to bet my finaicial future on it. My job may make me crazy but I can´t see how its worse than perhaps incurring a huge medical bill and losing my home.
I value old friendships and keep a place in my life for those people who may not share my feelings on many issues. The value of a 27 year friendship far outweighs our political or social differences. Is it simplier to discard people who "complicate" my life or to find a way to fit them in?
In the end its all about the choices you make. Ms. Pierce does a good job of showing you do have control in ways you might not have considered. Just because I don´t agree with some of her conclusions doesn´t mean she is wrong in asking the questions.¤ 3) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. Embarking on the path of simplicity is simply one of the best things I´ve done in my entire life.
After years of accumulating more and more stuff, I reached a point where it didn´t make any sense to keep accumulating more material possessions. More, was definitely not better. If you read the author´s other excellent book, Choosing Simplicity, you will see how more people are choosing the so called path of ´voluntary simplicity´. About two years ago I started a long path of downsizing my life (I´m a Taurus... that loves material possessions and has attachments to much of it so I think that didn´t help). I started with cutting back commitments, moved onto removing friends :) and then stuff... clothes, tapes, anything I didn´t use frequently and then the most difficult and sacred... my books... including a huge personal development library. Other things, I´ve digitized (music, some books and the like) and I´ve never felt better and each round of decluttering, downsizing and simplifying and has gone deeper and deeper and created further impetus and desire for a more simpler life. I see it as a journey and an unfolding process. Some people will find it more easy than others, although it is accessible to anyone.
There many excellent books on decluttering and simplicity. This one of the better ones. Why? The author is well researched, lives the work herself and has provided a comprehensive guide and set of resources and activities to tackle in each area of your life. While you may be familiar with a good deal of the content, the book is useful in that it gives you a structure to conduct the process (including should you want to undertake the process with friends), is easy to read and follow and is inspiring. It´s also holistic in that it considers all areas of your life and your relationship to others and the planet. More than that, it´s written from the heart and a genuine desire to support people that choose this path. The book is divided into a series of lessons to deepen your awareness of all the areas in your life that simplicity can be applied and includes your home, spirituality, money, how you spend your time, community, family and friends and health and wellbeing. Many of the questions in this book will enable you to deeply reflect on your life and how you are using your time. Like other really good works, I´ve found that one little insight or practical application I´ve picked up can add major leverage in my life. For instance, I´ve noticed a substantial improvement in my life since getting rid of the TV. I´ve found that it is not missed and the constant stream of negativity that pervades the news is removed from my life which has greatly effected my wellbeing. There are many such powerful tools and reflections in this book.
The book contains excellent references to other resources and publications in the field for further reading or advice and templates in terms of money, time and others to enhance your awareness around these important areas so that you can begin to make conscious decisions. The external resources are excellent and include brief descriptions of why they are relevant. Also included is an extensive bibliography and guidelines for establishing a Simplicity Support Group.
This is an excellent book, that I am grateful to have read and I highly recommend it. If you are looking for further inspiration and practical examples of how people live this philosophy in different ways (and with vastly different contexts and approaches e.g. some with very little money, others who have substantial resources), I highly recommend the author´s other book, Choosing Simplicity.
¤ 4) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. Great workbook and should be used with a group of people if possible.
Makes you think about living more fully, enjoyably, and calmly in this hectic have to have everything world.¤ 5) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. Linda has done an outstanding job putting this book together. It gave insights into the four key elements of living- body, mind and spirit. The context is clear cut, she speaks from personal wisdom, research and case studies. She has exceeded my expectations with such a fantastic book!¤ 6) Paperback Book Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Gallagher Press. Simplicity Lessons is a practical guide for those who long for a slower pace of life with more time for relationships, fulfilling work, and living oneÕs dreams. Working on your own or as part of a simplicity study group, you will explore the major a¤ Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 16-Nov-2008, 09672067909780967206790, 800-660-950-380-150-900-8 
Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply, Book, Image © Gallagher Press
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