“A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with—that’s poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it’s clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar.”
Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. ~Elise Boulding
Yesterday, I found myself with two juicers.
Through fortune and kindness, my life had become too full, and so I gave one away, to a friend who needs to take good care of her health.
She was delighted and my cupboard was, once more, roomy and ready to receive.
To live in a state of abundance, it is necessary to practice frugality.
One cannot work without the other.
Abundance needs space to grow!
Clinging onto what one does not need creates clutter, confusion and chaos.
Is it any wonder the world is in such a state?
We don’t need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants. Not wanting something is as good as possessing it. ~Donald Horban
The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed — it is a process of elimination. ~Elbert Hubbard
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Wonderful post with lovely images and lots of food for my brain.
Best regards from the North,
Dina
Blessings Dina from Bealtaine XXX
Thank you for giving me another ‘Light Bulb’ moment. Such true words.. Thank you
I’m glad they have helped.
Blessings XXX
Reblogged this on Middlemay Farm and commented:
A beautiful blog!
Reblogged this on Bealtaine Cottage and commented:
Not wanting something is as good as possessing it.
What a lovely post…..i haven’t heard the word “frugal” used in a positive way since my old Girl Guide leader passed away…it was one of her favourites, and she was always encouraging us to live frugally, take care of the Earth and the Earth will take care of you….a woman before her time. Your apples look SO delicious I can just imagine biting into them…bet they smell really fragrant too. cheers, Shannon
It’s a lovely word…rather comforting in these times of excess and upheaval. The apples are delicious and are fragrant too. I wonder if I could post one to you…? Email me your address and I shall try! coletteoneill2010@hotmail,com
Blessings
The photos of the reflection in the water are beautiful and calming. There’s something about the elements that connects us to ourselves.
Drawing down the sky…one doesn’t really need a pond for that! It is simple and lovely X
Blessings X
What variety is the Rose? I have a few but they don’t give off hips. Thanks.
This is a form of wild rose called Rosa Rugosa.
Blessings X
These are BEAUTIFUL posts!
…each day in my life I learn something new. With each post from you, there is something I learn to make my life better for myself and for those around me. There are those that enjoy with me, the things I have learned from you. But there are those that continue on down their own paths of greed and gluttony. I wish all would listen, but we all make our own choices. I am grateful for you teachings, for you and for Beatine Cottage and for all your teachings. Ty
“Bealtine”….as always I will “misspell” something…:(
Each of us are on a sacred journey. All paths lead to the Divine, in whatever form we understand and embrace (or not) the journey.
Blessings and smiles XXX
YOU CANNOT GET ANY BETTER!
Mícheál Ó Domhnaill (from Bothy Band) – Casadh an tSugain 1979 – As I …: http://youtu.be/UQCcmY00fuM?list=PL8D6181C6543E55C1 … via @YouTube
Enjoy!
Great link…thanks!
It took me 3yrs to get rid of my office wear & branded shoes, then 2yrs to happily give away extra seedlings & plants. Now before buying or acquiring anything I ask 2 questions: do you want it? & if the answer is “yes” it’s followed by: do you need it?
Like you, I’ve learned like simple living. I like your posts, they make me feel I’m not alone in my lifestyle. Thanks.
Many of us feel the same way and are embracing life and all it has to offer without the stress of buying and acquiring…it’s liberating!
Blessings
A beautiful reminder … thank you!
I skim with my teeth the rose hips as I walk to the sea…..they are very good this year! Me’thinks we are in for a cold winter…Our wants these days are because we are starving. I have forever felt that we in the west have no idea of gratitude. Great post,:-)
Thanks Pennie.
Consumerism reminds me of the tale of the mariner in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner…a salutatory lesson about what we value!
This thought was just what I needed today.