By David Heitmiller

I found myself intrigued by In Context reader Dallas Simpson's letter in Issue #40 regarding Voluntary Complexity. As someone who has adopted the concept of Voluntary Simplicity (VS), I felt this letter was directed to me personally. I'm also almost the same age as this reader, so I felt a link and a need to, if not give advice, at least share the perspective of someone who is "doing it."

My first reaction was to tell Dallas (and other readers considering VS) -- just "take the plunge," "go for it," "just do it!" Get on the Voluntary Simplicity bandwagon as soon as possible and stop dithering about such things as health insurance. But as I re-read the letter and thought more about it, I realized that is probably not the right approach for most people. I didn't just "take the plunge" into Voluntary Simplicity; it was an evolutionary process over several years. I first stuck my little toe in as I wondered about where I was going and what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and how I might get there. I stuck a foot and leg in by joining a Voluntary Simplicity study circle and began listening and talking to others who were already practicing or thinking about this idea of Simple Living. I stuck the other leg and foot in by reading books and articles about Simple Living and began understanding the advantages and flexibility it could offer. Then, fully motivated and inspired, I formed a Three-Year-Plan toward the goal of achieving Financial Independence -- the time when I would be able to leave the corporate world and begin spending the rest of my life working toward my own goals and providing service to my community. Then in January of 1994, I eased my whole self into the somewhat murky water of Voluntary Simplicity by taking a buyout package from my company. I have never looked back.

I say "murky water," because IC reader Dallas Simpson is right in a sense. Paradoxically, Voluntary Simplicity is often complex. Few of us can, or want to, abandon the society in which we live. This society, whether we like it or not, is complex. Those of us, who choose to live simply within that complex society, do so only relative to this "mainstream" world. Indeed, my wife and I live more simply than we did before, but we still consume more and live with far more complexity than most people in the world. We try to live simply by consuming less, learning to be happy with what we have, repairing things instead of throwing them away, eating organically and so on. But many of these activities actually take more time (and energy) than using the latest convenience foods or products. If you have ever tried to get parts to fix something lately, you know what I mean. The consumer system is stacked against us in many ways.

The problems of everyday living don't just go away because you decide to live simply. Accidents and unforeseen events still happen. Decisions still have to be made. It's almost impossible to avoid the "infoglut" that bombards us -- from the media to our mailbox. The problems of children (even grown children) and aging parents and how to deal with them are not simple. Insurance of all types need to be reviewed. Even what stuff to get rid of as we try to unstuff our lives requires thought and action. Perhaps it should be called Simpler instead of Simple Living.

If we have chosen to leave the world of "normal" employment as I have, how do we use our time wisely? Which of hundreds of worthy causes do we volunteer for? We have personal interests and hobbies. We have family obligations. Perhaps travel is a goal -- but where and how much will it cost? Living on a small income, even if it is Simple Living, takes time in tracking expenditures, researching investment options and making buying decisions for those things we choose to own.

Okay, so what's the payoff? First of all, with more time to research options, whether it is a buying decision, an investment option or a volunteer opportunity, the final decision is more likely to last longer. You no longer rely on so-called experts and end up with things not quite right for you. There is a huge sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency when you have researched the alternatives and take action for yourself that you know is right without the outside pressure of agents, brokers or salesmen. For example, I recently bought a used car (for cash) that meets my needs and I expect to last at least 10 years. Secondly, Simple Living lifestyle changes become habits -- a new normal, if you will. Like all habits, this does not happen overnight, but does happen within a few weeks or months. Thirdly, stuff no longer controls your life. With less stuff, we just inevitably have more freedom. We don't have to worry about storing, insuring, cleaning and maintaining or eventually disposing of a lot of excess baggage. Somehow, owning the latest version, model or fashion seems less and less important. Finally, there is the time to really pursue new and old interests and activities. Whether it's a long-standing goal or desire to take up some hobby, write your autobiography or just follow up on some interesting article you read in the newspaper, you can do it when you are living simply.

There are a number of less visible, but perhaps even more important benefits to Simple Living. One is health. It took me several months away from the corporate world, but one day I woke up and realized I was a lot less stressed out. Even though I had tried hard not to let my job invade my private life, there was a constant underlying level of stress that I was not aware of. As that stress slowly evaporated I became more content and happy with just being. Living the Simple Life, you also can choose your time and mode of exercise, monitor eating habits and just get outdoors for some fresh air. Contrast this to expensive health club memberships, personal trainers and home exercise machines!

There is time to get to really know and help friends, relatives and neighbors. This is the old sense of community that barely exists in many places any more. In the last year, I have been able to spend more time with my elderly parents, get acquainted with a cousin who I barely knew and re-connect with old friends and make many new ones. Then there is the self-satisfaction of knowing that you are doing a little at least to help the world and the environment by reducing your personal consumption. You can influence others to do the same by your example of Simple Living.

Yes, Simple Living can be complex. "Simple" is relative and a goal to work toward, not a clearly defined path with a rainbow at the end. How simple we make our lives will undoubtedly vary for each person -- and that's okay too. Sometimes our accomplishments are small and we still make mistakes, but we learn to forgive ourselves and move on. Self-worth is not defined by a fancy title on a business card. Just being is okay. The complexities of Simple Living in this society can certainly be frustrating, but the rewards are great.

© 1995 David A. Heitmiller