Amish Reality

Most of us know about the community practice of Amish barn raising. But did you know that those barns can last 1000 years or more? Obviously, these simple living folks are doing something right. Perhaps they have something to teach us, or at least remind us of our own recent past.

I don't usually like reality shows, but found one I enjoy. Linda and I have been watching a program in which a group of big city British teens from London spend time in America living with the Amish. We are talking some extreme culture shock.

Far from the maddening urban environment, the teens spend time in places where bird calls and the wind are the loudest sounds. They do chores and swim in fish-filled ponds.

In addition to their new found peace and quiet, the participants find value in a simple way of life that has largely disappeared from their own country. They also find harsh realities in the seemingly idyllic farming communities.

One teen in particular is uncomfortable with being told she is one of the lost that will experience eternal damnation in the afterlife. Another participant could not agree that women are inherently less than the menfolk. None of them liked getting up before the sun, and having to give up all electronics caused initial withdrawals.

The city kids found these things particularly challenging, as would I. But they could still see the benefits of a simple life lived close to nature, family and community, with wholesome hard work filling the days.

One participant, Charlotte talked about why she wanted to have the experience of living a radically different life for a while.

"I wanted a simpler life. I was bored with the pressure to look a certain way: to wear make-up and clothes that were quite flaunty in order to fit in. I wanted to draw back from our society."

Once back at home after the show ended, she said, 

"Back home I was very sad to leave Amish-land, even though at times I thought they needed more freedom and choice in their lives.  

When I got back to England I didn’t like it at all. 

But while it was hard settling back, I’ve got used to it. I found I have more respect for my parents, and it’s helped me to become more independent. I don’t think I’d have coped at university without that experience.  

I really want to go back." 

Another participant, Jordan, was initially attracted by how content the Amish were, when people back home always "want more". Like many of us, he was addicted to his electronics.

"I happily spend all day on the internet or tweeting or watching TV. And I couldn’t imagine how I could cope without my BlackBerry — it was such a big part of my life. 

It was weird when it was first taken away, but I was surprised how soon I realized I wasn’t bothered about it. 

And now I’m back, I don’t even know which pocket my phone’s in."

By the end, all the British teens would be profoundly changed by their experience living with the Amish. I think that is because that kind of simplicity has a broad appeal that is timeless and enduring. 

It has served the Amish in America very well over the past 300 years, a time in which their way of life has changed very little.

All humans should know that the simple life, Amish style or otherwise, is always a viable alternative to over-consumption, hyper-competitiveness, and trying to out-buy your neighbours.

Maybe if more young people knew this, we would have fewer unhappy, discontented adults struggling to pay the bills for things they don't really want or need.

"Living With The Amish", Part 1 of 6, here.