Stepping Away From The Feather Bed of Civilization

In a world that equates progress with luxury, comfort, and convenience, the words of Robert Louis Stevenson and Henry David Thoreau ring with a rebellious clarity. 

Their journeys—Stevenson’s 12-day trek through the rugged Cévennes mountains with a stubborn donkey named Modestine, and Thoreau’s solitary retreat into the woods—offer a powerful antidote to the gilded cage of modern life. They remind us that stepping away from the "feather bed of civilization" can awaken a deeper, more resilient way of being. 

For those of us yearning for simplicity, their stories are a call to rediscover the raw, unfiltered joy of living close to nature.

In Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879), Stevenson captures the essence of his journey: 

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more clearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints. Alas, as we get up in life, and are more preoccupied with our affairs, even a holiday is a thing that must be worked for. To hold a pack upon a pack-saddle against a gale out of the freezing north is no high industry, but it is one that serves to occupy and compose the mind. And when the present is so exacting who can annoy himself about the future?” 

His 200km solo hike through the barren hills of south-central France wasn’t about reaching a destination but about embracing the act of living itself. Stevenson faced the elements, the locals’ suspicions, and his own limitations. He was mistaken for a peddler, warned of wolves and robbers, and yet was still enthusiastic about the freedom in the simplicity of the open road.

Stevenson’s journey was a deliberate step away from the comforts of society. His words resonate with anyone who’s ever felt suffocated by the demands of modern life. 

For Stevenson, the answer was to leave behind the feather bed and embrace the rugged simplicity of the outdoors.

Henry David Thoreau, in his own retreat to Walden Pond, found a similar truth. 

“I love Nature partly because she is not man, but a retreat from him. In her midst I can be glad with an entire gladness. If this world were all man, I could not stretch myself, I should lose all hope.” 

Thoreau’s time in the woods wasn’t just an escape - it was a rebellion against the constraints of a society that demanded conformity. Nature, to him, was freedom—a place where “a different kind of right prevails.” Stripped of human institutions, he discovered a life that was simple, unobstructed, and profoundly joyful. Thoreau’s solitude in the forest allowed him to confront the raw, inconvenient facts of existence. Far from the anesthetizing comforts of civilization, he found resilience in simplicity. 

His life at Walden was a testament to the idea that less can be more—that stripping away the trappings of modernity can reveal a deeper, more authentic way of living.

Today, we’re told that progress means faster technology, bigger homes, and endless convenience. 

But at what cost? 

The pursuit of luxury has left us enslaved to our desires, and vulnerable to those who profit from our dependence. 

As I reflect on the state of our world, I see little evidence of true evolution. Instead, I see a society that’s grown soft, demoralized, and disconnected from the natural world that sustains us. We’ve traded resilience for comfort, freedom for convenience, and in doing so, we’ve lost something vital. Stevenson and Thoreau challenge us to question this narrative. They remind us that nature isn’t just a place to visit—it’s where we live, our greatest teacher. 

To step away from the hyper-complexity of modern life, even for a little while, is to rediscover our capacity for joy, strength, and clarity. It’s a chance to feel the ground beneath our feet, to face the “needs and hitches” of life head-on, and to find contentment in the simplicity of the present moment. For those of us drawn to simple living, Stevenson and Thoreau offer a roadmap. Their journeys weren’t about escaping reality but about embracing it in its rawest form. 

Whether it’s a hike through the mountains with only a sleeping bag and a stubborn donkey or a quiet retreat to a cabin in the woods, the act of simplifying forces us to confront what truly matters. 

It’s not about renouncing everything but about choosing what adds value to our lives and letting go of the rest.

Here are a few ways to channel their wisdom into your own simple living practice: 1. Step Outside Regularly: You don’t need a 200km trek to reconnect with nature. A walk in a local park, a night under the stars, or even a moment of stillness in your backyard can ground you in the present. 2. Embrace Inconvenience: Like Stevenson wrestling with his donkey, or Thoreau chopping wood, lean into the challenges of a simpler life. Cooking from scratch, growing your own food, or fixing something instead of replacing it builds resilience. 3. Question “Progress”: Before chasing the next shiny gadget or lifestyle upgrade, ask yourself: Does this bring me closer to freedom or further from it? Simplicity often lies in saying no to what doesn’t serve you. 4. Find Joy in the Raw Moments: As Thoreau found “entire gladness” in nature, seek out the unfiltered beauty in your surroundings—the crunch of leaves, the smell of an early summer morning, the quiet of a starlit night. In the end, the choice to live simply is a quiet rebellion against a world that wants us comfortable, compliant, and dependent. 

Stevenson and Thoreau show us that true freedom lies not in accumulating more but in needing less. 

By stepping away from the feather bed of civilization, we can rediscover the granite underfoot, the cutting flints, and the joy of a life unencumbered by excess. In conclusion, I invite you to take a step, however small, toward simplicity. Leave the gilded cage behind, even for a moment, and let nature be your teacher.

Where will that next step take you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tell us about someone you know who’s traded comfort for freedom, and let's celebrate the raw, resilient joy of living simply.

Gary Snyder - Deep Ecology Poet and Simple Living Advocate

Gary Snyder is an American nature-loving Zen poet who deeply loves nature, and learned early in life to respect indigenous knowledge. Naturally, he is also a simple living advocate.

Why his name is not heard more often these days is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps it is because today’s green movement has been highjacked by politics, economics, dogma, and hysteria instead of being based on the solid foundation laid for us by the early environmental pioneers.

What remains of the diluted environmental movement, which was hopeful and aspirational in the beginning, has become mired in ideological battles, corporate greenwashing, and alarmist narratives that can overshadow practical solutions. But people like Snyder had suggested solutions long ago already, which went largely ignored.

The challenge is balancing passion with reason, and staying true to those foundational pioneering principles.

As I read his writings, Snyder describes my whole approach to life since I was a young tumbleweed rolling in the wind over the Canadian prairies.

And just to show how simple living, a deep love of nature, creativity, and compassion can carry you a long way in life, Mr. Snyder is still with us. 

He is now 95 years old, and still rocking the simple life. How nice to celebrate his life and major contributions to humanity while he is still alive.

I picked out a few quotes that highlight where he has been coming from since he was hanging out with the Beat poets in the 1950s. 

Lawrence Ferlinghetti called Snyder ''the Thoreau of the Beat Generation''. 

Gary Snyder Quotes

The Redtail hawk teaches us to have a broad view of things, while not missing the stirring of a single mouse.

Practically speaking, a life that is vowed to simplicity, appropriate boldness, good humor, gratitude, unstinting work and play, and lots of walking, brings us close to the actually existing world and its wholeness.

You should really know what the complete natural world of your region is and know what all its interactions are and how you are interacting with it yourself. This is just part of the work of becoming who you are, where you are.

True affluence is to not need anything.

Three-fourths of philosophy and literature is the talk of people trying to convince themselves that they really like the cage they were tricked into entering.

Doom scenarios, even though they might be true, are not politically or psychologically effective. The first step is to make us love the world rather than to make us fear for the end of the world.

Walking is the great adventure, the first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind. Walking is the exact balance between spirit and humility.

Thank you, Mr. Snyder. May we continue to recognize your wisdom, and follow in your footsteps as we learn to reconnect with nature and our better selves.

 

The Top 10 Easiest Things We Cut From Our Budget

Over the years, careful budgeting has enabled Linda and me to stay debt-free and live within our means. Financial discipline is the key to a life of freedom and simplicity.

I get it—budgeting isn’t exactly thrilling. Most people’s eyes glaze over just hearing the word, which is why so many dream of winning the lottery. But here’s the catch: even a lottery win demands serious budgeting to sustain. There’s no escaping it. For those ready to take control, I recommend starting today and starting small. Linda and I began by cutting the easy stuff first. 

Here’s our list of the easiest things to stop buying and live without: 1. Alcohol – It’s literally poison, and skipping it improves the bank balance and health.

2. Magazine subscriptions – Libraries offer them for free.

3. Motor vehicle – Ditching the car was tough at first, but staying close to home, biking, and walking quickly became our norm.

4. Fast/processed foods – Tasty but unhealthy. We swapped them for home-cooked meals.

5. Restaurant meals – We learned to recreate our favourite dishes at home for a fraction of the cost.

6. Travel holidays – After escaping the rat race, we found didn’t need pricey getaways.

7. Clothes – Our wardrobe is minimalist. We wear clothes until they wear out, which takes years.

8. Entertainment like movies, concerts, or fairs – Fun, but we skip the crowds and overpriced snacks like fifteen-dollar fries.

9. Meat – It’s expensive and the biggest part of the average grocery bill. We’ve discovered vegetarian based dishes that are as satisfying as crispy bacon (once your palate adjusts).

10. Sweets – Our rule: want a treat? Make it yourself. This keeps sweets rare and special. I know this might sound like I’m asking you to give up all the fun stuff that makes life in our consumer-driven world enjoyable. 

But here’s the payoff: time and freedom. 

Cutting these expenses helped us escape the grind of endless work and the exploitation of paying interest on debt. 

For us, that meant more time for hobbies, like gardening, and the peace of knowing our simple life is financially sustainable. Everyone’s “easy list” is different. What’s simple for us might be tough for you, and that’s okay. The key is to find your low-hanging fruit and start there. The results are undeniable, and you can achieve them too. Try cutting one item from your spending for a month and see what happens. 

What’s on your easy list? Share in the comments below. We’d love to hear your ideas!

We’re Winning, Even If It Doesn’t Always Feel Like It

It’s easy to feel discouraged, but take a moment to reflect: we’re making progress. The people have shown incredible resilience against what many saw as overreach in 2020 and beyond. 
Here’s what I’m grateful for today:

• The “Great Reset,” once a buzzword for sweeping global changes, has faded from mainstream conversation.
• The “Build Back Better” slogan, which some feared would justify dismantling existing systems, has lost traction.
• World War III hasn’t erupted, despite global tensions.
• Gasoline-powered cars and meat remain legal, and we can still grow our own gardens.
• We’re not confined to dystopian “pods”… at least, not yet.

This progress didn’t happen by chance. Grassroots movements, like Canada’s Freedom Convoy, played a crucial role in pushing back against policies many viewed as distinctly unfunny.
The best part is that the whole “global takeover” they tried to sneak past us in 2020 has been a total flop.  
We, the people, turned out to be way feistier than they expected—think less “sheeple,” more “caffeinated beavers.”
Is “Build Back Better” still a thing? Nope, because we banished it to the void. We didn’t just win; we forced a whole script rewrite.
Take a bow, Freedom Convoy of Canada! Those honking truckers threw the biggest, most peaceful protest party in Canadian history. 
Picture this: a bunch of flannel-wearing, coffee-sipping, maple syrup slurping folks shutting down the narrative with nothing but horns and heart. It was like Woodstock, but with better parking and snow instead of mud.
Of course, the Canadian government’s not thrilled. They’re trying to toss a couple of these heroic truckers in jail for, what, six or seven years? 
For throwing a protest that was basically a polite middle finger to overreach? That’s like jailing someone for singing “O Canada” too loudly. Talk about sore losers.
So, let’s keep the party going. Share your own gratitude list in the comments—what’s got you smiling today? 
Or better yet, crank up the tunes, honk your horn (metaphorically or not), and let’s keep reminding the powers that shouldn’t be: we’re not in pods yet, and we’re not done laughing.
Or winning.

Natural Silence

“My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence.” 

― Edith Sitwell

We may not have paved the entire globe yet, but we have completely banished silence everywhere with our own ubiquitous and endless clatter. 

There is very little natural silence left to be had anywhere, if any at all. 

I have always craved a break from the severely polluted soundscape, especially when I lived in a large city. 

The unceasing clamour of civilization is distracting. How can we hear the tiny voices of self and nature if the outside is always clanking and clunking obnoxiously?

That is why I have always sought out places where I can get a reprieve from traffic noise or car doors slamming or people mowing acres of grass for hours on end.

Natural silence, that rare and precious state, is defined as a soundscape with no human sound intrusions. 

It may not actually be silent, but has only natural sounds without intrusion from the grumbling belly of a hungry industrial 24/7 world.

The human animal is also part of the aural environment, but our ruckus dominates the soundscape just like our light pollution takes over the night sky, and our material pollution takes over the landscape and oceans. 

It is good and nourishing for one's brain, to exclusively hear bird calls, wind through the trees, or trickling water, even if only for a few minutes at a time.

We may not be able to get that these days without conducting a major expedition, and maybe not even then. 

Seeking out quieter places offers respite from the constant cacophony of civilization, and recharges the soul at the same time.

It is a good reminder that we aren't the only living things on this planet, although we are the noisiest.

Silence is the empty space required to become still enough to hear the small voices emanating from nature, and from your soul.

A visiting extraterrestrial would be right to ask, "When do you humans stop this infernal racket?" 

"WE DON'T", we would scream in unison. 

However, I did recently find a location in the woods where I could not hear anything other than the natural soundscape around me.

I got there on my bicycle, following trails deeper and deeper into the forest.

Finally, depending on which way the wind was blowing, I escaped the noise of a civilization that just can't stop, and is perhaps threatened by soul-piercing uncomfortable silences.

I could hear myself think, and felt calmer and more relaxed. And then, there it was - the sounds of vehicles on the highway off in the distance, and a jet flying overhead.

It got me to thinking. Just like we designate dark skies areas where light pollution is minimal and outstanding stargazing is possible, could we locate and designate areas where sound pollution is absent and there are only uninterrupted natural soundscapes to enjoy? 

That would be nice.

Are there any places like that left?

Shhh...

Less Stuff - More Flowers

Flowers, right? They were a good invention. 

From spring through fall, the field behind our home, and our garden, burst into vibrant colours, showcasing one of nature’s most exquisite creations. 

This seasonal spectacle is not just a feast for the eyes, though. It serves a deeper purpose, connecting us to the rhythms of life and the natural world.

As I wander through the blooming field, I become like a bee, drawn in by the fullness of the flowers. 

They offer nectar for our souls. 

The act of foraging florals allows me to bring a bit of that beauty into our home, transforming our living space into a mini altar to colour, fragrance, and Mother Nature. 

For Linda, who is not getting out as much in recent times, these blooms are more than decorative. The little jewels infuse her room with the sweet aroma of freedom and the wilderness.

Flowers symbolize growth, and renewal. Each bloom tells a story, a moment captured in time, and their ephemeral nature encourages us to appreciate the here and now. 

In a world that is chaotic and often overwhelming, flowers provide a sense of calm and grounding. Who couldn’t use more of that?

If flowers had never been invented, we would have to find a way to create them ourselves. Their absence would leave a void in our lives, unfilled by substitutes. 

What would life be without the joy of a blooming field, the thrill of discovering a new flower, or the simple pleasure of arranging a tiny, wild bouquet? 

Incorporating flowers into our home aligns beautifully with the principles of simple living. It encourages us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and engage with nature. 

Finally, flowers are more than just a simple sight; they are an important part of our well-being. They invite us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of life and the gifts it brings us. 

While embracing simple living, let us not forget the profound impact that simple things like flowers can have on our lives. 

Their quiet beauty is a reminder that amazing things are all around us, waiting to be discovered, 

cherished, 

and smelled. 

My wish for today is that we be burdened less by stuff, and be blessed with more flowers.

Effort or Ease?

Humans will do just about anything to save themselves... except get down to business and do the ongoing hard work that living well requires. 

It is sensible to seek to save energy, but eventually, always taking the easy way only destroys discipline and delivers distress and downfall. 

Every time. 

In life, there is no easy button, as much as they tell us that they can help us win the battle between ease and effort if we buy the right things. 

''The more you buy, the easier it gets'', is the promise.

The allure of consumerism lies in its promise of convenience, instant gratification, and an easier lifestyle. 

However, this path only leads to an empty fulfillment, and a disconnect from the values, meaningful experiences, and deeper insights that come from consistent hard work.

Driving a car is easier than walking or riding a bike. Processed and fast food is easier than food you have made from scratch. A plug-in bread maker is easier than kneading bread. Slumping in front of a screen is easier than engaging in more healthful alternatives.

Lets face it - we love easy. In my experience it is hard to resist the conveniences of consumerism, but resist we must.

Humans have always known that there is only one way that leads to true happiness and fulfillment, and that way is through doing the hard work. 

Talk about an inconvenient truth. But try as we might, we can find no way around it. Too little work and I become soft and complacent, and things that need to get done, do not.

On the other hand, all work and no play leads to stress and burnout. 

Each of us must first do the hard work of finding out how much hard work we as individuals have to do in order to do what we need to do.

''There’s a pill for that'' solutions, as easy as they seem, are not the answer. That is what has brought consumer societies to the point of being among the least happy, and least healthy on the planet.

Easier does not mean better. And doing the hard work pays off in a multitude of amazing ways. The harder one works, the easier it gets, and the more that gets done. That can be immensely satisfying, not to mention productive and liberating.

Consumer products can make life easier, but the vital hard work remains. The best way to get work done, is to get work done. 

The alternative is indulging in shortcuts, cutting corners, and eventually, luxuriating in laziness, or more seriously, slipping into sloth.

What do you think? Is it better to do the hard work, or should we take full advantage of the easy button that consumerism offers? 

Ease, or effort? 

Or is a balance between the two possible?

The Superabundance of Ordinary Life

In a consumer world that constantly needs new and spectacular things to sell, the extraordinary is glorified, and as such, it’s easy to overlook the profound beauty and truth found in the simplicity of the ordinary moments in life. 

The notion that our regular experiences can be superabundant, fulfilling, and enough is not a new one. Throughout history, many thinkers across many cultures have celebrated the value of the richness of plain, everyday life. 

Paulo Coelho alluded to this when he stated, “The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.” 

In other words, don’t forget what is right in front of you, and in your own back yard, which is where I took the picture above that goes with this post.

Embracing the Everyday

Henry David Thoreau reminded us that, “the price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” The true value of our lives is not measured by material possessions or grand achievements, but by the precious moments we experience daily.

Thoreau found that the simplest things, like the sound of a bird, the rustle of leaves, or the sight of endless rows of beans, held immense beauty. For him, it was enough.

The Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō, a master of haiku, captures this essence of finding beauty in nature when he wrote, “The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers.” 

Even in silence, the ordinary resonates with profound meaning. Bashō’s reflections on nature encourage us to appreciate the small moments that usually go unnoticed in a busy world.

Finding Freedom in Simplicity

In North America, the Native American philosopher Black Elk said, “The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers.” 

This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the beauty found in our everyday interactions with the world around us.

When we simplify our lives, we create space for meaningful experiences and relationships with others, and the planet. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when we approach it with intention and gratitude.

Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully encapsulated the essence of mindfulness in everyday life when he says, “The miracle is not to walk on water, but to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment.” This perspective encourages us to find joy and beauty in the simple act of being present, reminding us that the ordinary can be extraordinary when we fully engage with it.

The Superabundance in Ordinary Moments

In our hurried quest for fulfillment, we often overlook the quiet abundance right in front of us. The act of brewing a cup of tea, weeding a garden, or sharing a meal with others can be transformative when approached with mindfulness. 

As the writer and philosopher Simone Weil noted, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” By paying attention to the ordinary, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for life itself.

The superabundance of ordinary life invites us to savour the moments that make up our days. By embracing simplicity and recognizing the beauty in the mundane, we can uncover a wealth of truth, beauty, and freedom. 

Sapardi Djoko Damono emphasized the beauty of simplicity in his poetry, often reflecting on the small, everyday moments that bring joy. 

He wrote, “I want to be like a leaf, falling gently to the ground, without a care.” 

Oh, the freedom that comes from letting go of the complexities of life, and finding the goods in superabundant simple situations.