Cult of the New

A well-maintained cast iron fry pan can remain useful for hundreds of years.

One of the many big lies.

Old is bad. New is better.

New is always better.

Buy new. Always.

Ever since consumerism began, they have had to push the Cult of the New in order to keep consumers consuming.

They invented planned obsolescence to make sure that new stuff would never get old, and it wore out prematurely by design.

The obsession with buying new stuff has fuelled unnecessary consumption, and has led to useful old stuff to be landfilled prematurely to be replaced with new and supposedly better stuff.

The waste that resulted has been enormous. We haven't managed to pave the planet, but we definitely have trashed the planet. Our waste can be found in even the remotest places on Earth. 

Many types of garbage have been found tainting the bottom of the Mariana Trench, 10,000 metres deep in the ocean.

Humanity creates 2 billion tons of waste per year. That is projected to increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050.

I fight back by making my stuff last. I am not ashamed to pay my respects to the utility of the old and still useful.

Here are a few of the non-new items that I have, although almost everything I own is either old or ancient.

- leather boots bought in 1988 and still fit for purposes like gardening.

- cast iron frying pan, age unknown but possibly nearing a hundred years old, and could last for hundreds of years more when maintained appropriately 

- most of my clothes (except socks and underwear) that are too old to mention, although I have a concert shirt from a Violent Femmes concert in 1991 that I still wear. It definitely will not last a hundred years. Maybe until 2035.

- furniture bought second hand when we arrived in the Canadian Maritimes 11 years ago

- kitchenwares passed down to us from Linda's mom, many of which are now many decades old

- bicycle that I bought used 14 years ago that is still functioning as my main vehicle

- camera that I acquired for free brand new and used for over 15 years, and only recently died

- snow shoes that have lasted me for 20 winters of powdery bliss with some minor maintenance 

Recognizing the value of the old, and making things last is one of the best ways to fight back against planned obsolescence and the obsession with New and Improved, which is often neither new or improved.

I like to make my stuff last as long as possible to save money, reduce waste, and deny the landfill economy of my participation. 

Plus, I’ve noticed that things I have owned for a long time take on a life of their own, and become like old, comfortable and dependable friends supporting me in creating the frugal life I live.

What are some of your favourite old things that have faithfully served you for a long time? Share with us in a comment below.

The Year of Shedding the Skin of Consumerism

As we enter the Year of the Snake, we are invited to join in on a journey of transformation and renewal. Like the snake, we too can shed our old skin, our old patterns, and our old ways of thinking. We can emerge anew, fresh, and unencumbered.

In the stillness of the morning, as the sun rises, we would be wise to remember the wisdom of the ones who got it a long, long, long time ago. 

Lao Tzu's words, which are over 2,500 years old now, whisper in my mind, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” 

Ah, the simplicity and elegance of this truth. We do not need to strive or struggle; we only need to align ourselves with the natural flow of things.

As we walk through the garden of life, we can notice the lotus flower blooming in muddy waters. Its beauty is unblemished by the impurities that surround it. 

This is the essence of our practice. We do not need to be tainted by the distractions and desires of the world. We can rise above, unmuddied, like the lotus flower.

The snake, too, teaches us a valuable lesson. It sheds its skin, not because it is tired of its old skin, but because it has outgrown it. It is a reminder that we too must let go of our old ways, our old patterns, and our old thinking. We must be willing to shed our skin, to emerge anew, and to start fresh.

As we embark on this journey, the ancients offer us a simple, proven safe and effective practice. Take a few moments each day to sit in stillness, to breathe deeply, and to let go of all thoughts and distractions. Allow yourself to settle into the present moment, like a leaf floating gently on the surface of a pond.

In this state of awareness, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes. We notice the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, and we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things. We see that we are not separate, independent beings, but rather, are part of a larger web of life.

As the Taoist master Chuang Tzu said, "The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror; it goes after nothing, it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.” 

Ah, the wisdom of this teaching. We do not need to grasp or cling to anything; we only need to reflect the world as it is, without judgment or attachment.

My dear readers, as we journey through the Year of the Snake, I invite you to join me in this practice of simplicity, mindfulness, and awareness. 

Let us shed the old, worn skin of consumerism, and emerge anew, fresh, and unencumbered by the puerile purchases of the past. Let us walk the path of the snake, with humility, with gratitude, and with an open heart.

In the silence, I offer you a final teaching. The Year of the Snake is not just a time for transformation and renewal - it is also a time for celebration and gratitude. 

Let us celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world, and let us give thanks for the gift of life. Let us honor the wisdom of the ancient ones, and may we embody the simplicity, elegance, and profundity of the Zen tradition.

May we walk the path of the snake, with wisdom, with compassion, and with an open heart. May we emerge anew, fresh, and unsullied, like the lotus flower blooming in the muddy waters. 

And may we always remember the wisdom of the ancient ones, guiding us on our journey towards enlightenment, peace, and liberation.

''Shé xiǎng shé huì.'’  - Chinese saying associated with The Year of The Snake

Translation - "The snake thinks, and the snake transforms."

The Art of Being Easily Pleased

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

- Arlene Francis

If you wake up joyful, simply because you are healthy and in no pain, or if a perfectly cooked grilled cheese sandwich can send you into culinary bliss, you may be someone that is easily pleased. 

The idea of being easily pleased—finding joy in simplicity and contentment in everyday life—has been advocated by philosophers, writers, and thinkers across cultures and time periods.

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, presents a timeless guide to finding peace and contentment through simplicity and self-discipline. 

"Very little is needed to make a happy life, he says, as ''it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

In a world that often glorifies complexity and constant striving, there’s a gentle power in being easily pleased. 

This simple mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life, allowing us to reconnect with the beauty of now and the wonders of nature that surround us.

When we embrace the art of being easily pleased, we open ourselves up to a world of easily accessible simple pleasures. 

The feel of a sharp knife slicing raw potatoes, watching gently falling snow, or having a warm drink on a cold morning—these moments can bring profound happiness if one is sensitive to their power. 

In a society that often pushes us to chase after bigger and more, it’s refreshing to find contentment in smaller and enough. 

Being easily pleased fosters resilience. When we learn to appreciate what we have, we become less attached to material possessions and societal expectations. 

This mindset allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, finding silver linings even in difficult times.

Last night I made a rice pudding and put in a teaspoon of chilli powder instead of cinnamon. When I realized what I did, I put the cinnamon in and stirred the hot mess all up. 

It needed to be rebranded - we had to change our thinking - as a Mexican rice pudding.

We ate it, and it was great. Hot, yes, but we like it hot.

For the easily pleased, gratitude becomes the guiding principle, reminding us that happiness is not found in the latest gadget or trend, or how much wealth we horde, but in the magical richness of everyday moments.

Moreover, being easily pleased causes one to radiate positivity that is a joy to be around. 

The appreciation for life’s simple pleasures can inspire others to slow down and savor the moment. In a fast-paced world, the fast acting relief of reducing the pace of the madness can foster deeper connections with nature, yourself, and others. 

In a culture that equates success with constant ambition and material accumulation, practicing the art of being easily pleased is counterintuitive - an act of rebellion. 

It challenges the status quo and invites us to question what truly brings us happiness. By stepping away from the relentless pursuit of more, we can reclaim our time and energy, focusing instead on what genuinely matters to us.

So, let us celebrate the beauty of being easily pleased. In a world that unceasingly demands more from us, let’s find joy in the simple, the small, and the everyday. 

By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others to appreciate the spectacular wonders that nature and simplicity have to offer. 

After all, true happiness lies not in the grandiose, but in the tiny moments that make up our lives and reveal the magic of being alive in this amazing Universe.

Simple Living Revolution: Saving the World One Handcrafted Soap at a Time

Welcome, dear readers, to the latest edition of “How to Save the World While Baking Bread.” 

Today, we’re diving deep into the pressing issues of the day: technocracy, the erosion of rights, and the looming threat of a dystopian future where your smart fridge knows more about you than your therapist. 

Fear not! The simple living movement has the perfect, non-mainstream, response to these challenges.

Step 1: Embrace the Power of Soap

In a world where surveillance cameras are as common as pigeons in the park, what better way to resist than by making your own soap? 

That’s right! While the technocrats are busy trying to monitor your every move, you can be crafting artisanal lavender-infused soap that smells like freedom. 

Not only will you be free from the clutches of corporate hygiene products, but you’ll also have a delightful conversation starter. 

“Oh, this? Just my homemade soap. It’s infused with the tears of the one percent.”

Step 2: Grow Your Own Food (and Your Own Conspiracy Theories)

Why rely on big box grocery stores that are run by shadowy figures in suits when you can grow your own food? 

Start a garden, and while you’re at it, cultivate a few conspiracy theories about how the government is injecting all the tomatoes with teeny tiny surveillance devices. 

Nothing says “I’m taking back my rights” like a backyard full of bug-free heirloom tomatoes and a well-researched pamphlet or two on the dangers of the Big Ag/Big Pharma nexus.

Step 3: Ditch the Tech 

In a world dominated by technocracy, the best response is to unplug. You may not be able to live without your smartphone, but you can limit its use to only the most essential apps: like the one that tells you how to make yogurt or the one that tracks your daily yoga progress. 

Just remember, every time you post a picture of your homemade granola on social media, you’re subtly resisting the technocratic overlords. 

#SimpleLivingRevolution

Step 4: Host a “No-Tech” Book Club

Gather your fellow simple living enthusiasts for a book club that focuses on the classics—like “Walden” by Thoreau or “The Art of War” (because who doesn’t want to strategize effective actions against the technocracy?). 

Make it a rule that no one can bring their devices. Instead, encourage old fashioned face to face deep discussions about how to live simply while plotting the downfall of the global surveillance/censorship apparatus. 

Bonus points if you can do it all while sipping herbal tea brewed from herbs you grew yourself in a cup you made yourself.

Step 5: Create a Community of Like-Minded Rebels

Form a local collective of simple living aficionados who are equally concerned about the erosion of rights. 

Host regular meetings where you can share tips on foraging, knitting, and how to make your own toothpaste. 

You can even create a secret handshake to identify fellow rebels in the wild. Just remember, if anyone asks about your meetings, deny everything. 

After all, the last thing you want is for the controllers to catch wind of your plans to overthrow the system one homemade hummus at a time.

Step 6: Write Snail Mail Letters to Your Local Politicians (on Handmade Paper)

Nothing says “I care” like a heartfelt letter written on paper you made yourself from recycled materials. 

Express your concerns about the erosion of rights and the rise of technocracy while also inviting them to your next potluck. 

Who knows? Maybe your local representative will be so charmed by your homemade products that they’ll reconsider their stance on surveillance cameras on every street corner.

Conclusion: The Simple Living Uprising

So there you have it, folks! The simple living response to the challenges of our time is not only practical but also delightfully revolutionary. 

By embracing the art of baking bread, soap-making, growing your own food, and forming a community of like-minded rebels, you can be the bulwark that holds back the rising technocratic tide. 

Remember, every time you choose simplicity over complexity, you’re not just taking back control and living a life of intention - you’re also giving the middle finger to the elite who want to oversee our every move from cradle to grave. 

Now, go forth and wage a beautiful simplicity on the technocratic takeover, one handcrafted item at a time! And don’t forget to document your actions on social media - because if it’s not on the most popular apps, did it even happen? 

#SimpleLivingRevolution

Certified Simple

You may be certified simple - in a good way - if you engage in a variety of actions that establish your credentials as a serious simplitista.

This certification honours a lifestyle that values simplicity, sustainability, and mindfulness.

For example, if you would rather stick needles in your eyes than go shopping, you may be certifiably simple.

Other signs to watch out for are if you

- grow some of your own food,

- have a composting system,

- have fewer possessions as the years go by,

- try to acquire things you need in the following order, 

Borrow, barter, rent if applicable, find for free, buy used, buy new on sale, and last resort, buy new full price,

- interrupt a walk to pick up rubber bands and other useful things,

- spend more time in nature than your average bear,

- walk, bike, roll, or use public transportation when possible instead of drive,

- repair and mend clothes,

- make your own cleaning products,

- cook your food from scratch, or

- hope to have your personal possessions down to what can fit in a shoebox by the time you leave this materialistic world,

you may be certifiably simple… in a good way. 

A very good way.

Let us know how simplicity manifests in your life in a comment below. 

Mary Oliver on Winter Snow

This is what it looks like in the woods in my backyard
right now - a snowy wonderland.

Mary Oliver's poems about winter do more than just describe the season; they explore our deep connection with nature and prompt us to reflect on our place in the world. 

Oliver invites us to appreciate the quiet beauty found in the cold, the stillness, and the brief moments of winter.

Whether you feel peace or sadness during this time, her poetry encourages us to value the meaningful experiences that winter brings and to recognize the fleeting nature of life itself.

First Snow by Mary Oliver

The snow
began here
this morning and all day
continued, its white
rhetoric everywhere
calling us back to why, how,
whence such beauty and what
the meaning; such
an oracular fever! flowing
past windows, an energy it seemed
would never ebb, never settle
less than lovely! and only now,
deep into night,
it has finally ended.

The silence

is immense,

and the heavens still hold

a million candles, nowhere

the familiar things:

stars, the moon,

the darkness we expect

and nightly turn from. 

Trees glitter like castles

of ribbons, the broad fields

smolder with light, a passing

creekbed lies

heaped with shining hills;

and though the questions

that have assailed us all day

remain — not a single

answer has been found –

walking out now

into the silence and the light

under the trees,

and through the fields,

feels like one.

The common comparison of life to a snowflake emphasizes the beauty, fragility, and uniqueness of each person's journey.

Snowflakes are temporary, existing only for a short time before melting away. 

This can serve as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the moment.

Life is too short to fill entirely with work and shopping and little else.

That is why when I leave the house, it is rarely to go into town, and most often is to go into the snowy woods instead.

I want to live as naturally as I can as often as I can, before I melt.

Note - I thought the ''winter snow'' part of my title might be redundant, until I remembered that living in Canada I have experienced spring snow, summer snow, and fall snow, in addition to winter snow.

I prefer winter snow.