If you feel too busy, that your space is too cluttered, or financially strapped because you've purchased too much stuff that you didn't really need... Being in a Voluntary Simplicity circle might help you become aware of patterns you'd like to change. The circle might then become a safe place where you'll be supported by others to make concrete changes.

Voluntary Simplicity is NOT about living in the woods without any material comforts. It's about living mindfully and consciously. It's about living your best and deepest life, which very often translates into caring for Earth.

This discussion guide was created and last revised by the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) in 2008. Topics covered in 6 sessions:

1. The Meaning of Simplicity:  The concept of simplicity, as a religious practice or philosophy of life, has a long history. Inner simplicity and outer simplicity are two aspects. What are some common misconceptions about a simple life? Excerpts and Readings: “Voluntary Simplicity and the New Global Challenge” by Duane Elgin ~ “Living Deeply” by Janet Luhrs ~ “Take Your Time” by Heather Menzies ~ “Seeing” by Annie Dillard ~ The Simple Living Wheel by Simplicity Matters Earth Institute ~ Action Plan

2. Living More with Less:  Accumulating material possessions is part of the American Dream. For some, the dream has become a nightmare. When do material possessions add meaning to our lives and when do they detract? Excerpts and Readings: “When It’s All Too Much” by Barry Schwartz ~ Excerpt from Stepping Lightly by Mark Burch ~ “The Secret to Happiness” by David Myers ~ “Cleaning the Closet” by Juliet Schor ~ “Teachings of World Religions on Consumerism” by Alan Durning ~ “When Enough is Enough” by F. Marina Schauffler ~ Action Plan

3. Making a Living:   A growing number of people wish to resolve the conflict between the desire to make and spend money and the desire for a more enjoyable lifestyle. Why is that so difficult in our culture? Excerpts and Readings: “In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honore ~ “Economy and Pleasure” by Wendell Berry ~ Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin ~ “What Should I Do With My Life?” by Po Bronson ~ Action Plan

4. Do You Have the Time?:  In modern society, our minds are focused on the "busyness" of the day, our current problems, and our future challenges. Are there alternatives to the fast pace of mainstream culture? Excerpts and Readings: “Simplicity, Time, and Money” by Mark Burch ~ “Caught in the Current” by Jay Bookman ~ Excerpts from “Simplifying” by Victoria Moran ~  “Beyond the Blue Glow” by Lisa Lambert ~  “I Need a Virtual Break...No Really” by Mark Bittman ~ “Decompressing Time” by Heather Menzies  ~ “Washing the Dishes” by Thich Nhat Hanh  ~ Action Plan

5. Living Simply and Sustainably:  As a society, we engage in patters on material consumption that are damaging the environment. How much do we really need? Excerpts and Readings: “The Green Triangle” by Earnest Callenbach ~ “Conservation is Good Work” by Wendell Berry ~ “Living Simply and Strengthening Community” by Richard Czaplinski ~ Excerpt from “Small Wonder” by Barbara Kingsolver  ~ “Everyday Ought to be Earth Day” by Ann Lovejoy  ~ Final Action Plan

6. Call to Action— Wrap-Up. This last meeting may happen at a different place and time, and is often a potluck meal. Your group will start by evaluating the circle experience. Then, you'll decide what you wish to do next (together or separately). You will also learn of many ways to stay involved in our wider community of like-minded people. If your group is so inclined, the wrap-up is also a great time to plan a community project together.

see our monthly announcement or get in touch with your neighborhood's volunteer point of contact to find out about circles who are about to discuss this guide. Or, order a guide and start your own.

local opinions about this guide

vs 2-sided description (PDF, 155 KB) with reading list)

vs flyer to advertise an intro meeting: Editable (in Word) or fill out by hand, in B/W (PDF 208 KB) or in color (PDF 282 KB)

vs 2008 evaluation form (PDF, 92 KB) and vs 2008 blank charts (PDF, 116 KB) - If you're sharing or re-using a guide

vs circle schedule PDF, 57 KB | MS Word, 72 KB

discuss these issues online in one of our four yahoogroups

videos about issues related to those discussed in this guide

Introducer / mentor sampler VS 2009 (PDF, 1.19 MB), includes all action plan charts from several sessions