Sometimes… 2

I am only middle aged, not old as yet, but in my childhood there were families that did not have a single car, let alone one vehicle for every adult person. If you did not have enough money to buy something, you waited until you did, rather than using plastic money to create a debt. I remember when we upgraded from a black and white to a color TV it was a major league event. These days, people want wide screen, flat screen, digital, surround sound, etc…

I am sure I cannot be the only person in my city who does not own a car, microwave, washing machine, TV set, dishwasher, cell phone, iPod, etc, but am I the only one to be contented not to have these items? I am not camping in a house, I do have a fridge, gas stove, stereo, and computer, but I have chosen not to buy articles that I do not really need or want and to live simply and as naturally as a city person can.

My friends gave me the nickname 'nun in a house' because I choose to live without heating or cooling, and many other modern appliances. I step back and take a look at the rest of the community - rushing about in cars, speaking words that are supposed to be said, doing what society teaches is right to do, but - not questioning if they want to, should, or if there is an alternative.

It is no wonder that the majority of people fail to learn from nature - they do not see it. Heating and cooling controls the indoors and cars shield them from the outdoors. Nature is just a pleasant thing to observe on a weekend documentary - not reality. Yet have found that many of the lessons I have learned have come from nature. This is probably why I relate strongly to the Thai Dhutanga tradition, with emphasis on simplicity and naturalness.