Course on Voluntary Simplicity

Voluntary Simplicity is a five-session discussion guide for the workplace, community or faith center, university or home. This course addresses the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment.

Topics Covered:
1. The Meaning of Simplicity: The concept of simplicity, as a religious practice or philosophy of life, has a long history. Both inner simplicity and outer simplicity are involved. What are some common misconceptions about a simple life?

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?

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 simple life. Why is that so difficult in our culture?

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 our mainstream culture?

5. Living Simply and Sustainably: There are countless practical benefits in moving toward simplicity and sustainability. What steps can be taken to move toward a life simple in means, rich in ends?