Self sustainable living?
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Do you ever have the feeling that all we do is work to live and live to work?
For a long time now I have been thinking about this and can it be done today in this society. We are, it seems to me, lost in a “money makes right world”. To have land or a home takes money, to make the money we need to work, to get back and forth to work we need more money, and on and on it goes.
So how can one break this cycle of money?
The only way it seems is to get rid of all the stuff; the car, the home, the job - the whatever then find a cave on Government land and squat. Somewhere with water and plenty of land to farm by hand. I guess what I mean by self sustainability is that in it’s true form. No need for the outside trappings of the world.
Often times I wonder if building a wind turbine and installing solar panels with a huge bank of batteries to power all this electric stuff is the way to go. But it seems that by doing this (wind turbines and solar panels, etc.) one can never truly be self sustaining. Things break hence the need for repairs and more money, a job or some way to make the money then the vicious circle starts once again. The dance of the modern society.
Oh yes - the advancement of mankind the empowerment of generations wanting life to be easier to make things simpler softer kinder.
Well maybe for those who have the money anyway, or the drive to walk over the next guy to get it.
Is this what life is all about?
I think not.
Maybe I was just born too late? To me the simple things like working the land, accepting what nature has or did provide us with before we killed most of it off to make life simpler.
For a few years as a young hippy living in northern California on FBLM (Federal Bureau of Land Management) land, without electric or running water, with no rent, no taxes, no car, no job, a garden, no need for money, other than for the occasional purchase of rice or grains we could not grow; and come to think of it did not really need; Now that was what I call self-sustaining. It was the only time since being a child that I did not need to worry about cash and how to get more.
Yes, that Aaron guy can sure ramble.
So how is it now, today, that one can be fully self sustainable in the society we live in? Things have changed in so many ways since the olden days. I am open to any and all comments on this topic.
One other statement I have heard over and over is that without electricity the modern society would crumble in no time at all. Now we face that crumble; If not this week surely in a short period of time, with things getting worse world wide. Electric seems one of the smallest worries, if we have no food who cares if we have working refridgerator to cool it?
I will post more on this as my thoughts formulate so as not to ramble on too long at one time. Lol.
Love to you all, Peace.
What are your thoughts on sustainability? What does sustainable mean to you?
Aaron
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[…] MoonSage ’s post on Self sustainable living? caught my attention today. Here’s a quick excerpt of what was presented: […]
Greetings, Aaron!
Interesting topic - one which I’ve often thought about myself. The first thing I’d like to do, if I may, before having a bit of a “ramble” myself, is post a couple of related links…
http://www.acorneducation.com/
http://www.thenaturalhouse.co.uk/
These two are related to each other, in that Chris Park, the person behind Acorn Education, was also involved in the Natural House Project… which I and my partner, a photographer (me through her, who was one of the official photographers of such), were also involved in. The second link is pretty self-explanatory, but in a nutshell it’s about a project involving the building of houses/homes out of natural, sustainable resources. I wrote a couple of pieces both for the website and the associated catalogue, and it was a pretty amazing project to be a part of - fascinating how a pretty basic roundhouse to a fully-functional “modern” home can be built using the most unconventional, “environmentally-friendly” of resources. Worth having a look around both these sites!
Generally speaking, I think more and more in this modern, technological world, of high-speed travel, the Internet, kitchen appliances, etc, etc, etc, we are led to believe that we *need* all of our modern conveniences… but if we didn’t have them… if we somehow all went back to living in mud huts, cooking food which we had collected, cultivated, hunted, etc, with our own hands, sleeping on piles of leaves or hay, and so on, how much worse off would we really be? Such a step “backwards” would (obviously) take a period of adjustment, but in the long-term, how much would we really feel we are missing out on? Every advancement in society becomes commonplace… things which were once luxuries become necessities… we adapt to our more “advanced” circumstances… could we not as easily adapt to more “basic,” self-sustaining circumstances?
I have recently read the first of Stephen Baxter’s “Time’s Tapestry” series of novels, each of which is set in a different historical period, the concurrent theme being the “weaving” of a particular slice of time via prophecies sent back from an unspecified (as yet!) future time. The first novel, “Emperor,” covers several centuries of British Roman occupation… and the reason I am mentioning it here is that it seems that “simpler” cultures have *always* been convinced they *need* social advancements, which are pretty much always *imposed* upon the more “primitive” societies by aggressive conquerors… which, I think, says a lot about the motives behind those in whose interest it is to convince us we *need* cities, straight roads, centralised government, faster transport, fridges, computers, swizzy mobile phones, etc, etc, etc…
The question being, however…
How do we even *begin* to fight against such monumental, seemingly omnipotent forces?
“Ramble” over…
Back to you!
Hello Pepsoid,
Indeed how much of it do we really need.
Mud huts, hmm hadn’t though about that one.
My biggest wonder is why, as people, we are always thinking of new and wonderfully briliant ways to complicate it all.
Self imposed slavery comes to mind, we are what we own, what we have, and what we WANT.
We gladly throw aside who we are for that new cell phone, or whatever newest gadget. They seem to make us worth something. More real.
LOL, really now.
My wife and I own our house, one of my pet peeves is that to own a home is a false statement, we rent it from the town, county, state, governments. What we do with our land is controlled by the same folks. Say I want to put up a wind turbine (which I am going to do) I am supposed to get permits and a contractor and have it inspected and approved by those who demand control, so is it really possible to own a home? To be free from persecution, if you change something on in or around it?
Me, well hell, when the tubine is built, up it goes and the hell with the regulations. If it fails or gets blown down well that’s my problem.
(believe me it wont fall down)
I am sure the town will be mad as hell cause I didn’t pay the fee to get the permit or pay the price to have an electrician install it (as you see it all boils down to the all mighty dollar) they don’t really care what one does as long as one pays for it.
I truly thank you for the links and will check them out.
To me to be self sustaining truly is a goal, not because of the “green” bandwagon. Just because it is right to live to be alive. Not to live to be a slave of all we own.
My shackels are heavy and it is time to cast them aside.
Wants are the burdens we gladly take on.
Needs are the freedoms we turn from and run.
The needs are few, the wants many.
What price freedom.
Love and peace
Aaron
Aaron, for the most part I have to agree and I’ve often had the same thoughts. The draw of returning to the land and becoming self sufficient is a dream I aspire to and hopefully will achieve in the coming years.
I think though it’s important to not develop a ‘to hell with society’ attitude and completely withdraw. Collectively we’re in such a mess that even if a few of us do manage to escape the pull of a materialist society, it’s important to still stay connected and contribute, lead and guide.
Fact is, if we all don’t pull together we all face a world of pain together whether we live in the woods on our own little space or we live in the urban core. Somehow we need to be able to balance the desire to become self sufficient with the will to find a better way for all.
It may sound corny, but I think we’re all going to fail or succeed together as a society.
And you thought you could ramble ….
So many thoughts pop into my head upon reading the above comments! I think, again, I shall begin with some links…
http://www.idler.co.uk
http://www.slowdownnow.org
http://www.longnow.org
The first relates to the works of Tom Hodgkinson – author of such books as “How to be Idle” and “How to be Free”; the first of which I read getting on for a couple of years ago now, the second shortly after. “How to be Idle” did, not to put too fine a point on it, change my life! Or rather, generally speaking, it gave me permission to believe things I kind of believed anyway… namely, in a nutshell, that working hard is *not*, outside of a specific context, a virtue – and sitting around, lying around, ambling around, doing nothing or just thinking, musing, reading, writing and conversing, is not only healthy on a personal level, but if we all did more of these things, life/society would be improved. “How to be Free” is a slightly more practical follow-up to “How to be Idle.”
The second link I came across via the first – or rather via a mention by Tom Hodgkinson in (if I remember correctly) “How to be Idle”… and… in another nutshell… the creator of the site, a wise and often sanguine chap by the name of Christopher Richards, believes that there are very few (if any) areas of life where we need to work/travel/whatever as quickly as we think we do… and in fact, if we all just generally *slowed down*, we would be happier, more efficient, more creative and more chilled out people.
I’m not quite sure if I arrived at the third link via Tom or Chris, but it was definitely one or the other (I think it was Chris!)… and in a third nutshell, the folk behind “The Long Now Foundation” believe we/society don’t think nearly as long-term as we need to… they propose that we ought to be planning not only for the next few years, decades or even centuries, but thousands, even tens of thousands of years into the future.
So where/how do these three links tie up? Well… I think, in all three cases, a major factor of “living a better life” is self-sustainability. If we want to work less hard, to slow down and do less, we need to start wanting less… we need to start relying less on external forces and systems and things which can only be acquired with ever increasing quantities of money… we need to start finding more joy in the things in life that are free, that we already have (e.g. our minds, the natural world, our friends, etc), and stop looking to the latest gadgets, cars, etc, for stop-gap forms of short-term, non-soul-fulfilling “pleasure”…
And speaking of “short-term”…
We need to stop putting our hands over our eyes and ears and shouting *la-la-la!* and ignoring the stark reality that our expansionist, consumptive, faster/bigger society can be sustained forever.
Oh, and speaking of “things in life that are free”… here’s another link!
http://www.freecycle.org
- long may it (Freecycle, that is) reign!
Pepsoid
x
Hi Aaron and Ruby, great post and one that is very close to my heart! So I`m now going to “go off on one” and be a bit “out there” in my response, sorry…
Simply put I think we`ve done too much wrong to our planet and resources to continue in our present, ludicrous manner. Politicians and the powers-that-be talk the talk but really don`t want to walk the walk, that much is pretty clear.. Theres about 6-7 billion people on the planet now, personally I reckon we could only support 2 billion(approx. obviously..) “comfortably”, by that I mean in the manner in which we “exist” now….. So I wonder now if Nature itself might not take a shot at us and effectively “cull” us back to a better way of existance? That is of course if we don`t do it to ourselves first!!! Nature has the time, the patience and has in the past overcome any obstacle thrown at it … and I wonder if she`s getting really edgy round about now..?? We`re making a damn mess of the planet, going back to the above written ideas on sustainability will change everything and only for the better…
Told you it was a bit “out there” but one of our daily papers over here said exactly the same thing some months ago and I felt flattered!! How sick is that!!??
Welcome Brad, hello ceeque.
Thanks for your responces, to me to be “one with sociity” is to be part of the problem. To walk as a sheep to those who would take power over us all is to me unaceptable. The “American Dream” is a lie!
It is just another way to make us all feel good about our choice to be slaves. Me I’m still in the midst of it all 4:30 am and up for work one more time.
I love my work but hate that I must work to have to survive. This is a part of the mold I must and will break free from.
Gathering info and learning as much as I can to find a freedom that my own way of living has stolen from me, and to think I handed it over so willingly.
WTF wrong with me?
I once was blind now there is a light to see the path, or is it the path is the light.
love and peace
Thanks again for the interesting links pepsoid.
aaron
You’re welcome, Aaron…
Given the evident strength of your feeling on this, I would definitely check out The Idler!
At one time I could relate to the feeling “that all we do is work to live and live to work.” And I heartily agree with Aaron’s premise of “self imposed slavery … we are what we own, what we have, and what we WANT.” But living off the land just isn’t for me. I’ve helped raise rabbits for livestock and lived with nature for short periods … and that’s enough. For me, though, there has to be a “middle way” and baby steps toward even that. I continue to simplify my life, prioritize and simplify my wish list by asking what I REALLY want to receive out of this life … and what I want to give. I strive to make time for myself — quiet time for my body and my spirit. When it comes to possessions, I make purposeful choices. I choose to keep my laptop and cell phone, but I can do without the TV. I could make do with a smaller home and I can better plan my travel to make the most of my time and resources. And I can make socially and environmentally responsible choices every step of the way, reusing and recycling whenever possible. Bottom line: I don’t think I need to make a complete life change to gain inner freedom; I regain control through conscious choices made daily.
Agree wholeheartedly, Brenda!
I feel at this point I should mention that a few people from The Idler forums have recently set up this new website…
http://www.idlefoundation.net/
…on which I want to quote in full their “Idler Pledge”…
***To strive not to work ridiculous hours, especially not for some corporate wankster. To strive to eat nice stuff that doesn’t go ping at the end. I will not let stress intrude upon me where possible. Eat more home grown veg. To procreate and make idle babies. To eat slowly. To drink real ales frequently. To sing more. To smile more. To step off the 9-5 merry-go-round before I get queasy. To amuse myself in public as well as in private. To strive to amuse others as well as myself. To know that work is merely for paying the bills. To always remember that friends are a source of strength. To enjoy the simple things. To spend quality time in nature. To spend less with big businesses and corporations. To make lots of nice things instead. To go against the grain. To strive to make a difference, to the world and people around you… however small. To be happy!!!***
…which, I think, in the main, is a pretty good “pledge” to live by!
Hi Aaron and Ruby,thank you for the hearty and thoughtful post. I hope we will become the pen friends. While lots of ringing phrases make us even more weary in our stressful today, your questions catches- you share not the negativity, but the concern/ the real love. At some point, that’s the answer out of itself already. The problems the world encounters today directly point to the spiritual issues. The questions are too serious for the short answer, but one is the obvious - I can either participate in life feast by leaving the reply here, or continue in self-destruction by passively watching what will happen further. My choice is Hi, we are the fellows.
Let me invite you to my blogs- to art therapy blog Modus Vivendi http://trustlight.blogspot.com and to all my art galleries that are listed on each one of my blogs - just click on the link http://candleday.wordpress.com or http://arthiker.wordpress.com/
I hope you will enjoy my pictures there and your feedback will support me in sharing the light better than current musing in solitude.
Thank you once again. Till meeting. Can I name you as my best friend?
Wow, what a multitude of thought provoking comments here.
First, I want to welcome the newest folks here at A Thyme of Peas and thank you for coming to visit and for taking the time and energy to really think about your comments. Welcome to all.
This really is such a big topic it could rightfully be split into many subjects I see. Perhaps in time we can take that on.
First, before I forget, Pepsoid and Tomas, thank you for the links. Pepsoid, I’ve been looking for the link below ever since you mentioned:
http://www.idler.co.uk
http://www.slowdownnow.org
http://www.longnow.org
Here’s one in response:
http://www.do-not-zzz.com/
(Hint, don’t be hesitant to click around there.)
Otherwise, there are just so many comments I’m not sure where to start; except maybe at the beginning.
Pepsoid, Both the links:
http://www.acorneducation.com/
http://www.thenaturalhouse.co.uk/
kept and held my attention for quite a long time. What a wonderful project or projects I should say and how lucky for you to have been involved in them. The books you mentioned in that comment sound interesting and rather up my alley so to speak. Perhaps I’ll be able to find some “time” to read them one of these days. I have a plethora of books awaiting me right now thanks to Ronnie Ann’s goodness in sending them.
About necessities - I wonder more and more exactly what is essential and what I want - big distinction there most of the time.
Brad, I know it’s long overdue, but welcome and thank you for your input there. I tend to agree with you that we need to be connected at least in some part since we are all part of the whole and that no man is an island. I’ve tried pulling away and even in the middle of nowhere there are people. I think there can be a happy medium though. In the times to come, and even now, there’s much to be said for pulling together and at times, we find that we have to in order to survive.
Thank you once again for stopping by and I do hope that you stop by again. Peace.
Pepsoid, I sorta already spoke to a tiny bit of what you said in the earlier link “do no zzz” but to say a bit more, I just wanted to add here that in this past year my life has slowed down to a huge stand-still - not completely but I’ve had to and chosen to take it very slow and easy given my physical condition and it’s taught me much in the idea that I had to take care of everything and I realized it just wasn’t/isn’t my job thankfully. Lastly here, yes! Freecycle is a wonderful thing and what a great idea. I’m seeing more and more of that in the world via my computer mostly but too, even out here in the country. I’m thankful to FreeCycle helping me out last year when I needed some things and just couldn’t spend the time, money, energy to go out and buy then and it turned out I didn’t have to.
Ceeque, I was smiling after I read your comment because I’ve felt that way myself. “Off” and “out there” in your comments is nothing you have to apologize for - you’re right in step.
I think Mother Earth is going to take care of us, one way or another. Culling really is something that happens because it needs to happen - just like culling a forest to make it healthy, I do think that the human culling process by Mother Earth is happening, and is going to continue to happen and it can be horrendous. (I won’t go into the other sort of culling happening in Iraq and other places which is far worse than anything Mother Earth could ever throw at us because it’s not about nature at all - it’s horrifying.) Dearest Ceeque, always speak up here, no matter how far out you feel it may be. I can assure you that no matter where we go in life, what we think, what we say - we’re not alone in our thoughts. Much love to you today.
Brenda, I agree with you too actually. It might sound like I’m agreeing with everyone here and I am to some extent. I think there might be a “middle way” and after seeing a spot on PBS about Portland and Seattle and some of the things they are doing there it tends to give me a bit of hope about the world and how we can live more in harmony with it in many ways… but… yes, there’s always a but… I’m with Ceeqee on this one about our population and I believe I’ve seen data to confirm his statistics about how many people Mother Earth can comfortably support.
I hope to write more about this “middle way” in the pages to come because I’ve been doing quite a bit of research and I’ve seen some very bad things and some very good things and others… I’m just not sure about. It’s a rather scary time we’re living in because of it’s precariousness. Thank you Brenda for your input, I’m so very glad you came by and spoke up. I still want to come to your site and post some more on your sister post - I’ve been thinking about it ever since I read it. Peace.
Pepsoid, Great pledge! I hope more folks see it and take it right along with you; although now I’m rather concerned about you. What food is it exactly that “goes ping in the end”?? Eek!
TomasDearHeart, Welcome. I’m so glad you’ve wandered over here. You are truly a friend and it’s very much appreciated. Not many have come to see what’s happening here and it has saddened me a bit but I think you probably know how I feel on that subject.
About the topic here I think you’ve made a huge point in your statement:
“The problems the world encounters today directly point to the spiritual issues.”
Some/many might not see it, know it or feel it but I think much of that has to do with where they are in their lives and in their hearts spiritually speaking.
Thank you very much for your links and for your invitation to your sites. I will come - not now but soon. I’ve been meaning to come but I know that actions speak oh so much louder than words. And yes Tomas, we can be best friends. Thank you for the smile and the love. Peace and love to you today, once again, as always.
Food that “goes ping in the end” would be microwaved food, Moon!
Although I have to confess that I do own a microwave oven, which I do use occasionally, and I have been know to move quickly, I (presently) have a 9-5 (ish) job, and… well… there are, no doubt, other aspects of my life/personality which render me not 100% compliant with the traits of True Idlerism - whatever that is! But then life is about balance is it not? The “middle way”… the Yin and Yang… and all that…
The Natural House Project was indeed a fascinating one to be a part of. I was only involved peripherally, as my GF was the official photographer, but just observing what I observed was pretty eye-opening. You may be interested to read a couple of my blog entries on the subject…
http://pepsoid.wordpress.com/category/the-natural-house-project/
…and have a look at some of my GF’s pics…
http://web.mac.com/hallington/iWeb/Site/Natural%20House%20one.html
I shall now pop over and engage in clickery, vis a vis Do Not ZZZ, and report back on my findings!
Simply looking forward to learning. Thank you both.