Simple Living

This is the first of what I hope will be several entries that discuss my reflections on and experiences of living with each of the four JV core values: Spirituality, Social Justice, Community and Simple Living. I would like to start with the value of simple living because personally it was one of the values that I probably felt least comfortable in understanding as I embarked on this experience more than a year ago when I actually made the decision to apply only to become a Jesuit Volunteer and began working on the application, interview and placement processes. I think that it is really important to understand exactly what JVC Northwest views simple living as and to understand the place that I was at when I first began my journey as a JV during the application process.

According to the JVC Northwest website, "JVC Northwest challenges each volunteer to live a simple and reflective lifestyle, an alternative way to living in a consumer society. JVC Northwest stresses spiritual values over material possessions and invites volunteers to integrate their faith by working and living among those who experience poverty and oppression. This helps volunteers to experience the lives of those with whom they interact on a daily basis and to raise their consciousness to the human needs surrounding them. Often, volunteers find that living simply opens them up to a more joyful way of life, appreciating small wonders that often go unnoticed in everyday life."

Ten months ago, my own perception on simple living was as follows: I understand a simple lifestyle as one in which an individual’s basic needs are being met (i.e. food, clothing, and shelter) but in which a conscious effort is being made to refrain from products that harm the environment or other people and from buying unnecessary items. I feel that a commitment to a simple lifestyle would put my passion for social justice into my daily life as I would be more aware of what I am spending money on, where the item comes from and how it affects that area. I also feel that a simple lifestyle that is not focused on consumer goods or relying heavily on the internet and technology would provide an environment that is more conducive to building strong, positive relationships with other people and would enable me to be more present to my faith life, my personal needs and my experiences.

My own views and experiences of simple living have definitely evolved over the past ten months and more importantly over the past 4 months while living in Sitka. Given that my basic needs (housing and food) are being met by my community’s monthly checks from our placements, my monthly stipend goes a long way in Sitka. I have very few needs outside of food and shelter and have been able to use my stipend for mailing packages and letters, getting coffee or hot chocolate at one of the coffee shops, various community events that require admission (assuming it is one of the few that we aren’t volunteering at) or the occasional beer or meal out. Here in Sitka (where we have very few big chains) it is very easy to buy locally and not support a large corporation like Wal-mart that routinely run small businesses out of towns and treat their workers unfairly. Since our arrival, my housemates and I have strayed away from purchasing items from the tourist shops that line the main strip in town. While many of the locally owned shops also cater to the tourists during the summer months, supporting the local economy and people was and is something that I feel is particularly important especially when these tourist stores close down for half of the year when there are no longer cruise ships coming through. I have also come to learn over time that one of the big social justice/simple living issues deeply impacting large portions of the Sitka population is the ever present battle between commercial fishermen and the charter companies (we will not purchase fish from the charter companies.) I am not exactly the most articulate and knowledgeable person to be summarizing this issue, but from what I understand, the charter companies will over fish the area with non-Alaskan visitors (who pay thousands of dollars for their trips) during the summer months which makes it really difficult for the commercial fishermen to make a living, not to mention the ecological impact that over fishing has on the waters surrounding Sitka.

Aside from influencing how I spend my money, being intentional about simple living has permeated my life in a variety of areas. As a community, we decided not to have internet in our house and it has truly been a blessing and allowed us to grow individually and closer as a community. Towards the early part of the year we borrowed internet from a neighbor and that often meant that someone in the house was e-mailing or using the internet after work. I personally have thoroughly enjoyed writing letters and postcards, along with the occasional birthday card, to friends and family and taking the time to 1) think about what I want to say in it and 2) legibly (I think) writing a letter and sending it out via the post office. I cannot even begin to describe how excited I get when I receive a letter in the mail. For me, I feel that I put a part of myself into every letter that I write and I feel that I am receiving a part of someone else when I receive theirs as well. I find letters to be more meaningful and I will keep working to improve my letter writing because it is something that I find to be calming and is something that I think is really important, especially when e-mail has become such an ingrained part of our society.

My time in Sitka has also provided me with ample opportunities to take in and enjoy nature and the little things in life. Since arriving four months ago, one of my favorite things to do is walk around Totem Park either on the beach or in the woods. The views from the beach are absolutely gorgeous (mountains, downtown Sitka, the sky, etc.) and the tranquility of the woods is unparalleled so close to town. I have probably walked around Totem Park at least once a week since the beginning of September, whether it be by myself or with my community members, and it continues to be a place that provides me with new experiences, thoughts and views every time I visit. Over the past month or so, with the wind gusts being as high as they are, I have been thoroughly amused at watching the ravens attempt to fly through the gusts and instead be blown backwards. I am not 100% sure whether this is really mean or not but it is a lot of fun to watch. I am anxiously awaiting another snow storm (crossing my fingers for this weekend) because the forest and the area up and down Indian River, which runs through Totem Park, are absolutely gorgeous during and immediately following a snowfall. I also have found that my day to day activities can be stopped if the sky is clear enough because the snow covered mountains, especially Mt. Edgecumbe (the volcano), are breathtaking. Every day I continue to find myself in awe of my surroundings and I hope that this trend continues throughout my life whether I am in Alaska, Long Island or anywhere else in the world.

When hanging out around the house, I have really enjoyed just being and enjoying the comfort of home. Whether I am journaling (about God, my job, life, or absolutely nothing at all), writing letters, playing games (ranging from Apples to Apples to card games to a game my house made up), conversing with my housemates (about work, politics, faith, Lost, or just joking around), or reading, I love my house and the comfort and environment that it provides.

At work, I have definitely gotten more comfortable with accepting the little victories and not necessarily focusing on the end result as much. In this way, I have been able to get really excited about figuring out that one of the children in shelter (a year old) absolutely loves country music (Taylor Swift obviously) and Lady Gaga as well as get excited about the fact that another child was willing to give hi-fives today and did not hit anyone (in my world, this has become a huge deal.) Having lunch with a group of second graders is something that I look forward to every Tuesday and seeing one of the children laugh or smile during group or while playing in the playroom is something that can make even the longest, worst day turn around in an instant.

My experience and understanding of simple living have definitely evolved throughout this year but I am certain that I do not (and probably cannot) fully comprehend the impact of living simply on my life at this time and have definitely had times this year where I have lived far from simply. What is the one thing that I do know for sure about simple living? Over the past four months, I have experienced simple living (and powerful emotions and thoughts) in the little things: smiles, laughter, ravens, snow, nature and handwritten notes and letters. So I urge you not to overlook the little things in your life; watch the sun rise or set; write someone a letter; walk along the beach or through the woods; read a book; have a real, meaningful conversation with another person.