We may share the same planet but we all live in different worlds. Welcome to my world. It’s a world filled with an abundance of organic fruits, vegetables and flowers. It’s a world ringing with birdsong and caressed by gentle ocean breezes. It’s a world with an abundance of time to do the things I love to do.
For the better part of the last twenty years we’ve intentionally lived without television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Until just under three years ago we didn’t own a computer and we still don’t carry cell phones. Why?
This has been an experiment in search of a simpler way of living, and a more meaningful way of being. Welcome to my world.
I’m a lucky man. I wake up every day in paradise and I go to sleep in the same place.
In the last year we’ve lost almost every penny of our savings, after having been mortgage-free most of our life together.
Yet I don’t feel sorry for myself. I am so lucky.
I was introduced to yoga by Lucia 20 years ago when we met in the Himalayas. I continue to start nearly every day with a refreshing taste of yoga and meditation, the ultimate breakfast for me. Now, after many years away from it, Lucia has resumed teaching—two early morning classes each week here in our house. I attend them, along with a small malleable group of good friends. I feel like I’m living in an ashram. I am so lucky.
Late most afternoons, when much of my work for the day is done, I retreat to my room for Six Healing Sounds and relaxation. This quiet time feels so good to me. I am so lucky.
Most Wednesday evenings I walk along the beach, turn inland and up a hill to the radio station where I interview some amazing person for an hour on radio and cable television. I call that show Voices from the North and I love doing it. I am so lucky.
Most Thursday evenings a dear friend leads a small dedicated group of us in Sanskrit chanting. I walk along our beautiful beach to and from her home. I am so lucky.
Other evenings I walk alone or with Lucia, work in the garden or play outside with my children, the air alive with the heavenly fragrance of Queen of the Night and Datura. What more could a man ask for? I am so lucky.
Every month my family attends our local Ceilidh, an alcohol-free evening of live, quality music performed by talented local musicians. We dance for hours, swept away in the joyful atmosphere of community. I am so lucky.
I have one small problem: finding the time to put into place all I am inspired to do, write and share. I take it one small happy step at a time.
At night, before bed, I pick up my guitar and sing one or two of my devotional songs, make a simple prayer asking that I can continue to be a clear channel of service to humanity, and I fall peacefully asleep. I am healthy, I am happy and I’m in love. I am so lucky.
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March 30, 2009 at 7:09 pm
What a beautiful, inspirational life.
March 31, 2009 at 2:34 am
Thank you Sandy. I sincerely want to be the change I want to see in the world. I’m just back from a swim. The water is still relatively warm despite April being just around the corner. I’m planting a winter garden and now it’s time edit an interview. I can’t tell you how many times I say to mtself, “I am so lucky.”
Have a wonderful day.
John
March 31, 2009 at 2:28 pm
John, I discovered your blog quite by accident yesterday. I’ve been on a journey to simplify my life over the last several years and read everything I can get my hands on. I am currently a teacher living in Texas, and my husband and I have worked hard to pay off all our debts, save money, and live below our means. It’s been a rewarding journey. I yearn for a life of simplicity, a life where I can move slowly through each day, and take time to do things that are meaningful and fulfilling. Because we’ve paid off our debts I will be able to quit my teaching job at the end of this year and stay home. I may work part-time in the fall, but I want time to read and write, exercise, volunteer, cook, clean, take care of my home, garden, and spend time with my husband. Your post was one more example to me that people can and do live lives that are satisfying and meaningful. I don’t want to live the rat-race that has become the norm in our culture. I’d also like to read your book and will be adding that to my list of books for summer reading. I hope you have a wonderful day as well!
Sandy
April 1, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Sandy,
I’m impressed. You have obviously got a worthy long term plan and it’s working. I salute you and your husband and wish you more than well on your journey. I’m happy this has been a short stop on the adventure you are creating. All the very best, John
June 1, 2009 at 7:46 am
John, it’s truly wonderful that you have been able to attain such peace and joy in this overly busy, crazed world (aka – mine!) You and your loved ones are to be commended for the community you have created.
July 15, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Hi John and family. I felt privileged to be your guest and live with your family for 2 weeks in december 2009. Your gorgeous hospitality, great food from your garden fresh everyday, the loving company of your wife and daughters, made for a ‘most memorable’ holiday. After 20 years since we last met in the Himalayas it was a dream come true to be with you again. Your world is indeed a self created paradise on earth. Love to you John from Rose.
July 31, 2009 at 3:10 pm
John,
Your world is lovely–paradise on earth. My large family and I are looking for a large area here in America where we can be healthy, safe and free. One would think this to be easy but it is not. Where did you read of my medical emergency caused by a idiot of a doctor? I meditate(prayer) for an hour each morning and try to eat natural and pure foods. I did hantha yoga for years but have lapsed since I got fibromyalgia and am often in too much pain to do anything more than pool walk. I believe in alternative and holistic medicine and folow it to the best of my abilities to find rersources.
Enjoy your wonderful life!!
Micki Peluso