Slowing Down

Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.
Mahatma Gandhi

As a society we always seem to be in such a mad rush. We rush from one place to another to get the best sales. We rush in order to make enough money so that we can live in a large house or buy the stuff we think we need. We eat quickly, we cook quickly (if at all), we purchase clothing which was quickly manufactured, we purchase furniture and cabinets that we only need a screwdriver to put together (if even that). The commercials we see are fast paced and the music we listen to is fast. All of our senses seem to be inundated with this pace. No wonder so many of us are miserable.

This last week, Liz at Groovy Green posted an article about The Hidden Cost of Cashmere. The explosion of cheap cashmere sweaters at big box stores has had huge impacts on the environment. The goats which are used to create cashmere are now creating desertification. When we demand so much stuff at a cheap price there are multiple larger costs.

The new year always bring moments of reflection and new resolutions.

I hate to make a resolution this year. This last year brought so many changes and new awareness to my life. I don't know what the next year will bring. I hope to continue on my journey toward a sustainable lifestyle. I hope to continue writing about my journey and sharing ideas and inspiration.

One of the major things I want to do this year is slow down. I am currently knitting my first sweater. I realized that as I knit I am likely to take better care of this sweater. I will not be able to quickly or easily replace it. As I think about this, I realize how many other things I can do to slow down which make me appreciate what I have even more. Creating the edible garden is one of those journeys that are slow. The process in creating is important and can be appreciated. Slowing down will also help me reduce my environmental impact.

Is there any way that you can slow down?

Let me amend to state that I am not exclaiming that we should all make all of our clothes or that we shouldn't work and just stay at home and knit. Just that I think we appreciate them more when they are handmade (by us or others). I also am aware that many of us need to work and don't make much money. However, we can choose what to purchase and to make more prudent choices in our purchases. I would rather buy or make one handmade sweater and wear that every week than purchase 10 of lesser quality and know that my excess is creating damage. Just my own thoughts ... :)

Oh, I just started a yahoo group (Sustainable Urban Living - see hte link on the right). You are free to join. :)