Utne Reader Response 3

-- Anonymous, February 23, 1999

Answers

I chose to read the article "The Stuff of Life" by Bruce Strachan. This was both an enjoyable and refreshing article to read. It began with the author and his son on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Their encounter with nature had left them cleansed, clarified, calmed and peaceful. However, as soon as they get back to the real world, they are once again caught up in the fast pace schedule of never ending demands. The city seemed so ugly and wasteful compared to the breathtaking beauty they had left behind. The author quotes that what he is really looking for is simplicity. He describes it as " the richness of a gathered and deliberate life, which comes from letting one's belongings and commitments to few in number and high in quality." I really like the way he states this. It is so easy for us to get caught up in quest for more possessions. We can also overcommit ourselves to so many things that we are unable to do any of them really well. I think Strachan has a message for all of us because it is so easy to see yourself while reading this article. Strachan states that " we can choose to lead a materially simple life not as a sacrifice but as a path toward fulfillment. We can learn to seek spiritual rather than material growth." I like his ideas of spiritual growth because he includes art, literature, work, encounters with beauty and wilderness. I think this is so true because I believe that true happiness comes from our encounters with other people, through sharing what we have and simply enjoying life. Our true happiness does not come from our material possessions but rather from what we possess on the inside.

This article was very enlightening. It was the reminder I needed to help me see through some of my own clutter of demands as a mother, wife, teacher, student, friend, etc. Taking time to enjoy the outdoors and play is one way I can escape from the demands. Today my son and I dressed up to play in the snow. We made snow angels, pulled the sled, rolled down the hill and made snowballs. This time outdoors with him is the kind of thing that helps clear my mind. I remember what is most important-enjoying the simple things and the wonderful gifts we are given. We both come inside refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to share a cup of hot chocolate(overflowing with marshmallows of course)!

-- Anonymous, February 24, 1999

Shelley, I also read this article and as a busy parent of small children I think it was a good reminder of the important aspects of life. I know that when I come home exhausted after a particularly hard day at work it is easy to pop in a video and tune out the world. This article reminded me that it would be better to go out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of nature with my children and show them the beauty of the world. I also think as teachers we have to remember to spend time with students outside and show them the beauty of nature. We forget that sometimes on a truly beautiful day it would be okay to go out and appreciate what the world has to offer us. That way our students can appreciate the beauty of nature and learn to take care of it.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 1999

Hi Shelly: I would like to take the discussion on this article a step further. Do we have an obligation to insure that the students we come in contact with understand the value of stopping for a few moments of refreshing play or diversion during the chaos of the day? You see in a way I think the author may have been going this direction.I would really be interested in your thoughts. Could you e-mail me with them so that we could continue this discussion? Thanks! John Hansen

-- Anonymous, March 27, 1999

Shelly,

After reading this article, I too was reminded of how easily it is to get caught up in wanting more possessions and material things, becasue we think it will make us happier. It's virtually inevitable that our lives wouldn't be filled with chaos and never ending demands, when you take into consideration the responsibilities that most of us have. We also have to remember to take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. There are many material things that I continue to want because I think that it will either make life easier, or make me happier, but the truth is (and I just need to take the time to realize and remember this every day), the things that make me the happiest, is taking the time to play with my almost 2 year old son, and spending time with my family. Turning off the T.V., forgetting about the laundry and dishes (for once) and just enjoying the simple and "natural" things that life has to offer.

-- Anonymous, June 10, 1999