Amish Simplicity
I am a big fan of Amish simplicity. A self reliant community for whom everyone from the very young to the very old has a role. Their days are run at the speed of nature – getting up and retiring with the sun and communicating face to face with one another unimpeded by technology or enforced work distance.
Because everyone has a role and are engaged and busy, they are unlikely to turn to drugs and drink to solve boredom issues, or waste time vying to be part of some pointless clique.
They are lucky enough to know where their food comes from and exactly what is in it. No hyperactive children there!
They have low to no rates of depression and any problems are spread amongst the whole community diluting it’s strength.
And who would have thought that Amish simplicity would be rocked by frou frou designers who then spend inordinate amounts of money to achieve a similar inexpensive, rustic look?
I know they are not perfect, but there are some elements of their lifestyle that those of us occasionally left breathless by a new revelation of the depth of human cruelty and windswept at the haste of the very young to ‘grow up’ in all the wrong ways, would do well to even consider re-adopting for our own communities. Not least self respect, work ethic, wide eyed interest and wide eyed innocence.
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This past weekend I was exploring the possibility of a monastic retreat. The Amish way of life seems to me just as purposeful. There is not the need to make one’s mark or stand out from the crowd: their purpose in life is just the opposite. It is a practical, respectful life, full of devotion to one’s G-d and community.
I agree with you that much can learned from their simplicity.
Tammy recently posted..It’s a Secret
That sounds rather fascinating Tammy! If you decide to go for it I hope you will keep us up to date as ever with your experiences on your blog!
Wow. Interesting stuff. So true. If we keep ourselves busy in our daily , simple work of food, shelter , nurturing, and clarity than life does seem more productive and we’re all less prone to boredom. Hmm should do more of my own work
. All scripture teaches us self-containment , having simple needs , way of life and doing our own work. Only we don’t do much of that 
What is that image of the long pipe from the ceiling and the contraption it leads to. Some kind of heater ??
Uzma recently posted..Living in the moment – in Joy and Hardship.
It makes me see the benefit of this when I see teens just…hanging around doing …nothing…all…day.
There’s nothing wrong with doing that as a moment in time every now and then, but everyday? To allow your kids passion and future to just rot alive from lack of motivation or interest and from sheer boredom…let’s just say it’s not a life choice for me.
I would say it is a heater and probably a little oven inside.
Pea recently posted..Amish Simplicity
Of course there are those newsworthy instances where folks get arrested for drunk driving the horse and buggies. But I will admit, those photos are gorgeous and it certainly inspires me to live simply. It’s all so beautiful!
David W recently posted..Seven Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock
Like I said…they’re not perfect!
I particularly like the story of the beard cutting gang. Rather than a drive by shooting you get a drive by sheering! Yay!
Pea recently posted..Amish Simplicity
Wow Pea! I must say, it is quite brilliant the way you have brought out the zen simplicity with these photos and text. I feel adding anything would only dilute the power of this article. It completely speaks for itself!
rob white recently posted..Intelligence is Limber
‘Zen simplicity…’ – As ever Rob hits the nail firmly on the head.
The Amish crack me up in a lot of ways, but I really like their worldview. I’ve often said myself that I want to grow some of my own food, and eventually maybe build my own house. I like the idea of creating the things we need with what we have, and going from there.
Does this mean you are amish, Pea? Better not let them find your computer…
Fred Tracy recently posted..How Powerful Is Your Reality?
That’s right Fred, I am Amish from New England. You are certainly closing in on me!
I must say I’m loving the color schemes going on in these photos. I have been learning to love the rustic, simplified living!
Hello One Love!
. From experience I would say there is all to gain and nothing to lose when choosing a simpler lifestyle.
I Love components of the life you’ve so beautifully described.. the journey you created was wonderful, pea!
Antonia recently posted..Comment on Easing into the Holiday’s by Antonia
Thank you Antonia. Always lovely to hear from you. Now, I need to see just how you will ease us into the Holiday’s!
Love it! Such beautiful and calm simple lives.
Pea,
I doubt I could live like the Amish. I appreciate my creature comforts a bit too much,like this computer:~) I do love the simplicity of this post, as well as the beautiful pictures and the message. Just looking at the pictures is relaxing to me. I agree with you that we could use more of the Amish way of gentleness, family and neighbor support and restraint. It really is all about finding the right balance, isn’t it?
Sara recently posted..Holiday Memories
Pea — I wanted to stop by and wish you a very happy 2012. I took time off this holiday and it was helpful. I hope this year brings you calm, peaceful simplicity. I know that’s something your site gives me whenever I visit:~)
Thanks Sara. I am glad you took time off to good advantage. I wish you all you wish for yourself this and any year.
Happy new year Pea!
Thanks Becky and the very same to you!
Hey, where are you? I miss you. Send me an email and let me know you’re okay, okay?
Sara recently posted..A Crack in the Sky