I am bound to praise the simple life, because I have lived it and found it good.

~ Live & Learn

I am bound to praise the simple life, because I have lived it and found it good. When I depart from it, evil results follow. I love a small house, plain clothes, simple living. Many persons know the luxury of a skin bath — a plunge in the pool or the wave unhampered by clothing. That is the simple life — direct and immediate contact with things, life with the false wrappings torn away — the fine house, the fine equipage, the expensive habits, all cut off. How free one feels, how good the elements taste, how close one gets to them, how they fit one’s body and one’s soul! To see the fire that warms you, or better yet, to cut the wood that feeds the fire that warms you; to see the spring where the water bubbles up that slakes your thirst, and to dip your pail into it; to see the beams that are the stay of your four walls, and the timbers that uphold the roof that shelters you; to be in direct and personal contact with the sources of your material life; to want no extras, no shields; to find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to find a quest of wild berries more satisfying than a gift of tropic fruit; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest, or over a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

~ John Burroughs, The Writings of John Burroughs (1908)

Sources: Photo – Shutterstock. Quote: Thank you The Hammock Papers

36 thoughts on “I am bound to praise the simple life, because I have lived it and found it good.”

  6. Reblogged this on onthecamimo's Blog and commented:
    One year ago Peggy and I were in St Jean pied de port France….preparing to start our Camino the following morning.

    John Burroughs’ writing so clearly communicates my discoveries on the Camino. I don’t believe i really recognized it until I read his description of the simple life. Perhaps more importantly, it has taken a year back in the “trappings’ of my luxurious life to recall what I had discovered.

    Yes, I could return to the Camino to recapture those joys…only to lose them again at my return home…and our winters in Montana, although filled with comfort, do keep me in sync with the outdoors, nature and creation. I can embrace the simpler life here…here and now.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. I too try to live a simple life…and I wish I was along the river where I bet the fawn lilies are blooming & bowing. and I think of this quote by Anne Frank, good advice for all not just those people in a funk…to me be in contact with the nature is Essential…. ““The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. There are advantages to the simple life, but I can tell you when problems come it turns into a disadvantage. A baby sick in the middle of the night and hours away from help; an unexpected accident that is life-threatening bad enough if it is an adult, heart-breaking when it’s a child. Water source runs out, a bear gets into your supplies. If you can think of it it could happen. Half way I think is smarter. The peace of trees and streams, but near enough to get help when help is needed. The glory of seeing wild-life cross near enough to see them fully. Wild flowers, blue skies unknown in cities where there are constant lights. Yep, that’s the way to enjoy life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Simple, elegant, true. I think we often gain a greater appreciation of these truths as we age. I’m watching my parents winnowing down their possessions more with each passing year, an inconscious act of clarification that appears to make room for savoring life’s simple joys…a morning on the deck listening to the bird song and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder, an afternoon spent watching their granddaughters race about the yard, an evening spent chatting quietly by the outdoor fireplace, sharing the quiet time together. 50+ years together…they seem to be onto something… 😉😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. David
    Very nice, my longing to find, although I live much more simple not quit there. Chronic Illness can pull you away from yourself and everyone. I’m out of bed for the first time in two years, as painful as the memories are the survival skills and God saved me.
    I’m being stalked and deep down my survival skills and the reasons why came to the surface. I’m calm and not angry with Stalker they have only read my data and not used it to harm me in anyway. I feel strongly about the person on top of list, my eyes are open and pray the extra stress doesn’t slow down recovery.
    You can look at Thursday’s post to see the types of messages or our communication. Mental Illness is complex and I do not fully understand Borderline Personality Disorder. I can’t be mad at the person yet every act we make we are accountable for. Keep you posted. Hope you have relief from your pain.
    I’ve been meaning to ask if your an active Pastor now?
    M

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Reply