December 31, 2008 – Getting as much e-mail as I do, it is sometimes possible to see themes emerging, from disparate parts of the country. One thread suggests that the media view of America is too narrowly focused, and is contributing to a sense of panic. When you look at the world in terms of the stock market, it is easy to miss some significant occurrences running alongside.
Almost all of my e-mail talks of a simpler, healthy life to come, a time of limits, realism, greater awareness of waste and the environment and greater connection to people and community.
I think these threads are wise, and people far from power centers often have a better perspective than the experts. For me, living on a farm, this has concrete meaning, which I am just beginning to explore.
In order to live my life, and protect the farm, I am rethinking the farm. A woman wrote me this afternoon saying she would no longer read my books or my blog because I had sent Elvis to market, and I wished her a Happy New Year and agreed that she would be happier reading someone else.
What I thought, though, was that I am determined to preserve the farm, control it, bring it into the new times with clarity, thoughtfulness and some wisdom.
I am also rethinking my life along these lines. I’d like to write this weekend about what I mean by a simpler and more meaningful time, as I am just beginning to sort the idea out. It is somewhat about money, of course, but also about other things – food, waste, love, friendship, spirituality. It will be fun to try and sort this out, and I appreciate and welcome the many idea I am getting from all of you.
I no longer have any doubt about my own me: things are challenging, but they will be better, and to some extent, that is a choice. Beyond the fluctuations of markets is life itself, and hope and the joy that is always there, if we are open to it.
31
December
Coming soon. The simpler life
by Jon Katz