Ingrid Poulson

The Callala Simplicity Circle

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December meeting

12/17/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
Lagom- how much is enough?
Last meeting, we had a discussion around the chapter The Lagom Solution by Alan Atkisson.  Lagom is a Swedish word that roughly translates to 'enough', but without the after-taste that the word seems to carry in English, of not being quite, well, enough.
My reading of the chapter is that lagom translates as being 'satisfying' or 'content' with what you have.  It is, as Alan explains, "neither too much or too little" and is "exactly the right amount.  It can be applied to anything: stuff, people, the size of a room, the food on your plate..even the atmosphere at a party" 
The example that Alan uses is the (astonishing) revelation that his Swedish partner only had two towels (and an additional one for traveling).  She explained that when her bathroom towels were dirty, she cleaned them.  When they wore out, she bought two more.  She finishes her explanation with "Why do I need more than two?"
In a culture obsessed with more, more, more and a social psyche geared for growth, I feel that we have much to learn about this concept of 'enough'.
I used the chapter as inspiration to clear out my linen closet some time ago.  This manoeuvre was put to the test just last weekend when we catered for 9 sleep-over guests.  I had enough linen for each bed and enough pillows as some guests brought their own.  The verdict? It was a success.  I have more room in my cupboards with no yellowing sheets to discover stuffed at the back and I get to experience that 'freeing' feeling of having space. 
This week I am focussed on clearing out more clutter and passing things on or around.

Speaking of which, our group has taken up the concept of swapping with great gusto and several people brought things to exchange- seedlings, greens and booklets of information.  We are also going to be swapping skills soon, with a date slotted for learning how to make Fetta.  I can't wait!  After that, I'd love to do a session on preserving and beer making.  I've got some hands up already for volunteers on sharing these skills.  What a talented lot we are!

The next chapter is "Changing the World one Block at a Time" by Jay Walljasper.

Other news
I've heard back from Michelle who is with the Creating Callala group and she is really keen to co-host an event on the 1st of March, plus has other great ideas.  I will keep you all posted.
I'm leaning towards the idea of winding our own group up in March and amalgamating with the Creating Callala group.  Would be keen to get your ideas on this as well (and it will mean we will have to jam-pack all of our learnings into the next few mont

So, back to you all... Did anyone draw any inspiration from the Lagom?  What did you do?

See you on the 5th January!
Ingrid

2 Comments
Diana
12/19/2012 04:22:58 pm

I read the chapter on Lagom and did find it food for thought. I already have the minimalist linen cupboard - when I moved from a three bedroom home in western Sydney to a bed sit in Melbourne a few years back I went through the process of discovering what the bare minimum in terms of possessions was....and yes I 'get' the two towels concept although I did end up taking a couple extra on my move to Melbourne as they are very handy for wrapping things in when you move....and the extra towels have turned into floor coverings in the 'tent' here! But the real pondering I did after reading that chapter was in terms of income vs quality of life. I think until my children starting earning more than me I tried to maximise my income, I think feeling that if necessary, I needed to be able to provide for them. And although ideally I would like more permanent employment, what my experience of less than full time work living here has done is given me time to get to know the people living around me, join in some of the local activities like the Simplicity Circle so that my bank account may contain less, but my social account contains more. I suppose I'm also at a time of life when there is less appeal in acquiring more 'stuff' but lots of appeal in acquiring social commodities like friendship and a feeling of community. OK, so maybe I've strayed from Lagom....but it's been interesting!

Reply
Ingrid
12/20/2012 06:12:49 am

I like it that this circle and these chapters inspire such diverse responses. A very interesting comment, Diana!

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