<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I can believe anything provided it is incredible"

Oscar Wilde
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Gerry, Linda, Joe, Isabel, John, Mike Ross and Tim began with a brief round of introductions. There were no other groups meeting this day so we decided to gather in an open circle in the reception area outside our usual meeting room. The open space and enthusiastic group made for a great meeting. Here's what we talked about...

Why are Cultural Aspects of Living Simply/Your Money Or Your Life (YMOYL) so Rare?
Why isn't there greater acceptance of living a more simple life? Why don't folks automatically seek choosing to live more simply? And how is it the folks gathered for today's meeting seek living more simply while so many others don't?

Observations included advertising promotes consumerism. The development of easy credit also contributes to consumerism. Easy credit allows folks to spend well beyond their means on things they may not need but are compelled to buy. A lack of understanding of their relationship with money contributes too by distancing what folks buy from how many real hours they have to work for that purchase. Gerry noted interest only mortgages are like rent. Linda said credit used to be so hard to achieve, now teens receive cards in the mail.

Not too long ago, one income was enough for the typical American family. Then came two incomes. When that wasn't enough to support "the American Dream", equity loans enabled folks to spend dollars "...tied up" in their homes. And when that wasn't enough to take part in consuming the marketing, folks began working longer hours. Then came easy credit and interest only mortgages. Gerry noted interest only mortgages are like rent. Mike said easy credit and lack of understanding basic money principals is today's equivalent of slavery - "So many folks think $100-$200 cable TV and phone bills are normal, are needed." At November's Northwest Indiana VS meeting, Ross was able to help one of the attendees eliminate the need to work extra days at an extra job just to pay the kids phone/cable bills. Slavery indeed. And also taking advantage of someone's lack of understanding/knowledge of how money works in their life.

Choosing to take Retirement in chucks...
How about the concept of taking your retirement "in chucks" as you go along => work for awhile, 'retire' for a while? Joe and Gerry have been doing this for sometime now. They note it's different then the YMOYL concept of working steadily to accumulate savings - savings substantial enough to generate a guaranteed amount of interest, equivalent to exceed day to day needs. While different, there is a huge similarity... Joe and Gerry thoroughly understand their relationship with money => when they buy something, they understand how much they will have to trade their life (ie, to work) to pay for that purchase. This awareness of the trade, guides them to purchasing only things they really want, and taking work they really want to do - work that is better aligned with their values. The root of the YMOYL Program is the same - understanding your relationship with money to achieve independence. That's what the nine YMOYL steps do - help you uncover and understand this relationship.

Tips on being able to live more simply...
The above conversation led to folks sharing things that help them seek and continue to live a simpler life.

Being grateful for what you already have is huge. Ross said an appreciation of everyday is an important part of his daily routine.

Shirley added "Just being is enough". Just being and not having to be doing something, or being something is ok. You don't have to be doing something all the time. Shirley said she encounters peer pressure to be doing something, more so to buy something, ie, "Go to graduate school". John and Gerry talked about taking on graduate programs, including their decision processes for reaching a clear conclusion => eliminate this complication from lives. Peer pressure and apparent peer pressure does occasionally come back to test these conclusions => "Maybe I should... nope, that's not for me."

John noted there is a difference between being self indulgent and living your values (doing what you really want to do, what you really what to contribute from your life). Mike added being able to really understand what drives you, what really makes you want to do something, volunteer, help out, seek more meaningful work, contribute more to life then buying the latest gadget is another tip for living more simply. Joe said there is usually a compelling reason for someone to seek something different - loss of a job, illness, loss of a loved one... To be able to connect with your soul, to be able to radiate your true talents for the good of all puts you on a simpler path.

What happens if our economy really takes a dive - how will folks survive? Linda noted one's ability to live a simpler life automatically enables them to quickly adapt to changing conditions => you are already used to looking for alternatives, you have developed skills to look beyond what's in front of you and find solutions.

Your Money Or Your Life (YMOYL) Audio Workshop on Saturday, February 25, 2006...
Mike provided details on their upcoming YMOYL Audio Workshop =>

Transforming Your Relationship with Money
And Achieving Financial Independence (Audio Workshop)
Times: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Unity Church of Christ
740 River Drive
Hammond, IN 46324
219-931-5284
Reverend Geraldine Colvin
Facilitators: Mike & Linda Lenich
Costs: $12 for workbook + Love Offering for the Church
Contact Name: Mike Lenich, VSChciago@JUNO.COM
Contact Name/Address/Phone: Reverend Geraldine Colvin,
219-931-5284
Sponsor: New Road Map Foundation Speakers Bureau/Unity Church of Christ
Sponsor Web Site URL: http://www.newroadmap.org/default.asp
Description:
Learn the principles of saving, getting out of debt, and how to live more consciously so money doesn't just disappear. Listen to best selling author Joe Dominguez' via this audio series, as he explains how to figure out your attitude toward money, what role money plays in your life and how to manage it so you can spend your time and resources doing what you really want to do. Together, we'll listen to all eight audiotapes and do all twelve workbook lessons. We'll then discuss options and arrangements for follow-up sessions.

VS Chicago - 2006...
Mike asked the group for input on VS Chicago - 2006. The Crossroads Center of Old St. Pat's Church has been gracious to again offer meeting space for eight months next year. The Center will be closed in March, June, July and August. Mike noted in years past, he's found meeting space elsewhere during these month but attendance is usually sparse. It is also awkward asking for free meeting space when attendance is so low.

Mike asked the group if they would be in favor of having no meetings during these months. Everyone agreed. Mike then suggested during these months, we could gather informally at an event or location. Isabel noted the "Family Farm Expo" will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph & Michigan Avenues). Anyone interested could come to the Center for this free event in the morning and we're sure we would bump into one another while we're there. We agreed to give this a try, so you'll note the meeting location on the VS web site for March 11th will be an informal gathering at the Cultural Center.

The summer months offer many informal alternatives - Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, festivals and events. We can choose and list them on the VS Web Site.

Mike also asked for volunteers to open and hold the meeting space. After nine years of doing so, it would be nice to have others bring fresh perspectives to the monthly meetings. Jill opened November's meeting, Joe and Gerry offered to open future meetings. If anyone else is interested, please contact Mike at VSChicago@juno.com.

We took a stretch break at 11:30. Several informal conversations formed and continued until we adjourned at noon. Enthusiasm, gratefulness, gratitude, appreciation and overall energy was high as we wished each other well and said good bye until next time.