To consciously evolve, we require clear vision of a compassionate future that draws out our enthusiastic participation in life.

When a person's primary objective is to maximize material pleasures while minimizing discomforts, then life becomes a constant process of "pushing" (trying to push away from discomforts) and "grabbing" (trying to acquire or hold on to that which gives pleasure). With the loss of inner balance that accompanies a habitual "pushing and grabbing" approach to life, a deeper pain ensues-that of becoming aware of the ultimate unsatisfactoriness of the pleasure-seeking/pain-avoiding process itself.

Simplicity means to choose ways of living that touch the Earth more lightly and that reduce our ecological footprint.

To me, voluntary simplicity means integration and awareness in my life.

We are the leaders that we have been waiting for. We are the social innovators and entrepreneurs that we have been seeking.

Voluntary simplicity has more to do with the state of mind than a person's physical surroundings and possessions.

Living simply is not about living in poverty or self-inflicted deprivation. It's about living an examined life where one has determined what is truly important and enough … and then just let go of all the rest.