Living simply and thinking of others

I've recently watched "How to live a simple life" on the BBC. It follows Peter Owen-Jones, a part time vicar in Sussex as he "yearns for a life of simplicity and meaning - a deeper connection to both nature and people."

It's not so much a how-to programme, more on his experiences and has been interesting watching. It was humbling to see people helping him out with food and shelter when he needed them, but there were those who just walked past and did nothing. It saddens you to think people don't take the time to help others these days - but that's life, you can only change yourself and be an inspiration to others. I wonder what others think?


Yesterday, when taking Imogen to pre-school we sat in the shade outside before it was time to go in and I looked up at a board and read something that just seemed to follow on from watching this programme. So I thought I'd share it here, it's by John Wesley (founder of the Methodist Church), and words that I think we could all live by; it doesn't matter if you're religious or not or what faith you have (I don't consider myself to have a faith and do not follow any but embrace things I read from various faiths).

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.

John Wesley (1703 - 1791)

I just thought it was a apt to read this after watching the programme and living simply and connecting with people. Food for thought. I would like to think of myself as someone who would help others, but it makes you think if you could do more.

On that philosophical note, I'll sign off as I need to work on something for the spinning guild - scanning lots of the archive to write a "history of ..." article for the newsletter for their 60th year anniversary.