Montreal Simple Living

Events 2005

Introductory meeting. Why does someone choose to live simply? Is it possible to live more with less? Are you, or have you ever, taken steps to simplify your life? 

What is the relation between what we own and what we feel we are? Do possessions define identity or are there other, more liberating ways to think about identity and to establish self-esteem? Have you ever bought things in order to feel good, feel different, make a “statement?”  If so, are there other ways to feel good, feel different, etc.? What do you make of the statement: “It is better to be much than to have much?” If you wanted to “be” more, how would you go about doing that?  How does this make you feel?

Our culture says, “Put on a happy face” or “Get over it!” You open up a fortune cookie, and the message you get is intended to inspire hope and good fortune. And then there are times when the message you get isn’t the one you want. How do we deal with darkness – or the inevitable transitions, crises, losses, and pains of living? How is this about choice? Or is it all chance? What’s it all about – and where is our power? What is it that we can change? Come explore your own connections to meaning and purpose in your life. Listen to the words of poets and sages in this reflective and even humorous time together.

Jim Gavin is currently a full professor of applied human sciences at Concordia University and a practicing psychologist.. Previously, he was a full professor of psychology at Colorado State University. He received his Ph.D. in psychology from New York University, and has worked with both public and private sector organizations on health and wellness for the past 35 years. He has had an ongoing practice in counseling and personal development since leaving NYU. He is the author of 8 books and over 100 professional articles. In his own words, he occasionally practices what he preaches. With all his university degrees, he believes - on some days - he should be much smarter about things. Other days, he gets it ‘right’ – but then he expects it to continue that way. Wrong! He’s a work in progress. Some of the things he has worked on include being a psychologist, a yoga teacher, an underground miner, a modern dancer, a mime, a semi-serious academic, a black belt in aikido, a writer, and, of course, a dear old dad. The full catastrophe.

Is meaningful work just a dream?
Location: Downtown YMCA, 1440 Stanley (Peel metro). 6th floor. Time: 7pm.

Do you look forward going to work in the morning? A recent Quebec poll indicated that 2/3 of the people would be willing to work one day less per week (without pay) in order to have more time....would you? Have you given up your hobbies because you are too busy with work? Is it possible to achieve balance between work aspirations and the rest of our lives? Do you know of somebody who left a well-paying job to pursue a lesser-paying but more rewarding occupation?

Living on Less in Montreal
Location: Downtown YMCA, 1440 Stanley (Peel metro). 6th floor. Time: 7pm.

How much is enough? How much money does it really take to live well in this city? 33% of Montrealers are "low income earners". Yet a recent Quality of Life survey ranks Montreal no.24 for quality of life in an index of 205 cities worldwide.

Today's discussion leader, Thelma Mariano, will present a few facts and statistics about living in Montreal and then lead a discussion into how we can manage on less. Feel free to share your tips and experiences as well! 

Life Values
Location: Downtown YMCA, 1440 Stanley (Peel metro). 6th floor. Time: 7pm.

How do we make our lives meaningful? First, we have to discover what our values are. What are those beliefs we hold about what is most important in life? Is it family, a challenging career, financial security, peace of mind, the ability to help others, time for recreation? Does our work life allow us to live according to our values? Values can be very powerful in determining whether we are happy or unhappy. Through a Life Values self-assessment quiz, participants will be able to reflect on their own values and how they can live in harmony with them.

Video & discussion night. The one-hour video takes a fascinating look at one of the greatest social maladies of out time: overconsumption and materialism. The program explores both the comical and sobering aspects of our consumerism and its enormous impact on families, communities and the environment. We welcome your reflections during and after the screening. For more information about the video, visit the PBS website.

It's time to slow down and start savouring life, and it's not as hard as you think. We must just become aware of how we spend our money, time, and energy. Come learn many practical steps to simplify your life. Categories include home, work, relationships, leisure, money, time management, shopping, and spirituality. Examples: How to make meals less of a hassle, how to make more time for your friends and family, how to be debt-free, how to transform your relationship with money, etc. We welcome your suggestions too!