Simplicity Circles on the Net

Simplicity circles are study circles where people support each other in learning a new, simpler, more fulfilling way to live. Simplicity circles are part of the voluntary simplicity movement (see the Simple Living Network at http://www.slnet.com for more info).

The Garden has started a virtual simplicity circle as part of our discussion list. Simplicity circles are typically small groups of 6-8 people who meet in person over an extended period. We are experimenting with modifying that model to adapt to the Internet.

Our suggestion is to build simplicity circles into existing Internet communities (in our case, The Garden). Since we host a discussion list, we are simply starting relevant topics with the word SIMPLICITY: These topics and threads are considered our virtual simplicity circle.

If you're interested in the transformation work of The Garden, you are quite welcome to join our discussion list and simplicity circle. We will attempt to maintain a list of other discussion lists on this topic as part of our section on voluntary simplicity at http://www.thegarden.net/simplicity/#discussionlists.

If you are involved with existing discussion lists, chat rooms etc., you may also want to try experimenting with creating a simplicity circle of your own. The study guide The Simplicity Circle and book The Circle of Simplicity, by Cecile Andrews (1997), are highly recommended.

The following guidelines are from The Circle of Simplicity:

1. No Leaders: Be Participatory
2. Respond as Equals
3. View Conversation as Barn-Raising Instead of Battle
   • Persuasion is not the goal.
   • The conversers are each other's teachers and students.
   • People need reinforcement, recognition, validation.
   • When an idea is interesting or helpful, it is important to acknowledge that it is.
   • Questions are useful parts of conversations, but challenges are not.
   • No playing devil's advocate
4. Be Authentic
5. Discover Wisdom through Stories
6. Question Conventional Wisdom and Seek Alternative Views

Please let us know about your Internet resources on voluntary simplicity and simplicity circles, so we can link to you!

Return to Voluntary Simplicity Resources

The Garden Discussion List and Simplicity Circle

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