Simple Living: An Interview with Joel Zaslofsky

Podcaster and community organizer Joel Zaslofsky talks about simple living.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingWhat is simple living and why are so many folks ditching the traditional American dream in pursuit of it?  Joel Zaslofsky of Smart and Simple Matters podcast joins me, Jenise, for a chat on the topic.

Joel shares about his transition from “working in the money industry purely for money” to embracing a simpler, more intentional life. He shares a bit about his average day now compared to then; his podcast, Smart and Simple Matters; and SimpleREV which helps people connect in-person about slowing down, being grateful, and nerding out about the simple life.

Making the Switch

For Joel, the switch wasn’t easy.  But learning that he was about to become a dad for the first time, kick-started him along the path.  How many of us began to feel the urge to make these changes when we became parents?  I know that becoming a mom was a real turning point for me.  But the journey to living a life that is mostly congruent with what my heart is saying, took a lot longer in my case.

And what is simple living all about?  Well according to Joel it’s, “homesteading, sustainability, meditation, mindfulness, minimalism, yoga, transition towns, tiny houses, slow food, slow parenting and more.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingAn Intentional Life

“I think the thread that runs through it for all these people is they want to live a more intentional life; they want to be more grateful; they want to see the world as an abundant place as opposed to a scarce place; they want to show compassion and patience and kindness,” says Joel, “..but for me its about loving the concept of enough.”

Intentional living – that sums it up for me too, Joel.  What a pleasure it was to meet this kindred spirit.  I think you will agree.

For a few ideas on steps you can take toward a more simple, intentional life, check out these 7 Steps to Start You on the Path to Simple Living.

 

Feeding America, Gleaning and Healing

Feeding the hungry and gleaning

Maddie

12108300_1217424504940178_662122173104339048_nMaddie Wichman is coordinating gleaning efforts in the San Diego area and in this interview, she explains how gleaning does really benefit all involved.  She is an Administrative Specialist at UCSD School of Medicine, an Innerwise® coach and mentor and a Feeding America Food Sourcing Department Volunteer. Her quest is to feed the hungry in our country, more specifically in San Diego. However, the organization, Feeding America, she volunteers her time with, operates Nation wide and it is easy to get involved.

Gleaning

Any gardener with an excess of any kind of fruit or vegetable can call the gleaning crews and they will take care of everything. A tall tree – no problem, they come with ladders. Now, there might be a concern of somebody getting hurt. Again, no problem. Feeding America carries insurance, waivers are signed and the homeowner does not have to worry about a thing. The gleaning crew will even leave some of the harvest ready to eat. But that is not all. Besides feeling good that many can still their hunger with the garden’s harvest, the gift of food is considered a donation and a receipt for a tax deduction is part of the deal. apples

   A garden full of fallen fruit can attract all kinds of critters most people don’t want to see in their yards. Often, neighbors complain about that person on the block who does not harvest and rodents have a feast and take over the hood. Not anymore with the help of the volunteer force of Feeding America. They come with trucks and scales to weigh the produce and will make sure that none of the fresh product will go to waste. Participants can even decide which organization will receive their harvest.IMG_0060

Even farms big and small can call in the gleaners. Often, for example tomatoes, are still producing, but not enough to make it worth the while to pay an employee to pick. But the volunteer crews are only too happy to pick all that is left. They, by the way, get to take some food home as well.

Innerwise® coach and mentor

Maddie also works with healing modalities and many people consider food a form of energy and certainly a healing modality. However, the healing work she does is not related to produce. Here is what Maddie has to say about Innerwise:

“ Innerwise® ​​​​is an understanding of the underlying energetic patterns and fields in the lives of humans, animals, systems and environments, it shows the easiest ways to change them to  maximize harmonic flow.

I am an instrument for energetic healing. Innerwise® is a significant piece of what I do. However, I integrate many healing modalities for optimal results for each client.  I will work with any individual who is willing to change their life (you must be prepared to examine your compromises and change them) this is the work necessary to heal and create flow.

I work with animals, environments and systems, special projects and relationships.”

            http://www.lightsourcehealing.org/

Permaculture Women’s Convergence -SLP 22

Exploring the whys and hows of a Women's Permaculture Convergence

Jenise and Marianne are talking about the upcoming Women’s Permaculture Convergence in San Diego. We are introducing speakers and topics such as water harvesting, art from recycled materials, the business side of Permaculture, using Social Media to grow the business, inoculating logs with mushrooms and more.

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Even though this is a local event, all the information can be applied to your area as well. In fact, one of our intentions is to inspire you to gather like minded people in your area and organize a convergence, conference or however you want to call your gathering around the topics of Permaculture, Sustainable Living or a subject dear to your heart.

In fact, we are putting a resource guide together for you to help you get started organizing. Send us a request along with your best email address and it will be yours.

Join the Sustainable Living Geeks!