| UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
I am relaunching this blog over the next three to four weeks, so I will make my apologies now for the ensuing chaos as I implement the new site structure and work on new content
I am aiming to have it ready for relaunch in early March 2011 so please come back then , regards- Warren
“Asceticism is not that you should not own anything, but that nothing should own you.” -Ali ibn Abu Talib (fourth caliph of Islam)
Urban Ascetic is a blog site devoted to ideas and philosophies for modern sustainable living. It’s about simplicity but it’s not about giving things up for the sake of it, it’s about working with and making the most of what you have.
Ascetic - a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices, a person who leads an austerely simple life, esp. one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction. (in the early Christian church) a monk; hermit.
A more official Definition can be found here: dictionary.com
An Urban Ascetic is someone who is devoted to trying to live a value driven life in a material world.
Urban ascetic is both a philosophy for life and an aspiration. It’s not about being a fanatic or a hermit. You can be married, single or anything in between and still find value in the ideas. For me personally it’s about believing you can make the world a better place one decision at a time.
The site will try to support, inspire and discover ways to make the philosophy real and practical for as many people as possible.
“Our life is frittered away by detail… Simplify, simplify, simplify! … Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose.” – Henry David Thoreau (Philosopher, Author, poet)
“Everything should be made as simple as possible but not one bit simpler.” – Albert Einstein (Scientist, Nobel Laureate )
I also have a catch all blog that is updated more frequently but is less focused: Urban ascetic redux
- Site founder Warren R Deer | Email: wrdeer@urbanascetic.net
Greetings, and how good to find your site! We are two would-be simple livers (exactly as per your philosophy) living in Somerset….not quite urban, but definitely ascetic! Are you familiar with the writings of John Lane? In particular “Timeless Simplicity” and “The Spirit of Silence” might be of interest, others if you are an artist, or of an artistic disposition!
My main Inspirations have been Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gandhi and a range of Buddhist, Zen and Christian teachings. I’m not formally religious although I am pretty spiritual (though practically focused)and read widely.
I will be interested to check out John Lane. I have heard of him but not read his work thus far, something I will remedy so thanks for the tip, W
“Urban ascetic is both a philosophy for life and an aspiration…”
Thanks so much for this thought provoking site. In a world filled with a need for instant gratification and shallow satisfaction, yours is a welcome place to visit, contemplate, and quietly depart as a better person.
Thank you so much.
From time to time – the world around reminds us to appreciate life as the only simple truth
Buddhism can indeed be a grant inspirational boost being on the way
Wish you a happy urban ascetic life !