We are slowly, slowly emerging from an Age of Extravagance in which a relentless quest for status and perfection ruled supreme.
(Las Vegas Strip, 2009)
McMansions. Hummers. "It" bags. Truffle burgers. Gold-flecked cocktails. Super-sized everything. Many of us lived beyond our means in one way or another. It was a glamorous rollercoaster ride and we rode it until it all came to a crashing halt.
And halt it did.
So here's what I've been wondering lately...
Can we learn to be happy with less?
(Monk making soup, Lhasa, Tibet, 2007)
Can we go back to keeping it simple?
(Grilled acorn squash, olive oil, salt. End of story.)
Can we remember to inhale the moment?
(My uncle Johan and aunt Kirsten, Norway, 2008)
Can we not be so hard on ourselves?
(Yosemite, 2008)
Can we honor the beauty of the ephemeral?
(Rishikesh, India, 2007)
Can we be happy in our skins?
(My dad, 77 years young, Alaska, 2006)
Can we teach our children to find pleasure in non-Wii-related pursuits?
(Luca's tower of fun, 2009)
Can we spend time together instead of money?
(Home, 2009)
Can we aim for one moment of joy in every day?
(Last day of school, 2008)
I'm ready to give it a try. Who's in?
(If you want to learn more about walking the walk, click HERE.)