NEWS

Thrive with Less screening tonight

The documentary screening is this Wednesday at the former Barnes and Noble space in East Lansing, followed by discussion and potluck.

No Facebook. No fast food. No problem? A documentary follows six students as they undergo a month-long experiment of living simply.

Can we thrive with less? Yes, seems to be the initial and emphatic answer from these six students (from Michigan State University). One female student looks into the camera and describes how she used to be a spontaneous person, but now, every moment of her life seems to be structured by plans. The next time we see her, she is happily shooing a heap of clothing into her car, as part of the household four-shirts-one-pair-of-pants rule.

The hour-long documentary explores how these students cope, living with less. No facebook, fast-food, social media, or driving. The results? Resilience is not immediate. One student breaks down after 19 days and orders a pizza. Another student looks into the camera and asks why they're not thriving yet.

The documentary debuted in June and is making its rounds at film festivals.

If you're in the East Lansing area, you can see the screening on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at 333 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan.

For more information, visit the Thrive With Less website.

08/17/12 updated 10/15/12

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re. Stephay's comment

Submitted by GML on Wed, 08/22/2012 - 15:31.

Hi Stephany, In a word "OhMyGodYES!!!" It really took taking the away the option of fast food, being forced to cook every single meal to make me become mindful of eating again. And really, you have to do it at least 3 times a day...why not make each time a meditative pleasure. And a thoughtful meal (even if you err on the side of cupcakes, as I often do) is an act of self love. Feeding yourself (fast) food you shouldn't let kids eat more than once a month. I don't do that anymore. I learned to re-frame and realize how important mindful meal-planning is. As for no iPhone and no internet...I really needed detox and a 12-step program to break they cycle of checking my email account #1, email account #2, facebook, twitter, instagram and pin something clever to my Pintrest 20 times a day. I was utterly surprised to find that only a few of my facebook friends noticed I hadn't been posting. And no one really missed my missives. Even unanswered emails were forgiven with a quick explanation. I learned these things are not urgent, they're not even obligatory. And now that I can choose between the glorious, miraculous world as it is in front of me, vs. the pretty predictable world on my iPhone...I chose life. And I check my iPhone exactly 3 times a day when I'm out. And that's enough. Because technology is wonderful, helpful and convenient. But it's easy to lose balance & perspective. Gosh, maybe I should write article about this....

to GML

Submitted by Stephany Tlalka on Tue, 08/21/2012 - 09:56.

Hey GML, wondering how you think having those devices and fast food away from you was beneficial? From your own personal experience taking a break from those things.

restricted in rehab

Submitted by GML on Mon, 08/20/2012 - 17:10.

When I was in rehab we had no cell phones, no fast food & no computer access (no facebook/email/google). And what happened? I became a mindful, healthier person.