Pico Iyers post : a response

I read the post by Pico Iyer (http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/the-joy-of-less/#comment-5149) titled "the joy of less" with a lot of mixed feelings, wondering if impressionable young people tired of the competition would be thinking of taking the next flight to Japan. Some more perspective is what I looked for.

I believe that just renouncing everything is not the answer and to me simplicity is more about your thoughts than having to live in three pairs of clothes or doing without a car. One should have the ability to stop and think; take a realistic look at life. The rich don't have the right to preach giving up, the poor practice it every day.

Cultivating a feeling of simplicity in daily life ushers in peace and that too in everyday actions ; this becomes self sustainable. Basic things like having a simple meal instead of gourmet fare, having a simple evening with family can be very satisfying.

I have never been able to think of people who shirked their responsibilities and went away to take "sanyaas". To me it feels like the ultimate betrayal.Running away and shirking your responsibilities. Instead staying on, helping others less fortunate is what personifies a saint. Start a school, teach a little, do something good for the community , set an example.

Life is about living every moment, cherishing each new day with an enthusiasm , getting excited about little things. The first drop of rain, the cold air, sunshine, flowers blooming and smiling. Acts of kindness go a long way, almost till the rainbow that we are all chasing.