When simple living has to change with Clare Reilly
Today’s guest, Clare Reilly, has a story to share. And while the specifics of her story are likely different to yours, I have a feeling that you’re going to resonate so deeply with the soul of it.
At its heart, this episode is about change, and if there’s something we’ve all experienced over the past two years, it’s been change. Which brings us to the question of how can we reframe our definition of “simple living” when we realise the old version no longer serves us?
Clare knows exactly this tension. After advocating a slower, simpler, more local life for many years, everything was turned on its head when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis - a progressive, neurological disease.
In this conversation Clare and I talk about the process of reframing our definitions of simple living, and what a simpler life looks like for her now. (Spoiler alert: there’s no one right answer to this question!) She also shares her experience of living in an off-grid nature retreat with her family in the months following her diagnosis, and how it was both a blessing and a huge challenge.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness, Clare also discusses how her relationship with rest has changed, and the interlinked roots of productivity and capitalism.
We also dig into:
values (as always, so much of slow living comes back to the question of ‘what matters to me?’)
the benefits slow living brings to someone living with chronic illness
the role of food in Clare’s vision of simple living
the tension that exists between simplicity and sustainability
giving ourselves permission to rest even when (or especially when!) we feel the capitalist pressure to be constantly productive.
Whether you live with a chronic illness or know someone who does, this episode is so full of inspiration and practical ways we can all reframe simplicity to fit the newest version of ourselves. Enjoy!
Head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and play the episode, or take a listen right here by pressing play on the player below.
Things to check out after today’s episode:
Connect with Clare on IG @clare.reilly
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