Are you interested in exploring voluntary simplicity further but don't know quite how to do it? Are you wondering if there are others who share your views? Would you like to bounce ideas off of others in a supportive environment while you evaluate your own life to see what changes you might want to make? Do you think it might be more interesting to read books about voluntary simplicity if you could also discuss them with others?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, consider joining a (or starting a new) study circle or discussion group. These group experiences have been a useful tool for people to learn about voluntary simplicity, gain support for the changes they make in their lives, and experience a sense of community and connection with others.

The following is a list of books and workbooks that offer a guidance on conducting a simplicity study group.

Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply by Linda Breen Pierce (Carmel, CA: Gallagher Press, 2003). This book is designed for individuals working alone, two people working together, or a simplicity study group of 8 to 12 people. The course is organized into 12 sessions: (1) Why simplify? (2) Do you own your stuff or does it own you? (3) Making friends with money, (4) Home is where the heart lives, (5) Where did all the time go? (6) Working with Passion, (7) Moving about at home and abroad, (8) Awakening the spirit within you, (9) Minding your health and well-being, (10) Finding joy in friends and family, (11) Embracing community, and (12) Caring for our home, the Earth. Study groups can do all 12 lessons or they can select six or more to focus on at first, then decide later whether to continue with the remaining lessons. Detailed instructions on how to form and conduct a simplicity study group are included.

Simplicity Lessons focuses on not only what simplicity means for individuals and families, but also on the bigger picture -- what are the implications of simplicity for society as a whole?

You can purchase Simplicity Lessons on line from The Simple Living Network, Amazon and other online booksellers. This book is also available in many retail book stores.

The Circle of Simplicity: Return to the Good Life by Cecile Andrews (New York: Harper Collins, 1997). Cecile Andrews is a leader in the development of voluntary simplicity study circles. In several chapters of this book, she discusses the significance of a study circle as a learning tool, a form of democracy in action, and a way to experience community with others. The topics in this guide include: (1) introductions and the meaning of voluntary simplicity, (2) understanding the study circle process, (3) reducing consumption, (4) finding your passion, (5) earning money from your passion, (6) building community, (7) slowing down, living mindfully, (8) transforming your work and (9) public policy issues.

Simplicity Study Circles: A Step-by-Step Guide by Mark Burch (Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers, 1997). Mark Burch, author of Simplicity: Notes, Stories and Exercises for Developing Unimaginable Wealth, offers a guided tour of a study circle program based on ten meetings featuring different aspects of voluntary simplicity. Topics include (1) What is Voluntary Simplicity, Anyway? (2) Simplicity and Personal Growth, (3) The Best Things in Life, (4) Simplicity: The First "R" (as in reducing), (5) Getting Started: "De-Junking" Your Life , (6) Time & Treasure Check-Up: Time (7) Time & Treasure Check-Up: Money, (8) Simplicity & Community, (9) Enough is Enough Already, (10) Inner Simplicity: "De-Junking" Mind and Heart. Copies of the guide can be ordered from Alternatives for Simple Living.

Your Money or Your Life: A Study Guide for Groups (New Road Map Foundation). This guide is designed for groups to begin implementing the first five steps described in the book, Your Money or Your Life, by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. These steps focus on transforming your relationship with money and achieving financial independence. They involve tracking the money that is coming into, and going out of, your life, evaluating the exchange of life energy for money, and determining whether the expenditure of your life energy is in alignment with your life values and purpose. The program contemplates eight self-facilitated sessions of approximately one hour each. Available from The Simple Living Network.

Voluntary Simplicity: A Discussion Course by Northwest Earth Institute. This course is designed for eight sessions: (1) The Meaning of Simplicity, (2) Living More with Less, (3) Your Money or Your Life, (4) Do You Have the Time? (5) How Much is Enough, (6) Swimming Against the Tide, (7) The Practice of Simplicity, and (8) Celebration. Each session includes excerpts from a variety of authors. Also included are guidelines for the facilitator.

Existing Study Circles/Discussion Groups. If you would like to see if there is already a ongoing study group in your area, be sure to check out the directory of study circles and discussion groups provided by The Simple Living Network