Simple Lifestyle Simplifying our lifestyle is the first step towards moving into greater solidarity with individuals throughout the world who are living in economic poverty. It is through solidarity that we gain a deeper understanding of another person’s experience. Los Embajadores groups do not simply perform acts of service “for” the people of Mexico, nor are they merely learning "about" the struggles of the Mexican people, rather they are living "with" the people of Mexico, particularly those experiencing poverty and other hardships. While we do not actually sleep in homes in the neighborhoods where we work, we do try to expose participants to the realities of those with whom we are living and working by creating a symbolic parallel lifestyle. We therefore strive as much as possible to live within the socio-economic reality of those with whom we are working. Los Embajadores participants eat three simple meals a day. Material luxuries such as cell phones, cameras, ipods, and discmen are strongly discouraged. Accommodations typically include a single room for females and one for males, with each participant bringing his or her own sleeping bag. Restroom and shower facilities are modest but sufficient. Groups learn through the course of the week the importance of respect for natural resources, such as water, amid this desert climate. As the week progresses, participants begin to recognize the many gifts that come from a simple lifestyle. By paring away nonessentials and luxuries, participants may see more clearly what is truly important in life. Living more simply also liberates us from distractions that can stifle deep and meaningful conversation and relationship. We experience a slower and more deliberate life that can continue even when we return to our own homes and communities – enabling us to become more perceptive and compassionate individuals. The inspiration for utilizing this type of immersion approach comes from "liberation theology" - particularly Latin American liberation theologians like Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff. For them, and for us in our immersion program, solidarity means compassion - "to suffer with." When living like the poor, we do not idealize poverty, rather as Gutierrez states, it is "a way of identifying oneself with the interests of the oppressed classes and challenging the exploitation that victimizes them." More simply put, by living and working with the poor, we see the world as they see it and we begin to understand their lives better. I will now look at life a little it differently. Instead of worrying about what I do and do not have, I am going to make the best with what I already have. |