Downshifting

Downshifting is the word for the ways in which more and more people are seeking an alternative life style, escaping from the rat race and the stress of competitive living, by somehow downshifting to a lower gear.

Increasingly downshifting has brought a realisation that material success does not compensate for the lack of spiritual satisfaction.

The first steps to downshifting are the subconscious whispers of discontent.
“Why aren’t I happy?”
“Why am I so stressed?”
“Is there more to life?”
“Why are we here?”
“How can I discover more?”
“What am I doing with my life?”
“What am I achieving?”

Next, we start looking at, and listening to, lifestyle and downshifting programmes.
We read about people who have downshifted.
We look for books on lifestyle and downshifting.

AND THEN, SOMETIMES, DOWNSHIFTING BECOMES OUR WAY OF LIFE.

Downshifting books

Any real downshifting involves commitment and bravery, a reassessment of values.

Through laughter and sadness, an actress and an IBM manager have found what many people are looking for - riches no money can buy.

Click to enlarge

POT OF GOLD is the light hearted and heart-warming account of a couple who, by downshifting from a lucrative and stressful lifestyle, set up an organic smallholding of rare breed animals in Herefordshire, England, and grew the crops to feed them, learning the hard way how to be self sufficient, to rear pigs, sheep, poultry and cattle, how to milk a cow and work a horse, and how to cope with life and death.

Their story is not only a delight to read but a reason for serious reflection on the value of life and meaning in existence through links with the natural world, a classic example of downshifting.

Some quotes from reviews:

• I couldn't put it down
• funny, touching and informative
• an honest and moving account
• delightful colour photographs

Have a laugh, have a cry. Make an informed decision on downshifting. Is there a Pot of Gold at the end of your rainbow? Buy a copy signed by the author

Email her the inscription you would like included in your book

Downshifting links

Downshifting by Gene Van Tassell The brain is made up of separate parts, each with its own function. The more ancient brain, the one that evolved first is called the reptilian brain or limbic system. This is the part of the brain which controls the flight or fight complex.

Career downshifting To change a well or highly paid, but stressful, job for one that makes it possible to improve quality of life in other respects.

Downshifting in Australia ‘Downshifting’ or ‘voluntary simplicity' reveals a change in values that’s having a profound impact on the lives of many ordinary Australians.

Ten fantastic reasons for downshifting by Tracey Smith.

Stress causes move to job downshifting Four out of 10 people aged under 35 are planning to downshift from stressful jobs to a slower pace of life.

Downshifting: How to Work Less and Enjoy Life More by John D Drake

'Downshifting' is for anyone who feels like he or she is at their wits end, perhaps trapped by a high income, perhaps feeling the effects of a crumbling family life, perhaps suffering serious mental or physical health problems, or perhaps simply wondering if work is really all there is in life.