I love, love, LOVE this excerpt from the book Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith (via Ben Saunders):

"We are richer now, but more overworked, more deeply in thrall to the addictions of getting and spending. We have more possessions, and they tyrannise us. Each new mod con must be shopped for, maintained, insured, upgraded; each new thing must be stored, kept track of, kept secure, tidied; and the whole package is paid for in overwork, time-poverty, round-the-clock availability and round-the-clock insecurity.

We have more, and we have less. In such a world, freedom is both more precious and more elusive than ever. And one of the few surefire ways of liberating ourselves from the tyranny of the consumer society is to put ourselves beyond its reach."

What a poignant and perfectly said point.

We love our iPhones and our Blackberries; our Kindles and our DVRs. But just for now, just for a day or two, let's power-down and put them away. Let's go offline. Let's talk to our families, drink tea, and read paperback books. Let's feel the excitement that our kids feel on Christmas Eve. Let's taste our food. Let's take deep breaths. Let's relax for reals.

Thank you to all who have visited my site, subscribed to my blog, or shared Get Natured with others. I am excited to begin a new year and I so look forward to hearing from you!

Happy holidays and happy New Year. May you find some peaceful, untethered togetherness with your favorite people!