Practising Simplicity: Small steps and brave choices for a life less distracted

by Jodi Wilson

I'm not here to nag you and tell you that you need to live with less stuff. Nor will I tell you that owning less is a sure and certain path to happiness. But let me tell you what it's like to carry all you own with you … to reduce your consumption and increase your free time and to realise that everything you need in life can fit in a caravan along with those you love most …
- from Chapter 7

It is natural to fear uncertainty. But what if you embraced it, listened to your intuition and made the tiny or big decisions to slow life right down? What if you had more space in your life for connection to nature and those around you? What if you stepped off the treadmill and forged a new path?

In Practising Simplicity , author and photographer Jodi Wilson shines a light on all the best things in life that don't cost money and how you can incorporate them into your lifestyle, whatever your circumstances. For her, the simplicity of living in a tiny home on wheels was at first terrifying but ultimately the essential answer to anxiety and overwhelm.

A beautiful, unflinching encouragement to let go of the unnecessary, Practising Simplicity inspires us to celebrate the simple yet extraordinary joys that make life meaningful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sustainability, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so very glad to have found Jodi Wilson on Instagram. She's wise and gentle and has put so much thought into ways to live simply and well. It's not only the words in this book that are inspiring. The images are beautiful, too. l will be reading this book again and again.

[Peta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, very easy and relaxing to read with beautiful photography.

[Stacey C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book and the messages Jodi shared with us.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a tutorial about downsizing nor a travel guide, this is a story about how one woman changed her lifestyle. I know I know there's hundreds of books about people selling up and taking off to do A Lap round Australia, however I think Jodi Wilson has managed to put a welcoming spin on hers. It's chock-full with beautiful photos and reads almost like a journal. On page 20 this sentence - 'If we are privileged enough to live with choice, we have the opportunity to embrace adventure: the unusual, the thrilling, the daring.' The privilege of choice! Whoa. I had to stop and let that sink in. Then there’s a wonderful chapter about Mole Creek '...about as small as a small town gets in Tasmania.' This bit of writing really moved me. I lived at Mole Creek a few years while my girls were toddlers and the reading left me quite homesick for the place. I think the main message Jodie wants us to get is this - we need to sit down more often and appreciate the ordinary things in our lives. As she says - 'Every day is an opportunity for choice and change.'

[Jennie Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and I am pleased to see that most people did, but I found it monotonous and repetitive. Firstly I was expecting a more practical book. I found it hard to get into the head of the writer who seemed to have a different mindset to me. They lived an adventure but I could read no sense of this in the writing. Perhaps it's just me? I am disappointed that I wasted over $20 on a book that took me just over an hour to read and left me thinking it was an hour I could have spent in a better way.

[Torrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an absolute love for the specialty niche in books that combines gorgeous photography with thoughtful essays on life, particularly on finding joy in the ordinary. I've been a big fan of Jodi Wilson for years dating back to when I first discovered her blog, and this book capturing her family's caravan adventure was the perfect comfort read every time I wanted to unwind. I don't keep many books after reading them once, but I will for sure be keeping this one. So lovely.

[Jemima Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timeless guide for navigating the bustle and tumult of life in a way that is genuinely meaningful. What a rare, profound and beautiful book. I will revisit this writing often, for solace, comfort, reassurance and light. It has markedly shifted my thinking and awareness. The author, Jodi Wilson, is masterful, but so down to earth and accessible. A very special read, and one that I will never tire of recommending or buying for others.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and enjoyable read.

Two quotes that are a stand out for me:
“Are you ready to be delighted by the glorious monotony of the everyday, to celebrate the remarkable ordinariness of life and yourself?”

“We may live complex lives in an increasingly agitated world, we also know that the most direct route to contentment is to live less distracted and focus on what matters, to stop pining and start living.”

[Sarah Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It transports you away as if you’re exploring Australia too. It’s absolutely stunningly written. Absolute piece of art that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and pictures on every page that are beautiful. I am sure I will read this again and gift this book to other people too. Side note the quality of the pages is also amazing!

[Alysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never wanted this book to end….yet I wanted to keep reading!! Each time I picked it up to read a chapter, I felt my whole body relax, and I felt like I could breathe again as I read Jodi’s words.

A book I know I will come back to time and again, sometimes just for the photos 💜 I feel like it’s time to make a change….and start my own version of “Practising Simplicity”.

[Alib · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pretty photos and nice ideas but I wondered about after the trip - have Jodi’s belongings expanded into the new house? We all start with very little but it just seems to collect… I’d like tips for normal life as well as the insights that travelling can bring. Camping is always lovely in its simplicity yet hard to replicate at home.

[Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I was anticipating but when I slowed down and enjoyed it for what it was I enjoyed it – an invitation to review what is important to you and to prioritise relationships and time. The point could have been made in fewer words but the photography was beautiful.

[Kelsey Lou Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this book last night I loved every minute of it. The pictures were stunning. The stories were amazing. It’s interesting to see a little life less distracted from technology. Overall I enjoyed it.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's strange that this book didn't do very much for me when I adore the author's newsletter. Maybe I like her writing about simplicity best when it's short, weekly reminders, rather than a long, meandering book with too many pictures for my liking.

[Amy Polyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi has written a beautiful rumination on facing your fears, embracing the land on which we live and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Inspiring.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read. A moment of pause in my day.

[Natacake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book Practising Simplicity is. Filled with stunning photography and wonderful writing. I’d recommend to anyone wanting to slow down and reevaluate things.

[Sarah Kmiecik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the pictures in this book; the photography is great.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are no practical tips in this book, no self-deprecating stories of things gone wrong. Just a lovely reminder to slow down a bit and enjoy where you are for a time. Lovely.

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Jamie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful piece of writing. Not a "how-to" book, more of a simplicity reset. A book you can read a little at time....lovely reminders.

[Samira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So inspiring!

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir of travelling, a bit of living minimally, and a bunch of beautiful photos.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this well written personal reflection.

[Katie Steuerwald · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting story to help people enjoy the simple things in life even when they are hard

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this as an e-book to read, and ended up borrowing the hardcover version from my local library, which I’m so glad I did because it’s a book to enjoy in the flesh, with stunning photographs documenting Jodi’s collection of memories that entwine themselves amongst her beautifully written words on living a simple life.
Loved this book to it’s core and know it will be one I read again many times.