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Anti-consumerist Druid: How I Beat My Shopping Addiction Through Connection With Nature
Many of us are coming to terms with the devastating global effects of overconsumption, and for me the desire to quit shopping has led me to explore Paganism, and then to Druidry! This is not a book about Druidry. This is a book about how I stopped overconsumption consuming me, and on that journey discovered a connection with nature that led to me becoming a student of Druidry, and about how those beliefs and practices helped me to rebuild a more authentic, creative, enchanted life.
168 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 7, 2022
I received a digital ARC for this book from the author.
There are two kinds of books about consumerism, those that are annoyingly preachy, making you feel like a loser for not living a completely frugal life and those that are relatable and help you see points in your own life that you could improve while still embracing life. This book was definitely one of the latter. As Katrina Townsend says, over-saturation can make you feel “bludgeoned with more things I ought to be doing” and overwhelmed as well as costing you a bundle trying to go green or frugal. You need to be mindful at take it slowly. Her interest in Druidry and spirituality helped her find focus.
From the start I was drawn in by Townsend’s friendly tone and nonjudgmental style. She showed her own failings and made it clear that it is normal to be drawn into the cycle of consumerism in our modern lives. Her story is probably at least a little familiar to most of us. Haven’t most of us been sucked in by the serotonin cycle of online shopping, especially during repeated lock-downs with little to no real human interactions to be had?
The second part of the book about connecting with nature and magic was also something that resonated with me. It is absolutely true that while magic is innately about connecting with nature and the ethereal elements, we are sold an idea that if we buy all the right items somehow the world of magic will open up to us. Simply connecting with nature and the seasons is actually a good way to start. “There is no part of life where a Druid is not engaging with their gods, ancestors and the environment- lighting a fire in the hearth, tending the garden, caring for children, watching the sunrise.” What Do Druids Do, a Druid Network article, quoted by Townsend.
The Anti-consumerist Druid is a book that helps identify issues and solve them in a more creative way. It reminds us “the panacea for shopping is not asceticism” and to embrace creativity and mindfulness over consumerism. To simply do creative things and embrace the everyday joys that life has to offer.
Full review on my blog https://lauramorrigan.blogspot.com/20...
There are two kinds of books about consumerism, those that are annoyingly preachy, making you feel like a loser for not living a completely frugal life and those that are relatable and help you see points in your own life that you could improve while still embracing life. This book was definitely one of the latter. As Katrina Townsend says, over-saturation can make you feel “bludgeoned with more things I ought to be doing” and overwhelmed as well as costing you a bundle trying to go green or frugal. You need to be mindful at take it slowly. Her interest in Druidry and spirituality helped her find focus.
From the start I was drawn in by Townsend’s friendly tone and nonjudgmental style. She showed her own failings and made it clear that it is normal to be drawn into the cycle of consumerism in our modern lives. Her story is probably at least a little familiar to most of us. Haven’t most of us been sucked in by the serotonin cycle of online shopping, especially during repeated lock-downs with little to no real human interactions to be had?
The second part of the book about connecting with nature and magic was also something that resonated with me. It is absolutely true that while magic is innately about connecting with nature and the ethereal elements, we are sold an idea that if we buy all the right items somehow the world of magic will open up to us. Simply connecting with nature and the seasons is actually a good way to start. “There is no part of life where a Druid is not engaging with their gods, ancestors and the environment- lighting a fire in the hearth, tending the garden, caring for children, watching the sunrise.” What Do Druids Do, a Druid Network article, quoted by Townsend.
The Anti-consumerist Druid is a book that helps identify issues and solve them in a more creative way. It reminds us “the panacea for shopping is not asceticism” and to embrace creativity and mindfulness over consumerism. To simply do creative things and embrace the everyday joys that life has to offer.
Full review on my blog https://lauramorrigan.blogspot.com/20...
August 31, 2022
I received a digital ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid: How I Beat My Shopping Addiction Through Connection with Nature got my attention from the moment I first stumbled across it. Never in my life had I considered the possibility of a link between something as mundane as a shopping addiction and one's spiritual journey, but I was intrigued. Needless to say, when I was offered a digital copy in exchange for an honest review, I did not hesitate for one second but dove right in.
Katrina Townsend invites the reader to join her on a unique journey of self-discovery. In the first half of the book, she gives a very open and honest account of her relation with overconsumption, and more specifically, her struggle with a serious shopping addiction. The reader gains insight into her attempts to overcome this addiction through trial and error. In the second half, Townsend finds a deeper understanding of nature, spirituality, and therefore herself, which helps her beat her addictive habits.
Townsend’s writing style is inviting from the get-go. She comes across as friendly and non-judgmental and manages to dip her tales of woe into a healthy dose of humour. Her openness about not only the ups, but also the often overwhelming downs of her quest makes it virtually impossible not to sympathise with her. Despite the perhaps somewhat unconventional subject matter, there is nothing too woolly about Townsend’s prose. She comes across as delightfully down-to-earth and also provides insight into her own bouts of scepticism, making her all the more relatable.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid differs from most other anti-consumerist books in that it does not promise to change your life: it will not make you impulsively throw out half your possessions and create a brand new budgeting spreadsheet, inevitably resulting in a ‘new and improved you’. On the contrary, Townsend acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight because human behaviour is far more complicated than that. Instead, she warmly invites the reader to be more mindful about their daily habits. Townsend’s path may not be one-size-fits-all but it does offer far more nuance than your average self-help guide. It’s also a delightful read to boot.
Review first published on Graveyard Picnic.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid: How I Beat My Shopping Addiction Through Connection with Nature got my attention from the moment I first stumbled across it. Never in my life had I considered the possibility of a link between something as mundane as a shopping addiction and one's spiritual journey, but I was intrigued. Needless to say, when I was offered a digital copy in exchange for an honest review, I did not hesitate for one second but dove right in.
Katrina Townsend invites the reader to join her on a unique journey of self-discovery. In the first half of the book, she gives a very open and honest account of her relation with overconsumption, and more specifically, her struggle with a serious shopping addiction. The reader gains insight into her attempts to overcome this addiction through trial and error. In the second half, Townsend finds a deeper understanding of nature, spirituality, and therefore herself, which helps her beat her addictive habits.
Townsend’s writing style is inviting from the get-go. She comes across as friendly and non-judgmental and manages to dip her tales of woe into a healthy dose of humour. Her openness about not only the ups, but also the often overwhelming downs of her quest makes it virtually impossible not to sympathise with her. Despite the perhaps somewhat unconventional subject matter, there is nothing too woolly about Townsend’s prose. She comes across as delightfully down-to-earth and also provides insight into her own bouts of scepticism, making her all the more relatable.
The Anti-Consumerist Druid differs from most other anti-consumerist books in that it does not promise to change your life: it will not make you impulsively throw out half your possessions and create a brand new budgeting spreadsheet, inevitably resulting in a ‘new and improved you’. On the contrary, Townsend acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight because human behaviour is far more complicated than that. Instead, she warmly invites the reader to be more mindful about their daily habits. Townsend’s path may not be one-size-fits-all but it does offer far more nuance than your average self-help guide. It’s also a delightful read to boot.
Review first published on Graveyard Picnic.
February 13, 2023
We’re along a similar path and it was nice to see that in print.
I am mindful that this author is a CIS white woman who has the privilege of a house and not working full time. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Overall a good reminder to be mindful with our habits and money.
I am mindful that this author is a CIS white woman who has the privilege of a house and not working full time. Take it all with a grain of salt.
Overall a good reminder to be mindful with our habits and money.
November 27, 2022
A little heavy handed at times but overall the message of the dangers of consumerism and social media are much needed today. I found much to consider in this book and I would recommend it highly.
April 4, 2023
I think I cherry picked pieces of this book I liked and that were relevant - about 85% of it in my opinion. I appreciated her chronicling the psychology behind her cycle of binge and purge shopping (something I’m very familiar with, although never coming close to the financially devastating degree she describes), the commentary regarding consumerist culture’s impact on the earth and climate, and especially the solution (for her) of getting back to creating (cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, making music and art) and breaking the habit of mindless consumption (buying stuff, consuming social media or other screen time). I also liked her commentary about reconnecting to our personal physical communities and neighbors.
The pieces less relevant to me were the pagan parts, the true Druid connection to nature/goddesses stuff (never really been an outdoorsy kind of gal). But those were fun to read nonetheless.
The pieces less relevant to me were the pagan parts, the true Druid connection to nature/goddesses stuff (never really been an outdoorsy kind of gal). But those were fun to read nonetheless.
February 15, 2023
Short and easy read for anyone interested in anti-consumerism. I enjoyed the overall tone and writing style (I too, like to use a lot of parentheses), and thought a lot of good points and insights were made without coming across heavy-handed or preachy.
October 9, 2022
Ebook provided by the author for review. Thank you!
An engaging and beautifully written book. A little bit memoir, a little bit self-help, and a sprinkling of spiritual guidance in the vein of follow your instincts and emphasis on everyone's journey is different.
Katrina writes with unflinching honesty, she openly admits when she makes mistakes but dispenses with a woe is me attitude, she just gets on with it. Her advice is real and solid and you can apply the principles of shopping consciously and appreciating the small things in life even without having issues with a shopping addiction.
There are also some great points about the climate and social media. It's too easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed about climate change but even small changes can make a difference. Katrina doesn't say it specifically but a lot of the book in general makes me think of the old make do and mend philosophy. As for social media, moderation is key and kill the comparison. It always feels like everyone is in a better place than you but so much is behind the scenes and not all of it is necessarily good.
As for Druidry... It's not something I knew a lot about beforehand although I have had fleeting interests in Wicca and Paganism over the years (and a lot of witchy themed books on my shelves to show it). However, reading Katrina's story of discovery and her spiritual experiences and finding that Earthly connection was truly inspiring.
On the whole I loved and appreciated this book and I look forward to reading future works by Katrina.
An engaging and beautifully written book. A little bit memoir, a little bit self-help, and a sprinkling of spiritual guidance in the vein of follow your instincts and emphasis on everyone's journey is different.
Katrina writes with unflinching honesty, she openly admits when she makes mistakes but dispenses with a woe is me attitude, she just gets on with it. Her advice is real and solid and you can apply the principles of shopping consciously and appreciating the small things in life even without having issues with a shopping addiction.
There are also some great points about the climate and social media. It's too easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed about climate change but even small changes can make a difference. Katrina doesn't say it specifically but a lot of the book in general makes me think of the old make do and mend philosophy. As for social media, moderation is key and kill the comparison. It always feels like everyone is in a better place than you but so much is behind the scenes and not all of it is necessarily good.
As for Druidry... It's not something I knew a lot about beforehand although I have had fleeting interests in Wicca and Paganism over the years (and a lot of witchy themed books on my shelves to show it). However, reading Katrina's story of discovery and her spiritual experiences and finding that Earthly connection was truly inspiring.
On the whole I loved and appreciated this book and I look forward to reading future works by Katrina.
July 9, 2023
As someone who has also struggled with excessive purchasing at times, and has a connection and interest in earth based spirituality, I was eager to see how Ms. Townsend’s thoughts and journey may parallel my own. There were some parts of this book that really got me thinking and felt eye opening. Ms. Townsend posed and answered questions I had not thought of but felt very true to myself.
At first I was flying through this book and then, about halfway through, I had to keep pushing myself to keep going. I think I was expecting the author to dig deeper. To share more in terms of psychological / mental experiences. I also was hoping to hear a little more about her Druidic practices that led to helping her curb her overly consumeristic practices. At the end of this book I was left feeling like this book was a bit shallow, in the sense that, it didn’t go deep enough.
I really appreciated that she included a suggested reading list in the back.
At first I was flying through this book and then, about halfway through, I had to keep pushing myself to keep going. I think I was expecting the author to dig deeper. To share more in terms of psychological / mental experiences. I also was hoping to hear a little more about her Druidic practices that led to helping her curb her overly consumeristic practices. At the end of this book I was left feeling like this book was a bit shallow, in the sense that, it didn’t go deep enough.
I really appreciated that she included a suggested reading list in the back.
February 24, 2023
Perhaps I misunderstood the purpose of this book. I was under the impression it was meant to provide helpful information in regards to shopping addiction. Instead it reads rather like a beginner's guide to Druidry. While I found some helpful tidbits for the other, I think it would have done well to perhaps spend a little bit more time on what the title advertised. It really does read as though it should have been two separate books. The first half of the book is lovely, it's insightful and provided some tidbits that I will be able to use in my own life. After that I found very little info that would be helpful outside of life as a Druid. I'm just a bit let down I suppose. :/
July 12, 2024
Katrina, Thank you for writing this book! It is indescribably brave to put yourself out their and share your experiences, your downfalls, and your journey as you’ve navigated your personal spiritual path. I am an American in the middle of my initiatory year practicing Druidry. I have had similar experiences to you, but less historical sights to visit, nor a Wicca community to join. I’ve been back to visit England twice now, but no resounding experiences except to-unfortunately-confirm it might not be the place for me to get my Masters degree. However, your book has given me hope. Something to guide me on my own spiritual path, as a Druid and someone trying to live as sustainably as possible. Your book made me swoon as well as laugh! You have some gorgeous prose and a great sense of humor 🙂 Thank you.
April 30, 2024
This is hands down the most important book I have read in the last couple of years. Highlights include:
The relationship between over-shopping and unmet needs
The relationship between consumerism and the climate change crisis
The relationship between nature-based practices and attitudes towards climate change
The concept of service that every individual can perform to make the world better and contribute to minimising the causes and effects of climate change.
There is more, all written in a non-judgemental, non-preachy way. The author emphasises that this is her personal experience and journey. I think her approach can be applied by everyone.
The relationship between over-shopping and unmet needs
The relationship between consumerism and the climate change crisis
The relationship between nature-based practices and attitudes towards climate change
The concept of service that every individual can perform to make the world better and contribute to minimising the causes and effects of climate change.
There is more, all written in a non-judgemental, non-preachy way. The author emphasises that this is her personal experience and journey. I think her approach can be applied by everyone.
December 13, 2022
As someone who also finds it very easy to waste hours of time on social media and online shopping, I found Katrina's book incredibly insightful. The writing is humorous, well articulated and thought provoking. Climate change is a global emergency and there were some excellent suggestions in here which are easy to do and encourage more social interaction with loved ones. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in a new perspective, and moving away from the overly consumerist lifestyles many of us find ourselves in these days.
February 21, 2023
A sensible down to earth book. It's not a preachy list of things to do to stop shopping, instead it's an honest telling of a story of how Katrina realised she had a problem and how she worked through it by coming off line and going outside and walking and playing with the spud instead of scrolling aimlessly for hours. Highly recommended
December 24, 2023
I found this book to be easy to read as well as very thought provoking. I particularly enjoyed the author’s own cynicism about her new way of life as I feel it reflects how so many of us feel. At the end of this book, I found myself really reconsidering many aspects of my life. In one word, I would call it inspiring.
January 7, 2024
A big breath of fresh air
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews