The Abundance of Less

Lessons in Simple Living from Rural Japan

By: Andy Couturier

Narrated by: Adam Riley

Inspiring stories of 10 urbanites who decided to ‘the simple life’ in the rural mountains of Japan—for anyone interested in sustainable living, Japanese culture, and Eastern spirituality.

“Subversive in the best possible way.” —Bill McKibben, New York Times–bestselling author

The Abundance of Less captures the texture of sustainable lives well lived in these 10 profiles of ordinary—yet exceptional—men and women who left behind mainstream existences in urban Japan to live surrounded by the luxuries of nature, art, friends, delicious food, and an abundance of time. Drawing on traditional Eastern spiritual wisdom and culture, these pioneers describe the profound personal transformations they underwent as they escaped the stress, consumerism, busyness, and dependence on technology of modern life.

This intimate and evocative book tells of their fulfilling lives as artists, philosophers, and farmers who rely on themselves for happiness and sustenance. By inviting readers to enter into the essence of these individuals’ days, Couturier shows us how we too can bring more meaning and richness to our own lives.

What a beautiful beautiful book

This book was such a welcome surprise. Didn't know what to expect because I stumbled on it and randomly decided to buy it. It was beautiful, comforting, healing, and a such a gentle teacher in living from deep within. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

LIVING IDEAS FOR THE VERY BRIGHT

Don't make the mistake of thinking this is another get-rid-of-stuff-and- be happy books. I don't think clutter or trendy minimalism is mentioned. There is travel and religion but no system for happy living. The intelligent author has gotten to know a number of bright, creative Japanese people who grow their own food and work only part-time jobs or barter -- or they sell something they have grown or made. The only man who really works has kids in college.

Mr. Courturier has traveled and studied Japanese. He visits all these people more than once or twice. He stays with them and visits their pottery workshops and rice fields. He describes the meals they prepare from what they have grown. Really, he loves these people, so we do also. Sprinkled through the book are poems and texts by the people in the book. It seems their lives are so full with creative projects, gardening, civic projects and reading that they don't miss TV at all. One chapter in particular had so much after-dinner intellectual chatter that I was asking, "But how do they make do on so little?" but as I am educated and very lonely, I enjoyed all the good talk. The writing is beautiful, and the descriptions exquisite. The references to religion are simply Hindu or Muslim or what faith is practiced in a particular town -- no preaching! There is discussion of aesthetics in decorating the home, in batik and in ceramics.

The author and his lady have built their own house way back in the California boonies possibly near the den of "L'il Smokey" a California Black Bear rescued from a forest fire near Redding in 2008. He was rehabbed at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care in South Lake Tahoe. After watching him play with a live fish before realizing the fish was his supper, and after following his growth on the camera, I moved to Tahoe to volunteer with LTWC. The not so little Smokey grew from 8-1/2 pounds to nearly 100. He had become a celebrity, so placement of the sedated bear in a carefully selected den was a great secret. I was told they drove "2 hours past Yreka"! A couple years later, I got a psychic reading on this bear. He was doing his bear business. So Andy, be kind to the bears! Give them the cookies!

This book is for repeated listens and worth two credits I have not met such bright people often in a long lifetime!

Great Book!

The whole book is great but the last two chapters are brilliant. This book could change your life.

Real people living remarkable lives!

Very good performance, except for some strange pronunciations: (e.g. "Vague" does not rhyme with"bag".)

The people whose life choices and experiences the author describes are extraordinary, interesting, and worthy subjects. I so wish that I - and the world at large - could hear more!
The world would be a better place if more people lived as they have.

Beautiful Storytelling that Invokes a Sense of Longing

This book reached something deep in me. Not a craving for minimalism, but a craving for a life lived with intention. Every story felt like sitting with someone who stripped their life down to what mattered and found a richer world because of it. The writing was gentle and honest, never rushed, never loud, but full of quiet strength. It reminded me that abundance isn’t about having more. It’s about clearing out everything that steals your peace so you can finally hear God, hear yourself, and breathe again. When it ended, I was left with a real longing to slow down, simplify, and choose my days instead of being dragged through them. Beautiful book. It stays with you.