Mahatma Gandhi played a huge part in the political history of India yet lived a very simple life despite his influence and stature. In the end he scaled down to wearing only a loincloth with sandals and having only a pair of glasses, a watch, a book of songs and a bowl. He found that by limiting his material possessions he not only simplified his life but also created inner peace Lately I find myself often thinking about Gandhi while helping Matilda with Oupa Frans. He is totally preoccupied with a few possessions: his cap, his watch and his glasses. Sitting buck naked on the little bench in the bathroom after we have showered him, he’ll be looking and asking for them first thing. Despite being then strangely overdressed naked, according to him he is ready to face the world. When asked why it is so important to him to have his glasses as his eyes are not that bad, he replies: “They are the only glasses I’ve got. Gandhi would have said: “They are the only glasse...
The Restory is a Retreat Centre nestled against Tafelkop, a singular mountain head near Wakkerstroom, South Africa. Here we live a simple life as contemplatives. It is a place of re-connection: with ourselves, people, Nature, Silence and Creativity. Our retreats are aimed at this. Our conversations, writing and art centre around the univocity of life. We need a place that reminds us that we are all one. The Restory hopes to be such a place and space.