Reading like a page-turning novel, In Search of Simplicity is the author's true, exciting and serendipitous journey through the wilds of Papua New Guinea, the Himalayas, around the planet and into the heart of life guaranteed to change the way you see the world and so-called coincidences. The timely themes woven through the fun-to-read narrative include the power of coincidence; ecological, social and economic responsibility; and personal awakening. In today's uncertain world of financial turmoil, global warming and seemingly endless war, many feel powerless in their ability to create positive change personally, nationally and globally. This inspiring travel adventure offers plate loads of food for thought, insight into the deeper meaning of the seemingly ordinary events of life and a gateway into a life of simplicity for every reader.
John Haines was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He now lives with his family in New Zealand's lightly populated and stunning subtropical Far North. His simple life includes the growing of an abundance of organic vegetables and fruit and assisting his wife in the homeschooling of their two daughters. He broadcasts a popular weekly one hour radio interview program that is simultaneously carried on local cable television. He's lived in The Netherlands (twice), Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Mexico and Arizona, together with his first 25 years in Ontario, Canada. He met his beautiful Dutch wife Lucia in India during an 11 month period in the Himalayas. He holds Bachelor of Commerce and MBA degrees, and is a qualified teacher of the Power of Sound and Touch for Health.
John Haines is an entertaining and inspiring speaker. He facilitates workshops or what he calls playshops in voice, communication, nutrition and motivation. To arrange for speaking and/or playshop opportunities in your area contact John by email at johnhaines@xtra.co.nz or peacejourney@hotmail.com . Playshops can be created to suit the needs of your group.
The almost unbelievable chain of coincidences described in In Search of Simplicity led John around the world to Santa Fe, New Mexico. His profound experiences and experiments with Truth, simplicity, self-sufficiency and the Spirit of Nature in New Mexico, Arizona and beyond are the subject of the upcoming sequel to In Search of Simplicity. He's completing that book now.
A few words from John about In Search of Simplicity:
My search for simplicity carried me all over the world. You could call it a search for a simpler way of living, a more natural way of being.
The external journey culminated in living for periods of time with two sets of agrarian people, one Islamic, the other Christian--the Hunzas in their Shangri La stronghold at the roof top of the world and the Trobriand Islanders at their doorstep perched on coral islets in the western Pacific. Each of these societies lives with grace and in balanced harmony with nature.
The internal journey took place while staying in Dharmsala, home of the displaced Tibetans and their leader, the Dalai Lama, in northern India. That journey carried me home to the place we're all seeking, to the source of sustenance spoken of by every mystic, to the Heart of Life itself.
It is a story of import to every human being because it is the journey we are all on, a search for the meaning of life.
The story is filled with coincidences to the point of disbelief. The journey brought me in contact with inspiring people who dared to be different, who have dared to be themselves.
It is an epic adventure. It is a story of love. It has helped me to live my life with a simpler perspective and more meaning. I trust it does the same for you.
Years after the events described in In Search of Simplicity took place, I read The Celestine Prophecy for the first time. It feels like my personal journey is like that of the reluctant fictional hero created by James Redfield. I continue to be swept along on a great adventure (of my own making) to discover and to share the magic and the mystery of life. It's waiting for us all behind every smile and with every breath of the wind.
Blessings,
John
