When Marian Gyr was 11 years old, she told her mother she wanted to be a philosopher.The thought never left her, even as she went on to fix Navy aircraft in California as a World War II staff sergeant, attend college in Switzerland, raise six sons, teach kindergartners and first graders, and become actively involved in environmental and peace issues. She also "collected adventures" in Italy, England, France, Germany, Poland, and Nicaragua, where her efforts focused on helping the poor and teaching English through such groups as Global Volunteers.
By the 1970s, while still raising her children, Marian had developed a philosophy to design her life as one of simplicity with minimal belongings. With fewer things to care for, she believed, she could better focus on what was important to her and gain quiet time to think and read.
Now a vigorous 78, Marian does indeed live a simple life of gardening, reading, walking, and braiding beautiful rugs out of castaway sweaters. Her life is structured in such a way that she can spend considerable time volunteering for community organizations, including the Institute. She does not own a car, and lives in a cozy studio just outside Benzonia annexed to the rustic home where her son and his family live.
Freshened by plants and flowers from her garden, Marian's space is sparsely equipped and furnished. It's all a conscious choice. "I like what George Bernard Shaw said," relates Marian with a wide smile. "The more you own, the more you have to carry on your back."
On a crisp morning last fall, Marian talked about how her philosophy of simplicity has led to a more fully engaged life.

Q:When did you become a walker?
A:I was always a walker! From grade school through to high school. As a teacher I walked to the school where I taught. Now I walk with friends or I walk alone, which is a good way because you can better feel and observe the world around you.

Q:You walk more than 20 miles a week. Does it affect the way you view the world? A:When you decide to lead a walking life, you have to give it a lot of time, but you get so much in return. You get soul. Sounds and smells and tastes and scenes. This morning, I saw two cloud banks coming toward each other and there was the perfect blue sky right above them. I like to be in on those things.

Q:Here's a personal question. How much do you live on?
A:Well, I get a $377 Social Security check and save money on it, although I draw on previous savings for my trips to Europe. Owning a car is a big expense. I read that it costs $6,000 a year to own and operate a car so that's an expense I don't have. I don't wear jewelry and I'm my own hairdresser. I study each decision I make -- will it complicate my life or simplify it?

Q:Has living in a small village made a difference?
A:Oh yes. I have lived in cities and I have lived in the country, but I have never lived in a village before. It's very different. When I first moved here I decided to see relatives in Cincinnati. Some women I had just met here were concerned about me, and kept calling to check and see if I got back okay.That's real security.
People give me rides to distant events, and I do nice things for them in exchange. I also use the senior bus. I have a friend, Myrtle, who is 100 years old, and we just took a trip together on this bus to a beautiful farm in Frankfort where she grew up. This is a community where you know people, and they watch out for each other. Community life weaves the world together.

--Anne Stanton