Richard Tomkins' essay explores a reality of American life that many of us ignore at our peril: time-related stress. Luckily, he suggests a solution that has deep roots in America as well: common-sense simplifying. In fact, more and more of us are finding ways to discover the calm center in our chaotic lives. Eastern systems, such as yoga and tai chi, provide many Americans with age-old ways of maintaining balance. Closer to home, the transcendental philosophy of 19th century American writers Emerson and Thoreau allow us to find, in our own nation's past, ways to cope with the ever-increasing pace of modern living that Tomkins describes in his essay.

The Institute for Stress Management

From the site: "The Institute for Stress Management offers products and services guaranteed to provide specific, practical, result producing ways to gain more control in your life and experience more enjoyment through stress management and Master Life Planning programs and techniques."

Countryside Magazine

From the site: "COUNTRYSIDE is the truly original country magazine (established 1917) serving that branch of the Voluntary Simplicity movement seeking greater self-reliance (homesteading), with emphasis on home food production."

Lehman's Non-electric Catalog

From the site: "For over forty years we've served our Amish friends and others seeking a simpler and more self-sufficient lifestyle. Since many live "off the grid," we specialize in products that don't require electricity...."

Old Father Time Becomes a Terror