Amish Reflection - Electricity

Electricity is the blood of our technology, our lines to the rest of the world. Even when unplugged from the rest of the world, electricity still runs through many of our thoughts. Electricity is the enabler of our modern world but a commodity that the Amish have surrendered. Before immersing myself, I wondered what a world without electricity could be like and whether or not it would be possible to live comfortably. The first step was to surrender our cell phones as we prepared ourselves from immersion. The absence of the familiar cell phone in the pocket feeling became evident very quickly but as we made our way to our first destination, the loss became more of an afterthought.  

Perhaps the most fascinating part of Amish life is how they adapt to the lack of electricity, or more specifically electricity connected to the rest of the world. The bakery showcased the use of lights powered by gasoline, the only primary difference being a distinctive smell lingering in the air constantly which would be present in most places we visited. The burning smell of some fuel was one of the constants in each Amish landmark that we visited. 

One of the biggest concerns in the winter each year is temperature, and controlling the thermostat. Without access to electricity powered temperature, I was concerned due to the belief that electricity was the only pragmatic way to deal with winters in a comfortable fashion. This misconception was quickly shattered when we visited the rug hobby shop which showcased the power of a stove.  During our stay overnight, the house was surprisingly always warmed up with only a stove in the basement. While a stove may seem to be an obvious solution to stave off the winter cold, it was more the brilliance behind the dispersal system that surprised me.

The adaptation the Amish demonstrated to the lack of electricity was perhaps the most noticeable difference between our lives and theirs and thus constantly ran through my mind.   This adaptability was showcased not only in stoves and lights but highly complicated machines as well. In our experiences with woodcutting, a motor powered instrument could be used to carve fine puzzles creating elaborate puzzles that appear no different from machine made puzzles. The Amish clearly didn't let the lack of electricity limit what they could create and the life they can enjoy. While we always think of the many benefits that come with electricity, the Amish showcased a life that only lacked electricity while keeping the many benefits we associated with electricity. 

As a closing thought, it seems that the Amish have successfully created a lifestyle that only sacrifices what their religion mandates. While I went in thinking that to accomplish the goals of their religion, they would have to give up many conveniences of modern life, this belief turned out to be false. The Amish have the same conveniences we do and only have turned away from the outside world. While some conveniences are sacrificed as a part of their religion, the Amish don't miss these conveniences having never experienced them in the first place. The world of the internet, the speed of the cell phone and many other instances of technology that connect us to the world might be missed during an immersion but like our hosts said, they don't miss what they never had.