Helen and Scott Nearing’s book, “Living the Good Life,” has influenced generations of individuals moving from urban to rural life and is the subject of an upcoming New Commons keynote presentation by Alissa Hessler at the University of Maine at Farmington. From its publication in 1954 right up to the present moment, people have reached for this text as a source of wisdom and practical advice on “How to Live Sanely and Simply in a Troubled World.”

Alissa Hessler Submitted photo

Alissa Hessler left the corporate creative world in 2012 and moved to the Maine coast to launch Urban Exodus, a website and podcast that documents the inspirational stories of contemporary people leaving the city to craft a meaningful rural life.

Her presentation, is “The Urban Exodus: A movement of people, in response to an uncertain future, pursuing their own interpretation of the ‘Good Life.’” In it, Hessler will feature her photo-documentation, interviews with participants and reflection on the trends that she has intimately observed in back to the land movements. The event is free and open to the public and will take place Friday, April 8, at 11:45 a.m. in the Emery Community Arts Center.

For current UMS COVID policy for visitors, go to https://www.maine.edu/together/community-guidance/everyone/

The UMF New Commons Project provides a rich offering of free events including expert talks, discussions, films, workshops and more, many online, for the education and enjoyment of people in Maine and beyond. Nominated by individuals throughout Maine, the selection of New Commons works have the common thread of representing many of the principles and cultural values that inspire and fascinate Maine residents. To learn more about the New Commons Project, and to view many of the events for the first 12 topics, visit the website at: https://newcommonsproject.org.