Jesus.
Buddha.
Paris Hilton.
Throughout history, many have tried to define 'the simple life'. And whilst the former two individuals have been more widely praised, I feel Hilton deserves points for entertainment value. Few things are as amusing as the ditzy heiress herding cows and tackling the art of quilting for her TV series 'The Simple Life' with Nicole Ritchie.
Yes, the simple life has worn many hats; pious, redeeming, enlightening, and hard but right.
Well in 2015, simple living as a lifestyle and a movement is now officially 'trendy'. As the green revolution blazes its way through sleepy coastal towns and noisy Melbourne back-streets, it seems many are keen to discuss the benefits of a life lived simply (and not just chia smoothie drinkers). Yet despite its increased popularity, simple living itself remains difficult to define, a flexible notion that varies between individuals. In general though, most fans of modern simple living seem to agree that is must be about voluntarily choosing to live a more basic lifestyle.
So what is simple living?
Simple living may mean small changes in lifestyle for one person, or a completely new way of being for another. Living more simply may mean;
* Growing your own vegetables.
* Riding your bike instead of driving.
* Working four days a week so you can spend more time with loved ones.
* Buying ethically made goods
* Learning to recycle.
* Taking daily activities at a slower pace.
For me it has meant all of these things and plenty more.
Why do people do it?
People turn to simple living for many different reasons. They might seek simplicity for health reasons, stress reduction, or a sense of social justice. My own journey towards a simpler life was fuelled initially by my disillusionment with consumerism. Having worked in the retail industry for the last decade, I became acutely aware of the way consumerism bleeds individuals of money using widely accepted tools such as the 'trend cycle'. Buying things didn't make me happier or prettier or cooler like they were supposed to. I got sick of being the fool the consumer industry wanted me to be. On the other hand, a concern for the environment also pushed me towards a change in lifestyle. Living in a country where the Prime Minister consistently regards the environment as an enemy it became clear to me that somewhere along the way our priorities got mixed up.
5 Side Effects of Simple Living
1. Clarity
De-cluttering is a big part of what simple living means to me- getting rid of all the "stuff" in your life you don't need. I have bagged, boxed and donated. Owning less means that I am now more grateful for what I do have. I also spend less time cleaning the house and washing clothes! I have found I feel lighter and more able to concentrate on what really matters to me. Of course this means that I am now examining exactly what does matter to me, a question I could have avoided forever before.
2. Quality time
With less time spent shopping or worrying about all the things I "need", I have more time to spend with the people I love. I have become fiercely protective of my time with my partner and wouldn't give it up for all the money in the world. Working less than 50 hours a week may mean we can't go to expensive restaurants, but I am learning to be a less horrendous cook and when we do have money to go out it is a thousand times more exciting!
3. Creativity
Learning to make do with what we have has led to a number of creative projects such as Mu & Mo, a small business my partner and I started to sell handmade furniture from reclaimed timber. I am also recycling a lot more by composting and buying whole food to store straight away in glass jars (plastic free kitchen post coming soon).
4. Relaxation
Clearing my schedule so I have a more relaxed lifestyle is something I am still working on. I have found however that little activities like gardening, cooking and even driving my scooter can be meditative if I take things slowly. To rushing, I say no thank-you.
5. Health
Living more simply has encouraged us to grow our own vegetables, and even though I have a lot of bad eating habits to break, I am getting better week by week. I am aware that looking after myself as I get older is extremely important and to do so I need to exercise more and eat better. Steering clear of products that are harmful to myself or the environment is also another way I feel nurtured by simple living.
Have you made changes in your own life to allow you to live more simply?
H xx
De-cluttering is a big part of what simple living means to me- getting rid of all the "stuff" in your life you don't need. I have bagged, boxed and donated. Owning less means that I am now more grateful for what I do have. I also spend less time cleaning the house and washing clothes! I have found I feel lighter and more able to concentrate on what really matters to me. Of course this means that I am now examining exactly what does matter to me, a question I could have avoided forever before.
2. Quality time
With less time spent shopping or worrying about all the things I "need", I have more time to spend with the people I love. I have become fiercely protective of my time with my partner and wouldn't give it up for all the money in the world. Working less than 50 hours a week may mean we can't go to expensive restaurants, but I am learning to be a less horrendous cook and when we do have money to go out it is a thousand times more exciting!
3. Creativity
Learning to make do with what we have has led to a number of creative projects such as Mu & Mo, a small business my partner and I started to sell handmade furniture from reclaimed timber. I am also recycling a lot more by composting and buying whole food to store straight away in glass jars (plastic free kitchen post coming soon).
4. Relaxation
Clearing my schedule so I have a more relaxed lifestyle is something I am still working on. I have found however that little activities like gardening, cooking and even driving my scooter can be meditative if I take things slowly. To rushing, I say no thank-you.
5. Health
Living more simply has encouraged us to grow our own vegetables, and even though I have a lot of bad eating habits to break, I am getting better week by week. I am aware that looking after myself as I get older is extremely important and to do so I need to exercise more and eat better. Steering clear of products that are harmful to myself or the environment is also another way I feel nurtured by simple living.
Have you made changes in your own life to allow you to live more simply?
H xx
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