Simple living is a term that’s getting thrown around everywhere.
What does it mean?
I like to think back to how I imagined my grandparents might have grown up. Everything was just that...SIMPLE. Every aspect of the way they lived was intentional.
They grew food in their gardens, canned food in mason jars for the winter, sewed clothes when they had a hole in them, hung clothes out on the line to try, connected with each other on a human level (no technology involved), and so much more.
Now simple living is more of an umbrella term. It can mean a variety of things but they can all be grouped together. One main way they can differ is the level of simplicity you chose. Some people will be minimalists, others low waste, or more intentional, or self-sufficient, or a few of these together, or maybe even all of the above. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just go with whatever you are called to and test things out along the way. It’s an ever evolving journey.
One thing we can all agree on is that living simply and holistically go hand in hand. Better yet, simplifying your life will also lead you towards living out your life’s purpose.
When you are living intentionally you are living life on purpose and doing things with purpose. Slowing down is a part of simplicity because you notice each moment and you are living in the present. With our busy lives it can be difficult to make time to slow down. I think it is necessary in the chaos of daily life to take time for yourself and be intentional with it. Whether that’s making time to read or journal every morning or sipping your morning tea or coffee with no distractions. (phone & computer screen I’m talking to you)
Simple living gives you the ability to live in the moment and enjoy every gift the world has to offer.
It’s about learning what nature can give to us and what we can give back to it in return.
It’s about being grateful for what you already have and not buying into the concept of needing more.
It’s about doing it yourself instead of buying goods the world makes you think you need.
It’s about slowing down when the world around you is at hyper-speed.
It’s about connecting back with this earth and being mindful of your impact.
Simple and sustainable go hand in hand. In time you might be feeling more in tune with your body and nature. If you are eating fresh fruits and vegetables that you are growing yourself or your local farmer is growing you can’t help but feel more in tune with both. Your body wants what nature has to provide not some processed, convenient BS.
Meditation can also be a great teacher when learning how to slow down and connect with yourself. When you take moments for yourself like this you get clearer on who you are and what you are meant to do. You feel alignment with yourself and you are no longer opposing who you are meant to be.
When you practice this you may come to find you are truly living in harmony with what you feel is right for your life. You are no longer distracted so you can finally find what you are called to do and how you are meant to live.
Taking moments to be still and slow down are truly a treasure when everything around us is in a hurry. We often buy into the notion that we need it now or that we don’t have the time. The more we slow down and simplify, the more we can be grateful for all that we have and realize we have the time if we prioritize what’s important to us.
Living in this way gives you so much. You have more time to spend with the ones you love and have more time to do the things you love.
Simplifying isn’t a competition and you don’t have to suffer to live this way. That’s why there are so many things that simple living can mean because it’s not one size fits all. It’s what works for you in your life and makes you happy. You know what makes you happy so do more of that.
Think about it. Give it a try!
What are some ways you could simplify your life to nourish your mind, body, and the environment?
