So what exactly IS “simple living”?
Basically – there are as many opinions on what simple living is, as there are people whom are practicing it!
Some think its going off-grid and away from society
Some think it is being more involved in community
Some think its about being self-sufficient
Some think its minimalism
Some think its voluntary poverty
Some thinks its home-schooling
Some think its buying only organic
Some think its none of the above
Some think its all of the above and so much more!
There are also as many reasons for choosing simple living.
Reasons such as finances, health, spirituality, increasing quality time, stress reduction and work/life balance; or simple living can also be a reaction to materialism and conspicuous consumption.
In the most basic sense, simple living encompasses a number of different voluntary practices to simplify ones lifestyle.
These may include:
– reducing one’s possessions
– increasing self-reliance
– being satisfied with what you have, rather than trying to keep up with others
– reducing debt
– refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling and upcycling
– making food from scratch
– growing your own food
– having an awareness of your environment, and your effect on it
– taking pleasure in the ‘little things’
– plus a hundred and one other things we’re sure you can add!
Some people practice simple living by reducing consumption, as by lowering expenditure on goods or services, time spent earning money can be reduced, and the time saved can then be used to pursue other interests.
One way to help simplify life is to grow your own food.
This isn’t just for those who have paddocks of land!
City dwellers can also produce fresh home grown fruit and vegetables in small yard spaces, pot gardens or even patios.
Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, spinach, chard, peas, strawberries, and a myriad of other vegies can all thrive in pots, as well as lots of different types of herbs, and even fruit trees.
Its just about “having a go” and thinking outside the square…!
(we’ll put up more about this at a later date.)
Some of the major benefits we see in leading the simpler life, aren’t just the personal benefits to self and family – but the increased awareness of Environmentalism and Sustainability as whole – and that certainly isn’t a bad thing!
How are you moving toward a more simpler life?
Or are you already living your dream?
Either way – we’d love to hear from you about what you’re up to.
Please tell us in the comments section below 🙂
