- Voluntary simplicity, or simple living, is a way of life that rejects the high-consumption, materialistic lifestyles of consumer cultures and affirms what is often just called ‘the simple life’ or ‘downshifting.’[1] The rejection of consumerism arises from the recognition that ordinary Western-style consumption habits are degrading the planet; that lives of high consumption are unethical in a world of great human need; and that the meaning of life does not and cannot consist in the consumption or accumulation of material things. Extravagance and acquisitiveness are accordingly considered an unfortunate waste of life, certainly not deserving of the social status and admiration they seem to attract today. The affirmation of simplicity arises from the recognition that very little is needed to live well – that abundance is a state of mind, not a quantity of consumer products or attainable through them.
How does everyone relate to this concept? Anyone living by this philosophy?
I really like that phrase "voluntary simplicity". It takes away a lot of the negative connotation that these things usually have on people. I've also always really wanted to do this, but time and time again I've proven I can't. I was very interested in the ideals of Buddhism for a month, I tried to start meditating everyday, I took daily walks just to watch the sky for a week or two - but every time I ended up finding something "better" to do with my time. "Better" as in, I could be leveling up in a game. That's a more efficient use of time, right? I hate it but I slip back into a mindset of being productive in a net-neutral or negative activity is "better" than simply taking time for an activity that is net-positive in the long run. It doesn't help that I'm a fidget-y kind of person. I always need something to do, whether it is playing with my keys or playing with my iPhone. The iPhone has secured its spot, however, and it would be like quitting an addiction to keep that thing away for a day. Society as a whole is getting more and more afraid of living like this because of people like me, who don't feel like they can afford to take the time to live simpler. Mad props to anyone who does this. I'd like tips.
I understand how you feel. I have tried to make meditation part of my daily life and failed so I'm probably not the best to give advice. The most successful thing that worked so far was having a mobile app that reminds me to meditate. There are several out there. Also, when I see the reminder, if I don't feel like doing it, I ask myself:
Some more tips on how to meditate regularly. As for living more simply, I'm as trapped in the comforts of the modern lifestyle as anyone else. I was hopping that someone who has volunteered to live simply would drop us some tips and inspiration. But probably those people don't have a computer or the web."What are you prioritizing ahead of peace and contentment?"