Sometimes, a setback feels like a distraction because it can reduce function in other areas or take away focus. Other times it might act as a motivator. In either of these physical reactions, emotionally we are eventually drawn to recenter ourselves. Its also a time when a person might resort to vices as a crutch to get through. This is a great time to examine why. Its important to not only rely on our inspired days. So that's what I did today. I examined why.
Here are my reminders
Simplicity
Simplicity creates efficiency. NAR did a study about kitchens, and found that the new style of open and expansive kitchens aren't being used to their potential. Not only that, they are being used far less than the older, smaller, cramped kitchens that had people demanding bigger kitchens in the first place. The conclusion is that they are widely an unnecessary luxury space purchased for reasons of vanity more than function. We make better use of limitations than we do the limitless. I'm just speculating, but perhaps limitations spark creativity and inspiration.
Meaningful relationships
Having less space and being less preoccupied with entertainment areas that we retreat into creates an arrangement that induces more involvement with the others around you. Sharing space requires negotiating treaties, and taking turns with choices, and even playing together.
A tidy home
Having fewer belongings really cuts down the time it takes to clean and keep organized. The best thing about this is how much we decrease belongings, is directly proportionate to the time to clean it up. Once you notice this, it encourages further decluttering.
Reconnect to nature
There is enough entertainment options in the modern world to occupy an entire human lifetime without having to leave the house, as well as, options to have food delivered without getting dressed. Meanwhile there are billions of living organisms just outside the door, all of which are completely fascinating and its free to admire them.
Gratitude
Once we've eliminated the duplicates, the just in case items, the thousands of items we'd probably never use, and we've streamlined to the things that we truly need, those items become more than just items. They become recognized as the chosen few. They become our sustenance. We begin to cherish the things we need and use everyday, rather than allow them to become camouflaged with all that other crap. We take better care of them. We truly recognize and appreciate quality over quantity.
Sustainability
Purchasing quality, taking better care of the chosen few, and cherishing the necessities culminates in having less to throw away. It might even deliver us to zero waste. If we fully and efficiently utilize our resources by living humbly, and intelligently, we'll discover the way to share the finite resources of this planet with each other. We'll be able to conserve the other species of earth, and save ourselves from extinction. We have to do it together as well as individually.
Health
Choosing to be outside stimulates movement. Natural sunlight is full of vitamin D. The diversity of bacteria in soil, and stream, can help broaden the immune system. Also, having less decreases stress.
Financial freedom
Perhaps the easiest and most winnable argument against consumerism is debt, or more accurately becoming free of debt. Its immeasurably enticing.
Buying everything we ever wanted leads us to financial ruin and eternal servitude. Debt is stressful. Big bills are stressful. Spending as little as possible frees us from the constraints that the average person carries, and the obligations they have made to their lifestyle choices.
Deeply breathing in the good, and exhaling all of the excess.
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