Voluntary Simplicity

In such a hectic world, the virtues of simplicity and contentment have been displaced by greed and excess. Our lives are filled with "stuff" - things to do, things to buy, shows to watch, emails to read. But if you take a moment to examine your possessions and activities, how many of them really improve the quality of your life?

The term 'voluntary simplicity' is used to describe a process whereby people opt out of the harried life of modern day living, and choose to live a life of frugality. Frugality in the sense of enjoying the virtue of getting good value for every minute of your life energy and from everything you have. Because when you think about it, how much do you really need? How much of your "stuff" do you actually use?

As we search for meaning in our lives, we start to become aware of the emptiness and shallowness of a life based on materialism and consumerism. We become aware of the tremendous amount of life force that we expend just to keep up with the 'rat race'. We start the search of a life of deeper meaning and ask ourselves 'what gives us joy?'

What we don't realise is that we are spiritual beings, in a physical body, and when we don't connect the internal (spiritual) and the external (physical), our lives increasingly lose a sense of balance or harmony. What are the expectation and assumptions that drive us to live our lives like zombies? How much 'life force' energy are we prepared to exchange for the material goods we consume?

If you've bought into the prevailing system, stop and think about why your life seems increasingly futile no matter how much you do and how much you buy. Here are some ways you can simplify your life for more inner peace and clarity.

Have a Buy Nothing Day.

Look at the foods you consume. Do you really need so much? Choose more simply prepared and natural foods. Replacing meat, fats, and grease with veggies and fruits may seem unappetizing at first, but believe me, after a while, you will feel and look better.

Use non-toxic products such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt in your home and garden (if you have one).

Before you buy something, write the item down on a note and if you still want it after a month, purchase it then.

Decide what is really working in your life and let go of what which no longer serves you.

Surround yourself with what you really need and love.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd