Remember the TV show produced in the 70’s called “The Good Life”? It was about a couple who chose to live a sustainable, simplistic and self-sufficient lifestyle. They got back to basics, growing fruits and vegetables, generating power, livestock, making clothes and selling or bartering surplus crops.
This lifestyle was and still is very attractive to me. Maybe because I grew up on a farm in a similar setting with animals, crops, trees, peace and freedom. Perhaps that is what my heart is yearning for, to return to my roots! A life that seems natural, stress free, simple, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city civilisation we have been lead to believe that we need to exist in.
When being asked, “How we are going?” We tend to respond with a statement which glorifies how busy we are! Such as: flat out (like a lizard drinking), crazy, chaotic, hectic or worn out. The reality of busyness which we now consider normal is having a negative impact on our health and wellbeing.
We have been conditioned to believe that being busy is a good thing. We must constantly be achieving something, if not we are seen to be lazy! This is a very masculine way of living which is not serving humanity or the planet well.
Bad Stress
When we have a busy stressful lifestyle we place constant negative pressure on our bodies. We activate the sympathetic nervous system due to the release of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) released by the adrenal glands. This is known as the fight or flight response, increasing your heart rate and breathing pumping blood to your muscles which are getting ready for action.
This stress reaction serves us well when we are faced with an emergency but when it happens repeatedly on a daily basis your health is at risk. This response will continue in the body if the situation does not change. Stress weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness, adrenal fatigue and becoming a part of this global health crisis.
Good Stress
However there is such a thing as good stress. Exercise places stress on the body but in a positive way as it responds by getting stronger and boosts our immune system to help fight disease. Positive thoughts, love, kindness and compassion also have a positive impact on our bodies, psychology, the people around us and the planet. When we can live in harmony within ourselves and in unity with others health will prevail. Tuning in, listening and following our heart is the key to create wellbeing.
Simple changes to our current lifestyle
We have made some simple changes internally and externally which have simplified our lives without having to sell up and move to the country. We have decluttered our home, ridding ourselves of material possessions we no longer need or want, leaving us feeling lighter in the mind and body. Scaling down material possessions, less really is more.
We have made our home into a peaceful sanctuary, a place where we want to spend time together doing things we enjoy. We reduce screen time, eliminate alcohol, media and unnecessary commitments, leaving us more time to do what we love. We take time to be creative, grow a veggie patch, eat nourishing food, exercise, meditate, spend time in nature, walk barefoot, slow down, have a work life balance, relax, quality sleep and have fun.
Internal changes have to come from within, delving into the heart to feel what you truly desire. Love yourself and those who are close to you, the beautiful planet we live on and all living beings. Have gratitude for sharing life with loved ones, fresh food and water, a roof over your head and life itself. Be kind, it is free and feels great. We have found a simple life is a happy life!
