Ancient Hindu culture had divided life in
four stages – student, householder, retired and renunciation. Indulgence with
material things was permitted in household life, which would span for 20+
years. After that person would start preparing for renunciation, by slowly
handing over the responsibility to younger generation and taking advisory role
for the time being.
Minimalism – a new normal in western
culture has some flavor from our roots.
Since I am in a wellness profession, I strongly
believe that holistic wellness culture in family or society can be imbibed, if
we start practicing simple (minimalistic) lifestyle. Joining an expensive gym
or hiring a celebrity trainer would only defeat the objective.
Let me share my journey in this space. I
have spent two decades in corporate life, climbing the ladder from individual
contributor to managing a large business. As we all know, with growth comes
higher remuneration. Beyond a point, we start indulging into “wants,” well
supported by consumer led society.
It is very difficult to draw a line between
wants & needs. It varies from people to people. As we look at our peers, we
get drawn in indulgence.
When I started 2mpower in 2009, first thing I decided to do
is to use public transport for commuting, as much as possible. This helped me
take more STEPS everyday, at the same time allowed me to be with people, who
struggle to meet ends everyday. This was the most difficult step in adopting
simple lifestyle, as I was used to chauffeur driven cars.
Once I was able to adapt to this, it was
much easier for me to give away branded items, and use minimalistic items, be
it clothing, stationary, food or other lifestyle accessories. I knew that, if I
do not give them, it would be anyway stolen in my daily commute. Plus it
allowed me to be one with other folks travelling in the public transport.
I gave-up my lifetime membership in 7-start
hotel for health club, and decided to be on open spaces for my running and other
physical activities. I started using public space much better, and started to
appreciate some of the large lung spaces we have in our city. Very recently, I
have started bare-foot running, and that has really relieved me from worrying
about my footwear. Now, I can run anywhere, anytime in barefoot.
As a family, we have started this journey,
and have set milestones every year for simplifying our lifestyle.
Before America start exporting this
“minimalistic” life to our country, the way it has done for Yoga, I think we
should look back at our roots. Wisdom hides there in abundance!
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