Often inspired by the urgency of the energy transition, more and more of them are choosing to slow down and live differently. Some turn to voluntary simplicity, a way of life breaking with the “always more” model, which favors values and the search for meaning…
There ” voluntary simplicity » is a philosophy of life which opposes consumerism and the search for performance at all costs. She favors the quality of life and inner well-being to the detriment of appearance, race for profit and material success.
Voluntary simplicity and minimalism
It concerns all aspects of daily life, family, professional and social. Everyone can adapt it to its values and objectives. The goal is to feel bettermore in harmony with yourself and those around you, without being influenced by the dictates of society and the system.
The notion first appeared in 1936 in The Value of Voluntary Simplicity of the American Richard Gregg, a disciple of Gandhi, but we find its origin in Walden or life in the woodsthe work of the naturalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). It then developed especially in the 60s and 70s, in the midst of a period of material abundance and economic boom.
There voluntary simplicity is defined today as “ the desire of an individual to reduce their purchases and possessions to lead a life more oriented towards their essential values. » It is a concept close to minimalism, a way of life that focuses specifically on the voluntary limitation of material goods.
Voluntary simplicity is a form of ideal accessible to the greatest number of people, it is not governed by a series of strict rules.
Above all, it is a way of living better. Very in line with the Happy sobriety of Pierre Rabhishe also advocates independence from material successthe end of massive debt (credit cards, etc.), a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the body and nature, respect for natural resources and the planet, sharing, citizen participation, solidarity, equity…
The process is done alone, as a couple or as a family and simply aims to “feel better.” » It is then up to each person to align their life choices, their values and their personal convictions:
- Some adopt a vegetarian diet while others continue to eat meat demanding that it be organic and locally produced.
- Some continue to ride with their old gasoline carwhile others choose to encourage cycling and public transport.
- Some people boycott Christmas because they believe it is primarily a commercial holiday while others continue to celebrate it because they see it as a religious festival.
Voluntary simplicity in 8 steps
There is no no rules in voluntary simplicity. The changes to make in your lifestyle are those that will allow you to live in harmony with yourself.
To explore and try to practice voluntary simplicity, we start slowlywith easy and obvious actions, and we let ourselves be carried away. Here are some examples…
1. In terms of food
We can encourage healthy foodsimple, local, and above all not ultra-processed! We cook at home as much as possible and avoid restaurants. Finally, when possible, we grow our fruits and vegetables in the vegetable garden and we preserve them.
Voluntary simplicity encourages ask yourself the right questions for more reasoned choices in accordance with its values. Why did I decide to go to the restaurant? The quality of the food, the incredible atmosphere, the desire to take a break or something else? Is the price justified or could I have prepared the same thing at home for four times less?
2. In terms of travel
For more responsible mobility, we favor public transport, cycling, without forgetting walking! When we have no choice, in rural areas for example, we try to pool our trips and encourage carpooling. There is almost always a way to do better…
3. Professionally
Above all, we ensure that the job we hold is meaningful, that it is useful for the community or society and that it is psychologically satisfying. Otherwise, we consider a change or other solutions: part-time, teleworking, microenterprise, etc.
4. To consume smartly
We take a step back from advertising and promotions to focus on our real needs. We favor bulk products to reduce waste as much as possible.
Good behavior consists of only buying what you are going to use regularly ; owning three watches or two TVs doesn’t make much sense. We avoid brands that overcharge and we are interested in recycled or second-hand objects and clothing.
5. To relieve the environment
We buy as little as possible, we recycle as much as possible, we compost as much as possible and we ban packaging and waste.
6. To get better organized
We avoid accumulating objects and keeping everything. We make donations to associations when something is no longer useful. We do a big clean, twice a year, in your wardrobe, your library, your garage (or your cellar) and your attic. In a word, we declutter.
7. To clean
We learn to clean using natural, harmless and inexpensive products such as vinegar, baking soda, Marseille soap, lemon juice, etc.
8. In terms of leisure
We prioritize activities and low cost outings (library, exhibition, hike or bike ride rather than cinema, water park, discotheque, bowling, etc.). We try, as much as possible, to borrow, exchange or buy second-hand rather than new (books, games, etc.). There is no shortage of opportunities.
Ask yourself the right questions
You understand, the voluntary simplicity invites you to ask yourself the right questions before each new purchase:
- Do I have any really need it? Sometimes, waiting for a while can make us realize that in the end, the need was mostly a passing desire.
- Is everything I own useful and necessary? Don’t I waste too much time putting them away or washing them, when I could be doing something else?
- Could I buy the same thing second hand Or make it myself?
When we move towards voluntary simplicity, things don’t change overnight. It’s necessary implement concrete actionsat his own pace, to simplify your life and give yourself more opportunities to appreciate your environment.
But decision after decision, gesture after gesture, we feel better in our headsin his skin and in his body. Isn’t that how you get closer to happiness?
Another notable advantage: by gradually moving away from frenzied consumption, we realize, in the long run, real savings. Extricating yourself from the consumerist system is a process to be undertaken in the long term, you gain first of all in personal satisfaction, freedom, independence, quality of life, but also on a financial level!
