Often inspired by the urgency of the energy transition, more and more of them are choosing to slow down to live differently. Some turn to voluntary simplicity, a way of life breaking with the model of “always more”, which favors values and the search for meaning …
The ” volontary simplicity »Is a philosophy of life that opposes consumerism and the search for performance at all costs. She favors 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, family, professional and social life. Everyone can adapt it to its values and its objectives. The goal is to to feel better, more in harmony with oneself and those around them, without allowing themselves to be 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 his origin in Walden or life in the woods, the work of the naturalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). It then developed above all in the 1960s and 1970s, in the midst of a period of material abundance and economic boom.
The volontary simplicity is defined today as ” the desire of an individual to reduce his purchases and possessions in order to lead a life more oriented towards his essential values. “ It is a concept close to minimalism, a way of life that focuses more specifically on the voluntary limitation of material goods.
Voluntary simplicity is a ideal form within the reach of the greatest number, it is not framed by a series of strict rules.
It is above all a way of living better. Very in line with the Happy sobriety of Pierre Rabhi, she also advocates independence from material success, the end of massive indebtedness (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 everyone to align their life choices, values and personal convictions:
- Some adopt a vegetarian diet while others continue to eat meat, demanding that it be organic and produced locally.
- Some continue to ride with their old gasoline car, while others choose to promote cycling and public transport.
- Some boycott Christmas because they think it is primarily a commercial holiday while others continue to celebrate it because they see it as a religious celebration.
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 slowly, with easy and obvious actions, and we let ourselves be carried away. Here are some examples…
1. In terms of food
We can promote healthy food, simple, local, and above all not ultra-processed! We cook as much as possible at home and avoid the restaurant. Finally, when possible, we grow our fruits and vegetables in the kitchen garden and we can preserve them.
Voluntary simplicity encourages ask yourself the right questions for more reasoned choices and in accordance with its values. Why did I decide to go to a 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, not to mention walking! When you have no choice, in rural areas for example, you try to pool your trips and promote carpooling. There is almost always a way to do better …
3. On a professional level
Above all, we make sure that the job we occupy has meaning, 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 …
4. To consume smart
You take a step back from advertising and promotions to focus on your real needs. We favor bulk products to reduce waste as much as possible.
Good behavior is to buy only 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 clothes.
5. To relieve the environment
We buy as little as possible, recycle as much as possible, compost as much as possible and ban packaging and waste.
6. To organize better
We avoid accumulating objects and keeping everything. We make donations to associations when something is no longer useful. We do the big cleaning, twice a year, in his closet, his library, his garage (or his cellar) and his attic. In a word, we declutter.
7. To do the housework
We learn to clean using natural, harmless and inexpensive products such as vinegar, baking soda, Marseille soap, lemon juice …
8. At the leisure level
We prioritize activities and low cost outputs (library, exhibition, hike or bike ride rather than cinema, water park, disco, bowling…). We try, as far as possible, to borrow, exchange or buy second-hand rather than new (books, games, etc.). There is no lack of opportunities.
Ask yourself the right questions
You understand, the volontary simplicity invites you to ask yourself the right questions before each new purchase:
- Do i have any really need ? Sometimes, waiting for a few can make us realize that in the end, the need was mostly a passing desire.
- Is all I own useful and necessary? Am I not wasting too much time storing or washing them when I could do something else?
- Could i buy the same second-hand or make it myself?
When we move towards voluntary simplicity, things do not change overnight. It is necessary implement concrete actions, at his own pace, for simplify your life and give yourself more opportunities to appreciate your surroundings.
But decision after decision, gesture after gesture, you feel better in your head, in his skin and in his body. Isn’t that getting closer to happiness?
Another notorious interest: by gradually moving away from frenzied consumption, we realize, in the long run, real savings. Getting out of the consumerist system is a long-term process, we gain first of all in personal satisfaction, in freedom, in independence, in quality of life, but also in financial terms!
