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 that breaks with the “always more” model, which favors values and the search for meaning…
There ” volontary simplicity » is a philosophy of life that 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, family, professional and social life. Everyone can adapt it to its values and objectives. The goal is to to feel bettermore in harmony with oneself and those around them, without letting themselves be influenced by the dictates of society and the system.
The concept 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 mainly 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 their purchases and possessions in order to lead a life more oriented towards their 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 form of ideal accessible to the greatest number, it is not framed by a series of strict rules.
It is above all a way to live better. Very in line with happy sobriety of Pierre Rabhishe also advocates independence from material successthe end of massive debt (credit cards, etc.), a 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 keep rolling with it their old gasoline carwhile others choose to encourage cycling and public transport.
- Some boycott Christmas because they believe 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 rules in voluntary simplicity. The changes to be made 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 slow, with easy and obvious actions, and we let ourselves be carried away. Here are some examples…
1. Food
We can promote the healthy food, simple, local, and above all not ultra-processed! We cook as much as possible at home and we avoid the restaurant. Finally, when possible, we grow our fruits and vegetables in the vegetable garden and we make preserves.
Voluntary simplicity encourages ask the right questions for more reasoned choices in line 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 encourage carpooling. There is almost always a way to do better…
3. Professionally
Above all, we make sure 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, telecommuting, micro-enterprise…
4. To consume smart
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 is to only buy what you will 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 the big cleaning, twice a year, in his wardrobe, his library, his garage (or his cellar) and his attic. In a word, we declutter.
7. To clean up
We learn to clean using natural, harmless and cheap products such as vinegar, baking soda, Marseille soap, lemon juice…
8. At the leisure level
We favor activities and low cost outings (library, exhibition, hike or bike ride rather than cinema, water park, discotheque, bowling…). We try, as far as possible, to borrow, exchange or buy used rather than new (books, games, etc.). Opportunities are not lacking.
Ask the right questions
You understand it, volontary simplicity invites you to ask yourself the right questions before each new purchase:
- do i have any really need ? Sometimes waiting a few can make us realize that ultimately, the need was mostly a passing desire.
- Is all I own is useful and necessary? Am I wasting too much time putting them away or washing them, when I could be doing something else?
- could i buy the same used Or make it myself?
When we move towards voluntary simplicity, things do not change overnight. It’s necessary implement concrete actionsat his own pace, for simplify your life and give yourself more opportunities to enjoy your environment.
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 well-known interest: by gradually moving away from frenzied consumption, we realize, in the long run, real savings. Getting out of the consumerist system is a process to be undertaken in the long term, we first gain in personal satisfaction, freedom, independence, quality of life, but also financially!