Eight years ago, I built a house with my ex-girlfriend. I was living in an architecturally wonderful Parkhurst home, at the time that I bought when I was 20 years old. My Parkhurst pad had a pool, which was amazing for a 21 year old who was all about partying. But when we were in the process of design and building the new house, I never wanted a pool, but my ex-girlfriend did as she was the sun worshiper and I was & still am, a ginger. There was no compromise, even on the size, and the pool was dug and filled.
To this day, I hate the pool. It costs me money, takes up space and is never used. And by never, I mean never. It’s the symbol of my excessive lifestyle from 8 years ago. I look at it and just want to fill it in and cover it with Grass. Pools are unnecessary and are only good for “property resale” as far as I’m concerned.
I want to eliminate all the assets that cause me headache and cost, from my life. I want to return to what core things I need to survive and keep me happy and comfortable. After mentioning this to a few friends and colleges it’s become clear I am not the only one who feels this way at the moment. Its become apparent that my generations over-consumption and lack of inner peace is bubbling to the surface of our consciousness’.
Now, I’m no way saying that everything you do must be green (even though it should be) and I’m certainly not saying that you should become a hippy and grow your own vegetables. What I am saying is you should start questioning what & how much you consume, what you think you want to keep yourself & family content & how much chaos you have in your life. I’m saying it’s time to unclutter your existance. From the car you drive to the body lotions you apply, all should be simple, economical, friendly to the environment, not flashy and not an eye-sore to your neighbours and fellow country men around you. You don’t have to consume less, just consume quality & consume art. Always consume art.
Replace your clutter with space. Cut back on advertising exposure and listen to more music, more often. Spend time alone. Spend time with friends that enrich your mind and make you think and laugh. Spend time outdoors. Spend time with your five senses. Cut back on your commitments to unnecessary events and meaningless chatter. Say no. Sit down & eat slower.
I now ask myself “will this bring a smile to my face?” before committing to anything. It may seem selfish at first, but sometimes doing something I don’t want will lead to someone close to me smiling & that in turn will bring a smile to my face.
With physics, every action as an opposite and equal reaction. But with life-simplification, every action will have a larger more positive reaction in your life & those important to you. Swap Chaos for peace, one step at a time. Eliminate Brands, eliminate world news, eliminate ego. Add exercise, add greens, add family & friends.
While studying architecture, 20 years ago, the most important lesson I learned was based on Ludwig Mies vanser Rohe’s quote “Less is more.” This is on what the basis of life should be structured. In all aspects, less is always more. I drive a Vespa scooter. Its small and considered dangerous, but it cuts out traffic (less) and makes me smile (more). It costs me a lot less in petrol, insurance and parking money (less) and saves me time (more).
I am not religious, I’m not a hippy & I’m not into saving the environment or sustainable living. I just want my life to be simpler, more user-friendly & kinder to the people who are important to me. I want a smaller home, smaller car, smaller circle of quality friends. I want a bigger music collection, a bigger impact on people, a bigger smile.
Is that too much to ask ourselves?
ps. I now want drain my pool, curve the corners and make a skateboarding pool. I will never grow up & You cant make me.
