What do we mean by better living? Why would it make you feel good? For me it is a lot about going back to basics. What I am sharing below are my personal views and may or may not work for you. I encourage you to pick what resonates with you and adapt it to your lifestyle.
Eat Better. Eat Simpler. This is first and foremost for me. I find that the days I eat simpler foods and good quality nutritious foods my body does much better. I am not vegetarian or vegan. You may choose to be. Why not? Here make a conscious decision — am I eating for nutrition or am I eating to satisfy my tongue. Remember both are necessary. Eat a slice of cake on your birthday as that will give you joy and satisfaction, but don’t wallop down the entire cake unless you want to be left feeling sick. Be conscious when putting food in your mouth. Eat seasonal. Eat fresh. Eat local. Eat clean. If possible, consider growing as much as possible in your home, on your terrace or in your neighbourhood. Must we import vegetables and fruits. Make it a point to source as locally as possible. In the new world order, post pandemic, this will be even more important. Businesses have really been hit, supporting local enterprise will be imperative.
Be Present. Be Mindful. In whatever you take on, be present. Put away the phone if you have to. Email and instant messages can wait. Be present with your spouse, your lover, your children, your parents, your friends. Be present in all that you do. Even during mealtimes, enjoy your food. It is your sustenance. Don’t watch the news or look at your phone. I have now started making it a point to not have my phone with me at mealtimes.
Spend time with Nature. It is truly healing. Sit amongst the trees and listen to nature. Sit by the beach and play with the sand. Listen to the sounds of the waves. Build sand castles. There is a lot to learn and experience. It will inspire you. We take every possible opportunity to absorb nature’s benefits.
Sustainability and Consumption Responsibility. In order to be sustainable and conserve resources we all have to consciously consume less. I know it is exciting, but is it necessary to wrap a gift with paper that will inevitably be torn? Is there an alternative? Do consider and look for one. In Iceland there was a movement to not sell toothpaste with paper boxes and this led to real change. Can you imagine how much paper this would save if the entire world pushed for that? So much money and materials are consumed in packaging. And a lot so that things simply look better packed. Is that really necessary? Whether it be about gift packing or clothes from the laundry we must reduce the packing material as much as possible. And whilst there is the bigger environmental impact conversation, at an individual level we can make a difference by consuming responsibly.
Plant a Tree. Wherever possible, whenever possible, plant a tree. You will be blessed for years to come. When I moved to my current home about twelve years back, I had planted a neem tree (Indian Lilac) in the north east corner of the building grounds. After all these years it gives me a great sense of pride to see that tree from my window. The neem tree has many medicinal benefits and now all the residents can take advantage of that. It also keeps mosquitos away. Another very important benefit.
Support Local Enterprise. This, as mentioned above, is very critical now. Not only will it reduce the carbon footprint, but it will also give local enterprises the fiscal boost they need. Even if they are a tad expensive, buy from them. Avoid importing. Try and get all your essentials that are locally grown or locally manufactured. Most importantly start supporting quality, because if things last longer you will not buy more and hence not consume more resource. This use and throw economy idea must be put to an end. It unnecessarily increases consumption.
Spread Love Generously. Love is the elixir that will save the world. Spread as much love as you can. The world needs love to heal. Deal with every situation with love. And all people with love and empathy. Smile a lot.
Take Care of Yourself. Don’t deny yourself but don’t binge either. Be mindful, be conscious, be responsible. Exercise. Stay healthy. Look after yourself. Give yourself priority. As they tell you in the aircraft — put on the oxygen mask yourself first before helping others. You want to be able to help others and don’t want to be a burden to the people around you. One of the things I have recently started is to spend time with myself. To listen to myself. For me the ideal time for this is in the mornings.
These are some simple thoughts of mine. And I find that by keeping life as simple as possible, one can definitely have a better life and feel good. This simplicity would make our journey more meaningful and happier and our bonds with our loved ones deeper and stronger.
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 44, October ’20
