We all wish to have better lives. In fact, we spend most of our time working towards achieving this ideal better life. But what is a ‘better life’? Is it just buying a big house and a fancy car and showing off your worldly possessions? Or does refer to being content with what you have, no matter how much it’s worth?
The concept of ‘better living’ constitutes a variety of different things. From being more conscious with your choices and decisions to minimising consumption and being more sustainable in ways that you can. It also encompasses your attitude and the way one perceives situations.
Better Living is not about ticking all the new lifestyle trend boxes and being ‘woke’. You could be vegan and the most sustainable, eco-friendly person on the planet but if you’re bitter and mean to those around you, you are hardly contributing to the concept of better living. To live a better life is to spread love, joy and happiness in whatever manner you can. Be it a random act of kindness to a stranger, a smile or hug that can help brighten up a loved one’s day or even a simple compliment to a colleague.
The concept and actions that make up better living or intentional living, doesn’t just have positive effects on the person following it, but the people that surround them too. A large part of this lifestyle involves you being more present and focused on the people and things around you. This has an incredibly positive impact on your relationships as it brings you closer to the people you love and helps you stay more connected and in tune with them.
Being present and living in the moment helps one change their perspective on so many different situations. It helps you focus on what is right in front of us instead of being stuck in the past or worried about the future. This automatically lifts so many burdens and worries and helps you feel lighter and so much happier instead.
Through all the stages of our life, we have followed a fixed routine. We either wake up to go to school or work. This can make your days very monotonous, thereby sucking the joy out of everything. But that’s not what life should be about. Make time for the things you enjoy doing. Take a break from your routine that you follow day in and day out, and spend a little time on things that bring you joy. You will notice that you tend to feel better about doing things you once didn’t care for.
Photo by Mohit GuptaImmerse yourself into the wonders of nature, switch off your Wi-Fi and your phone for a change. Listen to the beautiful sound of the birds chirping, take a walk either down your road if you live in a metro or through the lush village roads. Go for a swim or if you can’t swim, even a stroll on the beach is so rejuvenating. Sinking your toes and bare feet into the sand it will bring out the child in you.
Very often in our pursuit to achieve material goals we lose the child within us. It is important to keep that childlike wonder and innocence alive. Just like living in the moment, it brings out a different perspective on life.
Now, just because better living includes focusing on following a simple and sustainable lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up your material desires. Better Living doesn’t involve you denying yourself of something that you want, instead, it revolves around asking yourself if you really need it. If you already have a car, do you really need one more? If you already have 10 watches or shoes, do you need to keep buying more each month or year? As long as you actually make use of the material goods that you buy and you aren’t hoarding or bingeing, it’s fine.
Listen to yourself. Tune in to what your body, mind and soul are telling you and you will notice an instant difference. If you’re tired, take a break. Don’t push yourself until you can’t do anything. If you’re craving chocolate, have some now instead of bingeing on it later. This will make you happier and cut out any regrets.
Each of us has the desire for a better life, are you ready to take a step towards it? Remember, it’s never too late to start, all that matters is the present.
Written By Mohit Gupta.
Week 20, April 2021
