You can't really dive into the tiny house or massage therapy cultures without running into a few hippie ideas.
Like, making your own deodorant for example.
My classmate explained how she purchases ingredients and then makes her own deodorant from scratch. This blows my mind. I just found out about the whole, "aluminum in deodorant is bad" thing. Because of that, I did try a more "natural" product for my b.o. and I didn't like how I smelled so I'm back to Secret Gels, but my classmate says she can convert me with her recipe.
I feel like I'm falling down a rabbit hole.
First, there was no meat. I can live with that because to me, the meat industry does have its flaws and meat in general has no appeal unless it's been way worked over. Not to mention, food that has a ton of rules attached to it to prevent you from getting poisoned by it just doesn't seem worth messing with.
Then, there was skin products. I stopped wearing makeup to try and help with my blemishes. Currently, all I ever put on my face a philosophy cleanser and a lush toner. Too soon to tell if it will help zits, but my face feels less worked over.
Finally, there's the new obsession I have with going trash free. This is becoming almost as popular as any natural, healthy, clean living campaign I've ever seen. The idea is to promote the elimination of unnecessary waste and reduce the strain in our landfills. I find myself pondering ways to shop whole foods, remember to pack cans and bags, and finding a way to recycle.
I first stumbled on it, here, if you want to check it out.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYDQcBQUDpw
Stepping back, just who am I becoming? How do I know if I've gone too far?
Well, for starters, I'm beginning to question my ideals of going tiny.
I had a camping trip a few weekends back....only I forgot that I donated my sleeping bag because I never go camping. Three fuzzy blankets does not replace that sub-zero material. It may be only for a once a year event, but it's worth having around. Maybe I'm more of an experientialist? True, I could have avoided problems if I had thought to ask to borrow or could find a local rent shop last minute, but I couldn't, and I froze for it.
As for going trashless, I'd have to have a lot more time just to make half of the things I'd want to replace. While there are a few shops around here that could support that lifestyle, the options are fairly limiting. I think I'd rather purchase pre-made items in compost-able or recyclable materials.
Basically, if you want to live as clean, de-cluttered, and natural as possible, you have to be willing to work. You have to be a planner, you have to really enjoy making the things you use. I'm not sure if tiny actually saves time like so many people claim so much as it exchanges that time for a different kind of experience. Don't get me wrong, the idea of making your own deoderant, toothpaste, or laundry detergent sounds like a fun cooking adventure to me, but it wouldn't be for everyone. The thrill of knowing exactly what is in your product and never having to smell another chemical again may be worth it, but for me, it's going to be a slow transition.
As for going too far.
I'm definitely living a different life than my mom lived. I'm even living a different life than my crunchy sister and she's only ten years older. I feel like as technology and research continues to improve, life is going to continue to evolve into something previous generations wouldn't recognize or even understand. It may not be too far, maybe it's just a different way to take on life. I know there are many colors and flavors and styles to choose from in this spectrum of natural.
I'll tell you what I'm not going to do.
I'm not going to stop showering.
I'm not going to stop washing my hair or anything else that's hygienic.
If I stumble on a natural idea that makes me go, "ew," its not happening.
As for what in the air:
Until I find a toothpaste that does it better, I'm using fluoride.
Until I find cleaning supplies, products, or recipes that satisfy me, I'll be using normal.
Make up is make up. I stopped for a couple of weeks and I kind of like it. Maybe only for special occasions.
Trashless may be in my future. It's just a question of how.
Showing posts with label Tiny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tiny. Show all posts
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Journeys into the World of Marie Kondo
By now, I'm sure everyone has heard about the book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing." by Marie Kondo.
On a whim, I picked it up from Barnes and Noble last week. Glad I waited as long as I did, because it was on a 30% off sale. Can we say easy $10? Like most self-help books, it's not the kind of book that is designed to be read straight through. There is an index, the advice is straight forward, and the writing is clear, but if you're looking for a quick references on how to fold a particular article of clothing, its easier to find examples on YouTube. I'd consider it more of a philosophy book that focuses on "why" than a reference guide that tells you "how."
I began a pattern of cleaning and reading then cleaning again. Each section of the book is short enough that you don't loose motivation between the pages. The philosophy was the most interesting part of the book. Eastern philosophy is full of giving respect to things that most westerners wouldn't even think of. Still, that act of giving respect, creates discipline and an environment where things last longer and relationships are deeper. The closest western equivalent to this philosophy would be living with constant appreciation and gratitude. This book supports that assumption. Marie Kondo teaches that it is better for things to be used, than to go unused. That folding clothes in respectful ways makes them last longer. That getting rid of items that aren't worn out is actually a good thing. And as all tiny livers know, less is so often much more.
So far, I've gotten rid of an astonishing three bags of donated clothing. I swear I didn't think I had many clothes to begin with, much less three bags worth of clothes that didn't inspire happiness. My closet suddenly went from not having enough hangers, to having hangers with nothing to do. I'm a little scared to tackle the bookshelf, but that's what's going to happen next. My room already looks a hundred times better.
This exercise has also got me thinking. I don't own much. I don't need much. However, would what I currently own fit into a tiny house space? If I had to suddenly make the jump into a tiny house even smaller than I dream about, would I even fit? Before Marie Kondo, I'd have to say no. At the very least, If I did suddenly have to change apartments again, I know it will be an easier move.
Food for thought, is there such a condition as chronically buying tiny stuff you think you need and then turning around three months later to donate it all? I kinda feel like that's how I live. My next goal is to live on a budget of just 55 dollars a week. At least twenty of that is going to gas and this will not include rent, so that will leave me about 35 a week for food and needs. Now that I'm posting about it, I will need to be accountable.
Happy Tiny Living Everybody
On a whim, I picked it up from Barnes and Noble last week. Glad I waited as long as I did, because it was on a 30% off sale. Can we say easy $10? Like most self-help books, it's not the kind of book that is designed to be read straight through. There is an index, the advice is straight forward, and the writing is clear, but if you're looking for a quick references on how to fold a particular article of clothing, its easier to find examples on YouTube. I'd consider it more of a philosophy book that focuses on "why" than a reference guide that tells you "how."
I began a pattern of cleaning and reading then cleaning again. Each section of the book is short enough that you don't loose motivation between the pages. The philosophy was the most interesting part of the book. Eastern philosophy is full of giving respect to things that most westerners wouldn't even think of. Still, that act of giving respect, creates discipline and an environment where things last longer and relationships are deeper. The closest western equivalent to this philosophy would be living with constant appreciation and gratitude. This book supports that assumption. Marie Kondo teaches that it is better for things to be used, than to go unused. That folding clothes in respectful ways makes them last longer. That getting rid of items that aren't worn out is actually a good thing. And as all tiny livers know, less is so often much more.
So far, I've gotten rid of an astonishing three bags of donated clothing. I swear I didn't think I had many clothes to begin with, much less three bags worth of clothes that didn't inspire happiness. My closet suddenly went from not having enough hangers, to having hangers with nothing to do. I'm a little scared to tackle the bookshelf, but that's what's going to happen next. My room already looks a hundred times better.
This exercise has also got me thinking. I don't own much. I don't need much. However, would what I currently own fit into a tiny house space? If I had to suddenly make the jump into a tiny house even smaller than I dream about, would I even fit? Before Marie Kondo, I'd have to say no. At the very least, If I did suddenly have to change apartments again, I know it will be an easier move.
Food for thought, is there such a condition as chronically buying tiny stuff you think you need and then turning around three months later to donate it all? I kinda feel like that's how I live. My next goal is to live on a budget of just 55 dollars a week. At least twenty of that is going to gas and this will not include rent, so that will leave me about 35 a week for food and needs. Now that I'm posting about it, I will need to be accountable.
Happy Tiny Living Everybody
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Discussing Living Tiny with the Rest of the World
I think I did know somewhere in my subconscious that not everyone would agree with my idea of tiny living. I just hadn't realized how passionate and opinionated some people could be about it. So far, when I talk about leading a life in a tiny house I get one of four reactions.
First and most rare, the supporter. These ones are as excited and knowledgeable about the subject as I am. They clearly see the benefits, universal applications, and efficiency of the idea even if they don't necessarily want to live that way themselves.
Second, the slightly confused and repulsed. Particularly when I tell them about composting toilets. They just cannot imagine living that way without some revulsion. They also have a hard time understanding why an RV just isn't the same thing as a tiny house trailer.
Third, the brick wall. These ones are stoically against the idea and are willing to assure me with great feeling that I would not actually like living that lifestyle. They are certain that if I were to really try it that I would find out that it was both uncomfortable and unlivable. They also tend to laugh and shake their heads like egotistic college professors do when they hear an opinion from a seemingly naive student.
Fourth, the refuter. This person isn't really interested in hearing about the benefits. They've already decided that their are none and they are going to do their best to scare you out of the idea by listing everything that could possibly go wrong. What about parking laws? Where are you going to put everything? How will you be able to entertain company? What about your poor dog? What if you have kids and they become *gasp* teenagers?
If you find yourself dealing with some of these kinds of people. This is my advice.
To the first group. Welcome them. Embrace them. Make sure you have their numbers or at least Facebook them. They often will come across ideas you haven't heard yet that are perfect for incorporating into your tiny lifestyle. They will also give you inspiration and the peer affirmation to continue believing in the lifestyle you've already decided is pretty good.
To the second group. These are good people, they're just feeling a little out of their depth when you start debating about the pros and cons between composting and incinerating your feces. Instead, bring the discussion into their home court. Talk about organizing. Talk about money saving. Talk about downsizing and all of its benefits. Depending on the person, you'll more than likely find a topic you both agree on and be able to expand from there. Who knows. Maybe you'll convert them to group one. No promises, but support in some aspects is always a good thing.
To the third group. Don't waste energy desperately trying to convince them that you aren't the naive adult they've already decided you are. They've either had too much life experience or too many opinions under their belts to make room for ideas that go against their perspectives. They often don't realize that they are projecting their miseries onto your life and therefore can't see how unfair they are being. Since most of them are well-meaning in their warnings, take what they say with caution and a cup of salt. But don't let their energy sucking go on for too long. You could be convinced that you'll be stuck penniless on a highway and sharing a meal of roasted roadkill with a drifter called Screws.
Finally, to the fourth group. These are possibly the worst energy suckers of them all. Realize that they aren't actually interested in how you're going to solve all their concerns about your life. So instead of scrambling to find ways to make a perfect lifestyle that will simultaneously end world hunger, take a breath. It's not their life, it's yours. No life comes without bumps or some sacrifices. Just remember that you've decided that the benefits outweigh these problems and that hundreds are finding satisfaction around the country. If some of their concerns actually do have you rethinking living tiny, then be sure you make the choice out of love and not fear.
These people never really go away. They are going to be present in every major life decision you make. Enjoy it. Laugh about it. Cry about it. Just always remember, it's your life. It's your decision.
First and most rare, the supporter. These ones are as excited and knowledgeable about the subject as I am. They clearly see the benefits, universal applications, and efficiency of the idea even if they don't necessarily want to live that way themselves.
Second, the slightly confused and repulsed. Particularly when I tell them about composting toilets. They just cannot imagine living that way without some revulsion. They also have a hard time understanding why an RV just isn't the same thing as a tiny house trailer.
Third, the brick wall. These ones are stoically against the idea and are willing to assure me with great feeling that I would not actually like living that lifestyle. They are certain that if I were to really try it that I would find out that it was both uncomfortable and unlivable. They also tend to laugh and shake their heads like egotistic college professors do when they hear an opinion from a seemingly naive student.
Fourth, the refuter. This person isn't really interested in hearing about the benefits. They've already decided that their are none and they are going to do their best to scare you out of the idea by listing everything that could possibly go wrong. What about parking laws? Where are you going to put everything? How will you be able to entertain company? What about your poor dog? What if you have kids and they become *gasp* teenagers?
If you find yourself dealing with some of these kinds of people. This is my advice.
To the first group. Welcome them. Embrace them. Make sure you have their numbers or at least Facebook them. They often will come across ideas you haven't heard yet that are perfect for incorporating into your tiny lifestyle. They will also give you inspiration and the peer affirmation to continue believing in the lifestyle you've already decided is pretty good.
To the second group. These are good people, they're just feeling a little out of their depth when you start debating about the pros and cons between composting and incinerating your feces. Instead, bring the discussion into their home court. Talk about organizing. Talk about money saving. Talk about downsizing and all of its benefits. Depending on the person, you'll more than likely find a topic you both agree on and be able to expand from there. Who knows. Maybe you'll convert them to group one. No promises, but support in some aspects is always a good thing.
To the third group. Don't waste energy desperately trying to convince them that you aren't the naive adult they've already decided you are. They've either had too much life experience or too many opinions under their belts to make room for ideas that go against their perspectives. They often don't realize that they are projecting their miseries onto your life and therefore can't see how unfair they are being. Since most of them are well-meaning in their warnings, take what they say with caution and a cup of salt. But don't let their energy sucking go on for too long. You could be convinced that you'll be stuck penniless on a highway and sharing a meal of roasted roadkill with a drifter called Screws.
Finally, to the fourth group. These are possibly the worst energy suckers of them all. Realize that they aren't actually interested in how you're going to solve all their concerns about your life. So instead of scrambling to find ways to make a perfect lifestyle that will simultaneously end world hunger, take a breath. It's not their life, it's yours. No life comes without bumps or some sacrifices. Just remember that you've decided that the benefits outweigh these problems and that hundreds are finding satisfaction around the country. If some of their concerns actually do have you rethinking living tiny, then be sure you make the choice out of love and not fear.
These people never really go away. They are going to be present in every major life decision you make. Enjoy it. Laugh about it. Cry about it. Just always remember, it's your life. It's your decision.
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