You cannot enjoy an environment except you make conscious effort to understand it - Luchyl
The environment we find ourselves at each point in time has a way of impacting on our behaviors and moods.
The behavior or mood of one who lives in a hostile environment is not the same with the one in a serene environment. Even in workplace, one tends to be more productive in a serene, positive work environment than a toxic one.
Personally I love a quiet, serene environment, I cringe whenever I hear noises. In fact noisy environments send waves of disorganization to me which makes it difficult for me to concentrate and function well. What do I do? As a minimalist, I try to keep myself away from such environments for the sake of my peace and mental health. Although it is not always easy especially as it regards work place, and social gatherings, but I still find a way around it.
At the office
My work place is located at a very busy area with constant traffic. Since I signed to always report to work and carry out my duties I have learnt to adjust by focusing on the task ahead of me and shutting off the noises around. Another thing that helps is that I close up all the windows so the traffic noise can reduce. Although this practice does not really work all time because my colleague will always open them up again with the claim that he wants to have a clear view of the environment, and that he enjoys watching the movements in the streets, who does that. 馃槀
Being that my aim is to maintain a minimalist lifestyle, any social obligation that will push me away from it, I cut them down. Personally, I don't even like social affiliations and show offs, I love my space and simple lifestyle, so cutting down on some of these social affiliations will help me focus on quality, that is the ones that will add value to my life and not quantity. I remember the time a certain client of mine requested that I be in the committee of friends for the burial of her father., omoh, I declined because the asoebi budget was way beyond me. I can't do what will eat deep into my finances, no way.
I love being around nature - with trees, fruit trees, flowers, and the likes, it has been like that with me right from childhood. Call me a nature freak, well you won't be wrong 馃槀 because I love nature and everything about it, The waves of fresh air and warmth makes me feel #alive and #aliveandthriving.
Having a walk around my environment
Who wouldn't love to live in an environment where you wake up each day to the sound of the birds chirping, and even coming to your window to wish you good morning. What about the squirrels that will be jumping from one end to the other, squeaking and barking, the butterflies, even rabbits. All these are priceless gifts of nature and seeing them brings unexplainable feeling to me.
Another thing I noticed about being around nature is that it helps ease every tension, anger or unhappiness in me. This is something I have learnt overtime, and that is why I always turn to nature each time I feel vexed, worried or anxious. I can either decide to take a walk or just sit out watching the beauty of nature. While doing so I don't fail to capture some images, or make videos which of course I like going through afterwards.
A bird nest captured during one of my walks
I remember one day I was coming back from work really vexed about something that happened at the office but on getting close to my house I saw some colorful butterflies flying around. Immediately I stopped to watch them and after few minutes I began smiling, and I couldn't help but take shots of them. This practice helped calm my mood, relieving the stress from work even the anger was gone. Nature is indeed a great healer.
Living in a cool quiet environment, I'm able to practice mental minimalism which has to do with reducing the mental clutter through meditation and mindfulness. I love to do this because it helps me find deep meaning to things and including answers to some questions. Not only that, I get inspiration to write - stories, articles and songs too.
I can stay at home for a whole day without going out. Will I be idling away my time, no way, there's always something to do. Either I'm trying my hands on one food recipe or the other, gardening, reading or being here on Hive, and of course, rest.
Ah, how did I forget this one - singing and doing some crazy dance moves, twists and turns, sort of expressing myself and being creative too. lol.
That is why I feel comfortable in an environment that has space, free of clutter and excess household items. I can't be bumping into stuffs when I'm in high spirit, lol.
So to prevent such from happening, I ensure everywhere is tidy, stuffs kept in their places, the ones that are no longer needed are moved away. Moreover I only buy and keep the things I really have need for.
Are you aware that colors can impact one's mood? Bright colors always bring positive vibes to one's mood, while dim colors tends to portray soberness. Well, dark colors are my thingy, because they make me feel comfortable, simple and yet beautiful.
Outside my house
Coming to my house, the painting and curtains are cream, while the beddings is blue. I chose these colors because they appeal to me. Also they are associated with feelings of calmness, relaxation and peace and because of this I always look forward to coming back home to quietness, silence after going through the stress of the day's work, the hustling and bustling and noise in the city.
Final Note
Being close to nature has helped me focus on the things that are really important in life, and equally inspired me to let go of the ones that are just noise or distractions and focus on those that provide a sense of calmness, mental well being and increased productivity in my work and other areas.
Not only that, it has equally helped shapen my minimalistic lifestyle such I do not live above my income and expose myself to financial crises.
see nature as the ultimate minimalist teacher.
This is my response to #Kiss-blog-idea Wk 78
You can view the link here
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