There's never a dull moment in my life on a canal boat. I'm always looking forward to going someplace new, and I would go to many heights to get the optimal experience from my chosen lifestyle.
'Almost' okay" was how I felt sitting in the bow of my boat while crossing this Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the highest aqueduct in Wales, UK... as I made my way to the Llangollen town centre.
But life should be an adventure, don't you think?
I strongly think so.
My minimalism goal to live more adventurously and intentionally came to fruition by scaling down and peeling back layers of unnecessary possessions that had no value to my life. Once my burden was lightened, I embraced minimalism freely with an individual approach without conforming to any particular idealism of what minimalism should be.
Applying practicality to my everyday life and eventualities helps me to achieve happiness despite any ongoing challenges that I face.
N.B. (For holistic health from minimalism, and to keep me grounded spiritually, mentally, emotionally, are some excerpts from my favourite book; Zen Life 108 Adages of Wisdom by Master Sheng Yen, that I apply to my everyday life, which I will quote throughout.)
"Keep your mind free from the thought of gain and loss, and you will be free and at ease at all times."
- Zen Life 108 Adages of Wisdom book.
I try to adopt this principle quoted above, and in fact, I'd say that this freedom gives me peace of mind, and allows me to live many different lifestyles coherently, that there is just no time for boredom to set in.
Do you think boredom occurs more when living our lives passively?
Yes, I think so!
Therefore, I try my best to let go of the past and live actively in the present. I don't delay enjoying each moment waiting for things to change or improve, or I don't constantly look back at what I had before. I make the most of what I have at hand.
"Letting go does not mean giving up. Letting go means not thinking of the past, not thinking of the future, a mind that lets us go. Giving up means believing in nothing, abandoning all faith and courage."
- Zen Life 108 Adages of Wisdom book.
Bored in nature?
Never!
I always enjoy time spent in nature.
Being nomadic and living simply at a slow pace of life, naturally regulates the speed of my thoughts, and help me to focus and not ponder over anything which I have no control over. Avoiding distractions and having full control of where I let my mind go, has improved, and so has my ability to evaluate the things that I create space for, in my head.
"Being anxious and worrisome is useless. Being mindful and focused is a must."
- Zen Life 108 Adages of Wisdom.
I'm always jazzed up to be surrounded by vast nature and wildlife creatures. I've learned so much from the changes nature brings, and apply it to my day-to-day life. This makes me more open-minded and has increased my ability to conceptualise things positively.
Creativity eliminates boredom
Keeping everything simple forces me to find creative ways to spend less, and enjoy more; Only purchasing items that are absolutely necessary. This helps to cut down on clutter; something that I totally detest. A cluttered environment is a reflection of what is going on inside our heads.
"Freedom is not life without obstacles; rather it is the ability to be calm and stable in body and mind when confronting obstacles."
- Zen Life 108 Adages Of Wisdom book.
For me the only obstacle is in our mindsets. If we think we need more to be happy, to be creative, and never bored, that's when we get disappointed. This is where having a minimalist mindset helps me.
Owning more possessions gave me more to be responsible for, which lead me to feel like I was owned by my possessions.
Now, I'm constantly creating space for me to think clearly and improve my creativity; leaving no space for boredom to manifest itself.
After all, it makes boat life and a minimalist lifestyle more attainable, fun, and hassle-free when we have less tangible possessions to worry about.
Below is a clickable photo compilation of some stunning scenes over the last couple of weeks, that I thought you might like to see. You may observe the changes in the vibrancy of colours, as some days come with dark clouds, and others are bright with glorious sunshine (such is life, right?).
Regardless, I hope these photos bring a sense of calm and peace to you, the same way feasting my eyes on these beautiful sceneries of nature made me feel.
Bonus short video crossing the aqueduct
I thank you for reading about this segment of my journey, which might have given you a new perspective of someone living as a minimalist. However, please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns that may be filling your mind with doubt, as to whether you could actually live this way.
#ForeverExcitedBySimplicityAndNature
All Images are mine