A Simple Life

Day 132 / 366

I was watching a Studio Ghibli anime today. It has a unique style that takes you to the little villages in Japan back when things were simpler. No phones, no computers. Watching these soothing scenes and listening to the soundtrack always makes me want to leave everything and go live such a simple life in Japan.

When I was living in my hostel room in college, I could fit all my possessions in a single suitcase. In my 3rd year, I got a single room. And I slowly filled it with more things. 2 years later when I had to move out of college into a shared flat, it took me multiple cab trips to shift all my stuff. When I shifted to my current 2bhk in 2020, I had my stuff in dozens of boxes. Right now, I have so many things that I can’t even imagine moving. It may be the biggest reason I keep renewing my lease.

Just like these material possessions, I think as we grow up we start holding on to lots of stuff in our heads as well, which just makes life so complicated. So many things to worry about, and so many people to think of. So many commitments, so many responsibilities. So many fears and reservations. I can understand why those Buddhist monks go and live in the hills.

Whenever I have been at my lowest, I have always found myself wishing that I would give up everything if I could just have a simple life. One where I don’t have to worry about anything or anyone, and just do what I like doing. It’s amazing how tough that is to achieve.