Absolutely anyone can be a hippy if they want to be. Much like anything else in this world, if you believe it, it can happen. It is all about mindset and how you behave towards yourself and other people. Hippy’s are inherently kind and caring people so there’s a starting point for you – If you can be anything, be kind!
How Can I Be A Hippie?
Becoming a hippie is an eye opening and refreshing experience and I think that it is something that many people should at least investigate. Times have changed and much like everything else, life becomes modernised. The values of being a hippie haven’t changed, just tweaked slightly to stay relevant. There isn’t a prescribed list of things that you have to do or traits that you have to have to become a hippie but, there are a few hits and tips that we can offer up for you to get you started on your journey to a freer you.
Be Yourself
You cannot make yourself be something that you know deep down that you are not. It is important to stay true to yourself first and foremost. Be you and expand on that – you should never have to change who you are to fit in with others. You are special just as you are. That hobby that you just love that others think is weird – so what??? If it makes you happy is is causing no harm to others then go for it! That band that you listen to every day because you think they are amazing – keep listening regardless of what others say. We all have different tastes.. example being, I just love cheesy 80’s music and Sy not so much. If he say’s anything, oh dear, as if by magic it gets louder…..
Hippies are all about being themselves and learning to know just who they are. We are individuals and relish that fact!
Love The Great Outdoors
Loving nature is a big part of being a hippie. Having a great respect for mother nature and everything that she has created. There is nothing better than the feeling of fresh air on your skin, the sun on your face and grass beneath your feet. Without nature we could not exist. From the trees that create our oxygen to the bees and insects that pollinate our trees and crops – learn to love them all. Getting outside is refreshing and amazing for our mental health. Go for a picnic, go for a run in the trails or go for a walk in the rain. Get outside as much as you can and be present in the moment even if it is just standing outside with your morning tea or coffee. What do you hear, see and smell? Take it all in, breathe, smile and be thankful for the day.
Be More Environmentally Conscious
Save the planet, don’t pollute it! As one person there is not a whole lot that we can do on our own however, we can make a start and when what we do is mirrored by others the impact can be huge! There are so many ways to become conscious of the environment but before you try and take on the world, start on the small things that have a big impact;
–Recycle:
If you don’t already, start recycling. You can find out from your local council what they allow in their bins and then go from there. Not everything can be recycled though so do check the packaging.
–Reuse:
We have become such a throw away society that we tend to use things only a handful of times and then throw them away. Perfectly good items just discarded. If things still work we need to use them again and again until they don’t. Clothes are a classic example of such an easily discarded item. Good news is that our hippy clothing is designed to last for years so it can all be enjoyed for a long time. If we buy something and use it then decided it is not for us then give it away. Find someone who will use and appreciate it and then gift it to them. Charity shops are always on the look out for items.
–Reduce Plastic:
I know that this is easier said than done as almost everything these days comes with some kind of plastic packaging but just think before you buy. See if you can find alternatives – there are some supermarkets that are starting to wake up and change their packaging to reduce plastic. About bloody time…
Be Cool
Now when I say be cool, I don’t mean be awesome – well of course be your awesome self but that’s not what I mean in this instance. I mean remain calm and collected in the face of adversity and difficulty. There are times when conversations may get heated or you come across something that makes you angry (happens to all of us) but take a deep breath and remain calm. Take stock of the situation and realise that anger and frustration will not make the situation any better, most likely it will make it worse. I am not saying that you shouldn’t have these feelings because of course we all do but, hippy’s are laid back and learn to rise above it. If you need to, take some deep breaths and walk away. Meditation is a great way to relax and calm your mind.
Share Your Opinions
You have a voice so use it. We are well known for peaceful protests and being anti war – if we have an opinion we share it. Get involved in what you believe in – stand up for what you are passionate about. Get involved in some campaigns . Depending on how you want to help and what you want to help with then check out sites like Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
Volunteer & Help Others
Being kind and caring is most certainly a personality trait of a good hippy. We as human beings regardless of how we class ourselves should always try and help others. We all tend to lead super busy lives but that shouldn’t be an excuse (easier said than done, I know!). Even if it is just helping an elderly neighbour by popping in to say hello or doing a little shopping, every little thing counts. Visit someone who you know is feeling a little down – nothing needs to be said just be there.
Pop into your local charity shops to see if they need any help. You will be surprised how many places need you. Running our own business means that Simon and I struggle to shut off and can always find excuses to work as there is always something to be done but, we are about to sign up to volunteer with the Heart of England and also our local Wildlife hospital. Both things that we care passionately about. Just one day a month for each of them helps.
Open Your Mind
When we have specific beliefs we can become very closed minded. If others say something which we don’t agree with or believe in, of course we should voice our own opinions but, we shouldn’t totally dismiss it. Not everyone is going to have the same opinions as you do – fact! Learn to accept this and accept other beliefs. There are 2 sides to everything so always try to think things through from both sides of the story.
Investigate new thoughts and ideals and research different cultures. I am not a religious person however, across all cultures there are elements of their religions that we can take away for ourselves. Take Buddhism for example, their metta – loving kindness is all about learning to love ones self and loving everyone else. Share a little love with everyone and spread some kindness throughout the world. There are some people that you may not think worthy of your love but, do you know what they are going through in their lives? A little love can go a long way to changing someones life. Always try to be open minded, never dismiss anything totally without really thinking about it.
Meditate
Now this is something that I believe will help everyone, not just us hippy folk. It is so good for many things. Stress, relaxation and self discovery. There is a misconception about meditation as many think you have to sit and chant mantras in some silly position. Not true! Meditation is for everyone and can be done anywhere. It can be daunting for those who have no idea where to start and so we have written a couple or articles that may help;
Hippy’s – How to Mediate
Mindfulness and Meditation in Everyday Life
Meditation can help you through difficult times and is a great practice to make part of your daily routine. They say that it takes around 21 for a habit to form so why not give it a go. What have you got to loose. If after 21 days you don’t think it helps… I ma not going to finish that sentence and I have never spoken to anyone it hasn’t helped.
Easy Peasy
How can I be a hippie is such a commonly asked question and I really hope that this articles gives you enough of an idea of what it is all about to help you get started. It is not a fad but a way of life. Yes the hippie clothes that people associate with us are part of who we are and our self expression but, that is not just who we are. In a nutshell, being a hippy is being a kind and loving human being who cares not only for themselves but for everyone around them. We are relaxed, take joy in the little things in life and just want the world to get along. Strive to be the best that you can be. If we all do this then the world will become a much nicer place to be.
In a world where there is so much hatred and violence, please look after one another. It costs nothing to be kind!
Peace, love & Light
xx
