Wake up to conscious living

Environmentalism, healthy living and spirituality seem to have all found a new home under the umbrella term “conscious living” – a phrase I’m finding myself exposed to a lot more lately. It seems people are no longer imprisoning themselves in an eco-warrior identity, muesli-munching ghetto or incense-burning bodily temple. More and more, I’d say, specialised alternative interests are giving way to a more rounded holistic approach to life that mixes and matches the myriad ways of feeling good, looking good and even being good – to oneself, each other and the planet.

Whilst conscious living certainly trips off the tongue a lot easier than the American version – “LOHAS”, standing for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability - what does it really mean? If you are alive, and not in a coma or asleep, you must surely be living consciously?

Well apparently not. Being alive, some conscious living proponents might argue, does not mean you’re living very consciously. To them, life is about the choices we make. And furthermore, the consequence and quality of our choices is directly related to our level of consciousness – or how aware we are. And they might add: the more aware we are, the better the contribution we make to those around us and the world we live.

The simplest of examples is the now very lowly plastic bag. Ten years ago, most of us thoughtlessly packed our shopping into those apparently disposable carriers. Since our consciousness grew to understand that these items, carelessly used, are an environmental disaster waiting to happen, they are latterly shunned and outlawed in some shops and even whole towns.

Similarly, organic food and complementary therapies were once thought of as the choice of navel-gazing cranks, yet are now the preferred choice of many. How long until we say: “Why on earth did we allow ANY poison on foods?” Let alone allowing it to be unnecessarily shipped thousands of miles or grown under exploitative economic conditions. Things clearly change and what was once cranky becomes a more conscious and subsequently unquestioned choice.

This process allegedly prompted the 19th century philosopher Schopenhauer to say: "Truth always goes in three stages. First it is ridiculed, then violently opposed, and finally accepted as self-evident."

Seen another way, perhaps it’s those who live unconsciously who ridicule those endeavouring to live more consciously, ultimately waking up to the “self-evident” truth that perhaps the earth isn’t flat, maybe witches shouldn’t be burned and could it be that we can’t go on living with so little regard for the earth’s finite resources?

On a lighter note, my own definition of conscious living would recommend associating with what’s uplifting and inspiring in order that life becomes easier and more enjoyable. I promote living in the moment and going with the flow - being happy now, knowing that I’m doing my best and going in the right direction at least. What’s best and right however, only time will tell.

It’s also worth saying that living consciously is not an on or off matter; it’s a continuum, leading – some say – to the highest states of human experience. Whatever the theory, clearly life is about choices. If you disagree; that’s your choice. And when it comes to conscious living, the choice is yours; the choices are yours. Are you choosing wisely?