The Scot’s Guide to Simple Living
Scotland is an ancient and wise land, one from which we can learn many lessons.
I hope that This Scot’s Guide to Simple Living will inspire you to slow down, draw nearer to nature, and embrace a simpler life.
My name is Kat if we haven’t met before, and I will be your guide on this journey.
#1
Adventure into The Great Outdoors
Here in Scotland, we love to escape to the great outdoors - and no wonder. The magic of Scotland resides in nature - the mountains are our walls, and our ceiling is the sky.
If you want to learn to simplify and slow down, you must look to the rhythms of nature, that know when to move and grow, and when to slow and rest.
Besides the wonderful mental and physical health benefits of escaping to the great outdoors, you will also find new perspective.
I think this is what so catches the imagination in Scotland - it’s such a small and humble country, yet it boasts such wondrous, awe inspiring sights.
When the complications of life crowd in and try to overtopple us, getting away to something bigger and more ancient than ourselves reminds us of two things.
First, that our worries are very small and fleeting in comparison to the ancient vastness of our earth.
And secondly, that we don’t need to keep trying to push or force ourselves like machines. We can sink into our reality as members of creation - and flow with the rhythms of the nature all around us. All we must do, is learn to slow down and listen to the quiet.
#2
Be Content with a Simple Lifestyle
Frugality is undoubtedly a component of Scottish culture - sometimes perhaps to our detriment. I myself find it hard to spend much money without feeling guilty about it. But more often, it serves as a path to contentment.
In a world that continually bombards us with marketing and tries to tell us that our lives and what we have isn’t good enough, being mindful about money and possessions is no bad thing.
While we do need money and things to live in relative comfort, it’s ultimately not things that will make us happy. It’s people, good experiences, and a mind at a peace.
#3
Appreciate the Little Things
A brownie is a faerie from Scottish folklore, that wears a little green cap and shoes, and was said to come into homes at night time to do housework. As a thank you, humans were expected to leave out a gift of food and drink.
While, sadly, it’s unlikely that any of us have housework faeries, this story is a reminder to be grateful for the little things.
Even, and especially, when the going gets tough.
Given that Scotland is a land of dark winters, wild weather, and harsh terrain, it’s not uncommon to experience discomfort and get a bit washed out at times.
As a result, you learn to appreciate the simple things in life - sitting by the fireside, five minutes of sunshine, or a good pub lunch.
#4
Live Sustainably
Just the other day I saw a wee bird with plastic stuck in its beak by the roadside. It was frantically trying to free itself -
and thankfully managed.
But it was a harrowing reminder to not become complacent about living in an eco-conscious way.
The thing is, a core part of simple living is being mindful about the impact you’re having on the earth:
Not taking more than you need.
And giving back where you’re able.
Reducing plastic waste, shopping locally and being mindful of the way you treat the countryside are all good places to start.
In a country of immense natural beauty, there is a constant reminder to live simply not only for our own sakes -
but also for the sake of our precious wildlife.
After all, they’re trusting us to care for their home.
Of course, while the ideas in this post have been inspired by Scotland’s nature and culture, they’re not unique to Scotland.
I hope this simple living guide has inspired you to live mindfully - no matter where in the world you may be.
Until next time, it was lovely to have you here.
