Believe it or not, I am quite drawn to this potential lifestyle, and while it isn’t feasible for now, I still dream of the day I go and become a Sage, hopefully with my own ‘temple’. Or I might go Franciscan, and become a mendicant, again(?).
In reality, I would still have possessions, but I suppose that most of that stuff would be relics/momentos, or meagre daily necessities (no need to go Diogenes route). Let’s say I want to exist without needing to pay utilities or rent, etc. Either I become a permanent guest of someone, or I have my own nomadic vehicle. If necessary, I could go back to minesites and live FIFO again, but that would still require a place for my possessions. Let’s divide the categories as specified by those girls in the meme: spiritual awakening, removal of social infrastructure, minimalism, and social seclusion/self imposed exile.
Spiritual Awakening: This one is the easiest, as I have the existing framework to live as an ascetic. Needs refinement, but yes. Idling isn’t very conducive to spiritual health.
Removal of Infrastructure: I would still need a licence to drive… a passport to travel… a bank account for my funds (it is the electronic age). Could remove credit cards, and use a friend’s address for my van rego, but spending would need to take place at certain points…
Minimalism: Any future purchase would basically fall under consumables or replacements. I do not need more clothes, and have found a fashion sense that complements my tastes/lifestyle. I do not plan on getting ill, if I am careful, and I have no need for frequent or even sizable laundry. My diet is very simple, and I can live off staples, not luxuries. My pleasures tend to be immaterial too; I have never taken recreational drugs, nor have any interest. All I would need is a working “vannish” vehicle, maybe with solar panels for cooling. A spy, with no house or ostensible attachments. Pay for a phone plan, and have a bank account. Keep my documents but not need them often. Storage Facilities seem the best option for now… how I wish I could have organised the move in person, rather than delegate. But that is the reality of being far far away…
Exile: I would miss my friends, and my students would still need to see me, but I could easily see less people, as I have been practicing for a while already. I would still see people for seminars I host- or maybe I will be a guest at other seminars?
So, I am not yet capable of living free from Samsara but it’s a work in progress…
In all likelihood, I will have an apartment, but I have learned how hollow owning a home while working away most of the time can be, so I guess flat mates might be the way. Sheesh, is this what the millennials and Gen Z experience on a daily basis? How discouraging to be so tethered to the mortal realm.
In the end, Power is the privilege of living in comfort, but knowing you could lose it all and still recover…
Solosopher & Solosophy 