Bohemianism, unconventional lifestyle or subculture, whose followers prioritize community living and artistic pursuits while rejecting certain constraints of mainstream society, such as money and social ethics. This movement is considered to have been formed as resistance to the harsh market conditions they faced.
Adherents of the Bohemian lifestyle try to live a creatively free life outside of materialism, violence, and other aspects of society that they consider corrupt. The French word “bohemién” appeared in France in the 15th century to refer to Roma people, also known as gypsies (considered a pejorative), based on the mistaken belief that Roma people came from Bohemia many years before. Romans were nomadic; many of them live migratory lifestyles and work in places that might be considered the fringes of society. Some of them lived in poor areas of French cities, especially Paris, where in the 19th century the word “bohemian” developed its modern meaning from the impression of nomadism, creativity and poverty.
Recently, the terms “Boho” or “Bohemian” are mostly associated with a certain style of fashion or way of decorating a home. In fact, the bohemian style has become a real trend over the last few years. The brand Freepeople, for example, is a great example of this bohemian style trend. But there is more than that.
Bohemianism is a lifestyle. It symbolizes a free spirit living a life far from ordinary everyday life, stress and pressure, a life where people disguise their feelings and personalities to fit into today’s society and its ideals. You become the “perfect” version of yourself, living the supposedly “perfect” life, rushing from one place to another because there just isn’t enough in a day for 10 hours of work, exercise, eating, dressing, shopping, and picking up the kids from school. You get the idea.
Living a life that is always a hassle going from one place to another is not always what you really want. You do it because everyone else is doing it. From an early age, you gave your best in school so you could get into a decent university. When you’re at university, you give your best so you can get a good job in a big company someday. And When you’re at work? Yes, you give your best to please your boss, get a raise, or pay for your next holiday. At the same time, you are constantly improving yourself, trying to correct your flaws, become healthier and look better.
While you are doing all this, you tend to forget your talents, your dreams, your identity. You forget the things that actually make you happy and satisfied. The “perfect” version of yourself is often not yourself. That’s where the Bohemians were one step ahead of us. They live the life they want to live, they fight for their ideals, they are their true selves, who succeed in realizing their dreams. Even if that means they don’t have a permanent place to live or a large savings account.
Of course this bohemian lifestyle may not be for everyone, it does involve several aspects that more of you can, and perhaps even should, consider implementing in your own lives.
Reconnect with Nature with The Bohemian Lifestyle
Taking a walk in nature is often called the best medicine. However, in today’s modern world, people tend to forget about this and prefer to use electrical appliances or even pills to calm themselves, to distract themselves from their problems, from the struggles they face. So, next time you feel sad or stressed, try taking a walk in the park. This will not only help you relieve stress, but also to get a bit of physical exercise.
Followers of a bohemian lifestyle are more primitive, close to the earth, and tend to embrace nature. Typically, they don’t set sticky traps or knock down cobwebs, and there are never any inhabited ones. The Bohemians also tried to save animals.
Trying and learning new things will not only open up new possibilities and opportunities for you in life, but it will also make you smarter and will be very beneficial for your personality.
However you live or plan to live your lifestyle, take just 1 minute and think about it. What feelings did you get? If it tastes good, it’s great. However, if you don’t, there may be a weak point in your way of life. Now, think about the above-mentioned sentences. They are all elements in the bohemian lifestyle. Maybe you’ve experienced one, maybe there are some small adjustments you can implement in your life, and maybe, just maybe, they will help you live a fuller, happier, more honest life.
