|
Hippies were also known as “Flower Children” due in part to the enjoyment of and reverence for nature. Many wanted to get back to the land and live more in harmony with the natural environment. This recognized the basic human need for contact with nature and also represents a longing to return to a time of innocence.  Like traditional cultures, hippies believed that nature was more than just a physical place – it also represented spiritual connections. We believe that the natural environment has intrinsic worth and should be protected for its own sake.
Although such beliefs may have become part of conventional wisdom, such notions were radical in the sixties. Hippies were among the first groups to be interested in and emulate Native Americans’ relationships with the earth. This was evident in our dress and other habits. Hippies preferred rural areas, but ended up initially flocking to the cities. Hippies were the first to consume natural or organic foods. They ate granola, veggies, tofu, and other “new” products. Hippies also respected animals. Like today’s animal rights advocates, we believed that animals had souls and feelings. Many hippies were vegetarians. Hippies were among the first to embrace alternative healing and wellness practices, such as yoga, massage, and various nutritional supplements. Hippies wanted to simplify their lives. They dropped out of the consumer culture. True hippies (like Jesus and his followers) gave away or shared their possessions. We also believed in the old adage “waste not, want not.” We tried to make things last and fix things when they broke. Hippies would see no need for a new car or computer if the ones they have are working OK. Hippies were among to first to point out the delicate balance within nature. We recognized how “Everything is connected to everything else.” Hippies also realized that there were consequences to all our choices. We came to realize that “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” In the interest of conservation, we also sought to “Save water, by showering with a friend.” How to Live More with Nature’s Way: * Recognize that Americans are only three percent of the population, but we consume about one-quarter of the world’s resources. Cut back on your use of all natural resources, including oil, water, and land. Practice the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” * Take advantage of the holistic approaches to health maintenance and disease prevention. These include chiropractic, homeopathic, and related modalities. Reiki, massage, and other forms of body work are very beneficial. * Eat more organic and whole grain foods. The best foods are fresh fruits and vegetables. Food should be processed as little as possible. Drink as much water as you can. Bottled or filtered water is preferred, particularly in some polluted areas. * Be very careful in terms of your liquor consumption (a little wine or beer is all right). Alcohol is a toxic substance and kills more people each year than all other illegal drugs combined. One the other hand, no one has ever died directly from too much marijuana at one time. In fact, many experts now recognize the medical and psychological benefits of cannabis. * Show respect for all living things. Consume little or no meat. This is important for health and ethical reasons. Spend more time outside getting in touch with nature. If possible move out to the country where the air is cleaner and human impacts are less severe. * Get active to clean up and protect your local environment. Join citizen’s groups and target sources of pollution from both individuals and organizations. Praise those companies that do a good job and shame those who are polluting the environment. Work to develop local mass transit services and get involved with land use planning for your community. Don’t buy vehicles that guzzle gas and pollute our environment.
Comment on this article
You must login to leave comments...
Other Visitors Comments
|
HipHappy Habits 
