Neodecadence/Frugal Hedonism

As the old adage goes, “money can’t buy happiness.” Of course, money often allows folks to meet their materials needs – which is an important prerequisite for happiness and security. But beyond that, what happens when we reframe our relationship with luxury and decadence by striving for the simple pleasures in life? Maybe rather than shooting for a fancy vacation abroad, the next gadget, we would get more fulfillment and satisfaction from long slow walks, sunny naps, fresh cream, and splashing in the creek. What other creative sources of decadence have we not even considered, and what stands in our way to reclaiming them?

When we begin to seriously explore the ways in which we can reduce our dependence on consumption in favor of simpler and more sensuous pleasures, we ultimately gain a depth of aliveness. While we may make life harder in some ways by eschewing modern conveniences, we become rich in experiences, stories, relationships, and time. We become masters of our own whims when we are no longer as dependent on wages for our living, and more available to engage with the fulfilling work of life that is not valued under capitalism. What could be more precious or pleasurable than freedom, family and friends?