Is it important for you to always be on a set schedule, or on time for events? Free-spirited individuals are likely to have more flexible schedules. Do you like to plan ahead or be spontaneous? A major aspect of being free spirited is learning to “go with the flow”: accepting things as they come, rather than deciding everything ahead of time. How organized are you? A free-spirited lifestyle will probably mean a less organized life and/or living space. In its place, however, comes the opportunity for excitement and spontaneity. How practical and grounded are you? A free spirit can be just as successful as anyone else, but cultivates imagination, daydreaming, and idealism along the way.
Think of the books, ideas, people, etc. that you find fascinating or inspiring. You don’t have to think or do things exactly like these models, but think of them as ways for encouraging you to find your own path.
If you are having difficulty being spontaneous at first, schedule a few minutes per day, or per week, in which you have nothing planned. Do whatever comes to mind, or nothing at all. Stop to chat with strangers, friends, or coworkers, even if you feel busy. You will enjoy the company, and taking a detour in your day. Be wary of time traps. Some activities, like endlessly surfing television channels you don’t really want to watch, or getting lost in a smartphone, can eat up lots of time that could be spent being spontaneous. Don’t plan every day. Sometimes we want to do this so that we aren’t bored. But if you leave time open, you can discover new things. Try leaving an unplanned weekend, for starters, and use the time to get out of the house and do something you’ve never done before.
Travel to a place you’ve never been before. Try a new type of cuisine. Get up and dance, right now, whether or not there’s any music. Do a routine activity in a different way. Take a different way home for instance, or have your morning coffee on a walk rather than sitting at your breakfast table or in your car. Offer free hugs. Strike up a conversation with a stranger when you’re standing in line at a store—you never know what you might learn, or who you might meet. Take up a new hobby or try to learn a new skill, and don’t be afraid of failing, or of what others will think.
As a free spirit, you can certainly still worry about and fight for things that matter. If something seems to be holding you back rather than helping you achieve your dreams, however, it might be time to let it go.
Buying fewer things will decrease clutter and simplify your life. This will also free up finances for things that might matter more to you, such as traveling or spending time with friends. Buy less, but of better things. Having quality things but fewer things overall can help you be less materialistic. Higher-quality clothes, for instance, will last longer than lower-quality ones, and you will need to have fewer of them. Keep in mind that reducing is good for the environment. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Resources Defence Council Multinational environmental advocacy group focused on grassroots activism and legislative action Go to source Consuming less means less production, less waste, less pollutants, etc.
Think about how often you use particular items. Many experts suggest that if you are trying to declutter, if you haven’t used an item in six months, you should consider getting rid of it. Irreplaceable items of great sentimental value might be an exception. [10] X Research source However, remember that memories are more important than things, and you might not need to keep everything. Photographs, for instance, can be scanned for safekeeping without taking up space, and then discarded. Consider donating items you no longer need to a thrift store, community center, religious organization, or other worthwhile cause. That way, others in need can benefit from the items you can live without.
Sit up straight. Put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose. You should feel the hand on your belly raise, but the hand on your chest should not move. Breathe out slowly, with your mouth barely open. Use your hand on your belly to push air out, if you want. Repeat this exercise ten times. Quickly inhale and exhale through your nose (about three breaths a second), keeping your mouth closed. Then breathe normally. Repeat this process for fifteen seconds or more.
Sit in a comfortable position, whether in a chair, cross-legged, or kneeling. Begin to pay attention to your breathing. Your mind will eventually wander. When you catch your mind wandering, bring your attention back to your own breathing. Don’t stop to dwell on or judge your thoughts. Continue this process for a short time, such as five minutes if you are trying it for the first time. Repeat this practice frequently, at least once a day. As you begin to practice mindfulness mediation regularly, you can gradually increase the length of the sessions, if you desire. Many people engage in mindfulness through prayer or meditation as part of a spiritual practice. A free spirit can absolutely willfully participate in these practices.
Remember that flaws, including physical imperfections, are part of what makes each person unique. [13] X Research source Be proud of what makes you unique, and don’t constantly worry about being the same as others. Practice compassion. This includes being as forgiving to yourself as you would be to others. If you are able to accept others for who they are, extend the same compassion to yourself. Practice tolerance. By being tolerant of other people, you will free your mind and emotions. Be ready to accept differences in other people, and always ask yourself how you would feel or think if you were in their place. [14] X Research source
