‘Survive, Thrive and be Happy’

Recycling is one of the Wasted Hippie principles, centred around the core of ethical living. Here, at WH HQ, we aim to find that happy balance, accepting modern technology and society's lifestyle in general whilst retaining some of the old ways, endeavouring to become more self-reliant. Honouring Mother Earth, appreciating the soil below and the sky above, embracing the harsher months and protecting ourselves, each other and all who live around us, not forgetting the flora and fauna, for how can we ever forget them?

 

Over the past week, MR WH has created a candle from one that we were given by a friend. She very kindly saves us her remnants. Although this particular candle came with plenty of wax in it, it had been deemed unusable due to a dodgy wick. The following list is an example of how you can recycle various items from around your home, in order to create a complete gift:

 

1. Clean glass jar with lid

2. Melted wax remnants

3. Old string or decorative tape, chord, ribbon, lace

4. Dried flower, leaf or button

5. Suitable recycled packaging such as a small cardboard box, gift bag or brown paper

 

Obviously, we had the necessary tools and materials, such as a melting pot and a little wick.

By using a glue gun and designing and printing the labels ourselves, we can add the perfect finishing touches. That fact that they can also be personalised is a little ‘Brucie bonus.’

 

We would never ask for any payment for the items we create. We give with fondness, to make someone smile. We may ask our friends to save jars or wax for us but we don't take things for granted. When we offer fresh produce or preserves, we do not accept anything back in return. But, it's as if the universe kicks into motion and we find ourselves as receivers too.

This year, we have been given a number of things, always with such kindness. People may see us and call, “Oh, I have something for you…” Never, in a patronising or condescending way, but in a way that has something rather wonderful about it. Was it like this in the old days? 

 

People waste so much today. It's tragic. We can only hope that more and more people wake up to the manipulation that is fundamental to consumerism and profit.

 

What do we need anyway? Separate from the obvious basic essentials, in order to survive, thrive and be happy?

 

We need friendship. We need a little love. We need to appreciate the earth. We need to laugh. We need to care. We need to repair, not despair.

 

We need to stop wasting and wanting more, all the time. Happiness is inside you. Find what really makes you happy and I don't mean a fleeting happiness, I mean a lasting one. Look for it, seek the answer and then nurture it. Go for it! What do you have to lose? 

 

Life is short.

 

Biodiversity is such a marvellous thing. If we just open our eyes we can find so much when we pause and stop. There is wonder all around us, everyday. Take the tiny spider who lives in our bathroom. He’s been there for around a week, if not a little longer, hanging on a single thread at the side of the hand basin. Mrs WH worries about what he is getting to eat, as he is so tiny and the bathroom is rather stark. Only two days ago, she, suffering somewhat with her knees lately, was running herself a relaxing bath, only to announce that when she was running the hot water and adding the salts, the spider was running for its life up the side of the bath. Obviously, she rescued it and popped it out of the window, as she does. However, it was the wrong spider. That one is still hanging by the side of the hand basin, it whirls like a dervish when you touch it. We'll have to move it soon.

 

And finally, let us finish this little musing with a quote:

 

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

 

- Bob Marley 

 

Enjoy all that you choose to do, today.

 

© 2023. Mr & Mrs WH