What Is Conscious Living?
Written by Nichole (W&S Founder/Editor-in-Chief)
SHARE ON:
Conscious living and sustainable lifestyles is everything we stand for at W&S. But what does conscious living even mean? How is conscious living different from the popular notion of sustainability? Hear from our founder Nichole on what conscious living and W&S is all about.
What Does Conscious Living Mean?
Conscious living, often misconstrued as just another buzzword, transcends the superficialities of popular sustainability or mindful living trends. While it shares some elements with these movements, conscious living embodies a deeper philosophy that extends beyond individual practices. It fosters a refined sense of awareness and interconnectedness that embraces both personal growth and collective well-being.
In environmentalist circles, conscious living may surface indirectly, usually prompted by discussions on topics like the hollow greenwashing attempts of certain brands. Within spiritual and self-improvement spaces, it finds a home as a practice aligned with one's higher self or calling. While these perspectives touch upon aspects of conscious living, they only scratch the surface of its true depth. They often prioritize the individual, neglecting the vital role of community and the intricate web of relationships within the human and non-human realms.
According to the English Dictionary, "conscious" is defined as follows:
Aware of one's own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, etc.
Fully aware of or sensitive to something (often followed by "of").
Aware of what one is doing.
A common thread throughout these definitions is an elevated state of awareness. Unfortunately, this nuanced understanding of consciousness is not always applied in the majority of conscious living ideologies, limiting its potential for profound transformation.
At Women & Sustainability (W&S), we perceive conscious living as a state of heightened awareness encompassing not only oneself but also the people around us and the environment we inhabit. Our interpretation of conscious living goes beyond the individualistic focus prevalent in some circles. It embraces an intersectional, community-based approach that recognizes the intricate interconnectedness of all living beings and natural processes.
When we embody conscious living, we cultivate an expanded consciousness that encompasses mindful self-awareness and an acute understanding of the world around us. It urges us to consider the broader implications of our choices, acknowledging their impact on ourselves, others, and the planet. Conscious living encourages us to question societal norms, challenge oppressive systems, and actively contribute to positive change.
At its core, conscious living is a call to embrace a holistic lifestyle that honors sustainability, mindfulness, and inclusivity. It invites us to align our actions with our values and make informed choices that promote social and environmental justice. By weaving conscious living into our daily lives, we can foster deep connections, build resilient communities, and collectively work towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Join us on this journey of conscious living, where we transcend the superficial and dive into the depths of awareness and interconnectedness. Let us explore the multitude of possibilities that arise when we integrate conscious living into our individual paths and collective endeavors. Together, we can co-create a world where conscious living becomes a catalyst for positive change, enabling us to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the planet we call home.
Conscious Living VS. Sustainability
I was scrolling through instagram one day and came across the bio of Arti Jalan (@forageandsustain) reading: Sustainable and Conscious Living. Her choice of phrasing immediately stuck with me. It was the first time I realized what I meant to follow, that is living consciously, was different from living sustainably.
Conscious living and sustainability, while related, are distinct concepts with their own nuances. While sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, conscious living encompasses a broader scope that includes considerations of awareness, intention, and community. It is important to define and distinguish these ideas to promote more inclusive discussions and avoid the pitfalls of an exclusionary sustainability movement.
The differentiation between conscious living and sustainability becomes apparent when we examine the social implications and limitations of sustainability. The mainstream sustainability movement has been criticized for its exclusionary nature, often defined through the lens of an upper middle class, Eurocentric perspective. This has resulted in a disconnect with marginalized ethnic groups, women's groups, and disabled groups who do not see themselves represented or their specific needs addressed within sustainability discourse.
“Conscious living and sustainability, while related, are distinct concepts with their own nuances”
Instances such as the anti-straw movement, the policing of non-white people's diets, and the appropriation of second-hand shopping without considering the impact on low-income individuals have highlighted the harm caused by a narrow sustainability framework. Many sustainable brands and organizations have failed to authentically include diverse voices and maintain their commitments to inclusivity. This exclusionary legacy hampers progress and limits the movement's effectiveness in advocating for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Conscious living, on the other hand, offers a more inclusive and flexible approach. It encourages individuals to develop their own case-by-case awareness, taking into account their unique intersections and experiences. This personalized approach allows for a broader understanding of what progress means within different contexts and communities. Conscious living expands its focus beyond the environmental aspect and includes mental health, spirituality, community-building, and other crucial dimensions often overlooked by sustainability.
By bridging the gap between the environmental and social aspects of sustainability, conscious living provides an opportunity to address the limitations and biases inherent in the traditional sustainability framework. It acknowledges the importance of considering the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals and communities in the pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle.
It is important to note that conscious living does not seek to impose a universal standard or lifestyle on everyone. Instead, it invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect on how they can become more aware of the needs of their communities, the planet, and themselves. By cultivating this awareness, people can make progressive impacts according to their own means and capacities, promoting a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainable living.
In conclusion, conscious living and sustainability are distinct but interconnected concepts. While sustainability focuses on environmental considerations and the intergenerational balance of resources, conscious living encompasses a broader awareness that includes social, emotional, and mental well-being. By embracing conscious living, we can bridge the gaps in sustainability discourse, foster inclusivity, and empower individuals to make meaningful and progressive impacts in their communities and the world at large.
Core Tenets of Conscious Living
I’d like to think that conscious living encompasses several fundamental elements that shape its essence. These elements provide a framework for individuals to embrace a conscious lifestyle and make progressive contributions to a better future. Let's delve into each of these elements with specific examples that resonate with our audience of American women of color.
Intersectionality:
A cornerstone of conscious living is recognizing and valuing the intersections of lived experiences. It involves understanding how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and ability intersect and shape our perspectives and challenges. For example, intersectionality in conscious living means advocating for inclusive feminism that addresses the unique struggles faced by women of color. It involves acknowledging that their experiences differ from those of white women and actively working to dismantle the intersecting systems of oppression they face. By amplifying diverse voices and challenging societal norms, we create spaces that honor and validate the complexity of our identities.
Holding Oneself and Community to Equal Regard:
Conscious living emphasizes the importance of nurturing a balanced relationship between self-care and community care. It means recognizing that individual well-being is interconnected with the well-being of the community. An example of this element is engaging in self-care practices that prioritize mental health and emotional well-being. This could include practices such as therapy, meditation, or self-reflection. By taking care of ourselves, we become better equipped to show up for our communities, actively supporting and uplifting others. It is a constant dance between self-preservation and collective care.
Acknowledging Marginalized Perspectives in Storytelling:
Conscious living involves centering marginalized voices and promoting diverse narratives. It means actively seeking out and amplifying the stories, experiences, and perspectives of women of color. For example, this could be achieved by creating platforms or media that showcase the achievements, challenges, and wisdom of women of color, highlighting their unique contributions to various fields. It involves challenging dominant narratives that exclude or misrepresent women of color, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of empowerment. By amplifying our voices, we reshape the narrative and reclaim our space in society.
Creating an Inclusive Community:
Conscious living extends beyond traditional environmental and sustainability perspectives by acknowledging the interconnectedness of social, political, and environmental issues. An example of this element is actively engaging in community-building efforts that address the specific needs and concerns of marginalized communities. It involves supporting grassroots organizations working towards social justice, advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, and promoting sustainability practices that consider the social implications of environmental actions. By creating an inclusive community, we foster solidarity, uplift one another, and collectively work towards a more just and sustainable future.
In conclusion, conscious living encompasses elements such as intersectionality, the balance between self and community, centering marginalized perspectives, and creating an inclusive community. By embracing these elements, individuals can cultivate a more holistic and progressive approach to life. Conscious living encourages us to examine our own experiences, engage with diverse perspectives, and work towards a future that uplifts and empowers all members of society. Through conscious living, we have the opportunity to foster positive change on personal, interpersonal, and systemic levels, making the world a more inclusive and sustainable place for everyone.
The Bottom Line on Conscious Living
In conclusion, conscious living represents a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to life that goes beyond traditional sustainability and wellness concepts. It embraces intersectionality, the balance between self and community, the centering of marginalized perspectives, and the creation of an inclusive community. At Women & Sustainability (W&S), we firmly believe in the power of conscious living and its ability to transform individuals and communities for the better.
Conscious living matters because it allows us to address the complexities of our world, acknowledging the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and personal well-being. It moves beyond a superficial understanding of sustainable practices and delves into the profound depth of conscious choices that can positively impact both our immediate surroundings and the wider global community.
What sets W&S apart from other sustainable, wellness, and conscious brands is our commitment to an inclusive and intersectional approach. We recognize that conscious living cannot be achieved by simply adopting eco-friendly products or practices; it requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by marginalized communities. Our platform is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women of color, providing valuable resources and information that empower them to make informed choices and actively engage in conscious living.
