Beyond the Rat Race: Embracing Slow, Small, and Simple Living

Amidst the complexities of our era, we confront a tapestry of crises spanning global, regional, and personal dimensions. From the widening chasm of economic inequality to the erosion of democratic principles, the unsettling rise in mental health challenges, and the looming environmental crisis, the landscape of our times is marked by profound upheaval. These crises, interwoven and interrelated, underscore a palpable disconnect—a stark dissonance between the urgency of our predicament and the inertia that impedes meaningful change. Despite the clamor for adaptation and progress, societal norms and structures often perpetuate stagnation, leaving us grappling with the profound implications of our collective values and worldview.

In navigating this labyrinth of challenges, Dr. Keibo Oiwa emerges as a steady beacon of insight and wisdom. A distinguished professor of anthropology and a pioneering figure in the Japanese slow movement, Oiwa's contributions extend far beyond academia. Through workshops like "Slow is Beautiful" participants like myself have had the privilege of delving into Oiwa's profound reflections on intentional living and mindful awareness. At the core of his philosophy lies a simple yet powerful mantra: the 3s— Slow, Small, Simple. Through these guiding principles, Oiwa encourages us to embrace a more deliberate and conscientious approach to navigating the complexities of our modern world. Drawing from personal experiences and insights gleaned from these workshops, this reflection endeavors to shed light on the urgency of our times and the transformative potential of Oiwa's teachings in fostering resilience and renewal.

Unraveling the Current Worldview: Tracing Our Steps to the Present

The once-celebrated Western worldview, built on progress, materialism, and endless economic growth, now reveals its cracks. This dominant paradigm, with its market economies, linear development, and focus on individual freedom, has guided societies worldwide. Yet, beneath the glittering facade lies a harsh reality: disconnection from communities, environment, and ourselves.

"Homo Economicus" - Economic man, or the rational agent depicted in economic models. Such an agent has consistent and stable preferences; he is entirely forward-looking, and pursues only his own self-interest. When given options he chooses the alternative with the highest expected utility for himself. - Oxford Reference

The relentless pursuit of 'more,' exemplified by the transactional concept of 'Homo Economicus' (popularized by Mill and Smith), has fueled a multitude of societal ills. This insatiable hunger for ever-increasing consumption severs social connections, weakens cultural richness, and erodes our very sense of shared humanity, as Noreena Hertz argues in her seminal work "The Lonely Century: A Call to Reconnect."

neoliberal capitalism. A self-obsessed, self-seeking form of capitalism that has normalised indifference, made a virtue out of selfishness and diminished the importance of compassion and care. A ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’, ‘hustle harder’ form of capitalism, that has denied the pivotal role both public services and local community have historically played in helping people prosper and has instead perpetuated the narrative that our destinies are solely in our own hands. It’s not that we weren’t ever lonely before. It’s that by redefining our relationships as transactions, recasting citizens in the role of consumers and engendering ever greater income and wealth divides, forty years of neoliberal capitalism has, at best, marginalised values such as solidarity, community, togetherness and kindness. ― Noreena Hertz

Recognizing the flaws in our current worldview is the first step towards a more sustainable and interconnected future. Perhaps the answer lies in a different way of being – one that prioritizes quality over quantity, connection over consumption, and a slower, simpler, more mindful approach to life.

Navigating the Landscape of Paradigm Shift: Seizing Opportunity Amidst Crisis

Our worldview, or rather "mindset" as Oiwa prefers to define it, shapes our understanding of existence and informs interpretations, policies, and societal structures. While often operating unconsciously, this pervasive frame of thinking is not fixed. Professor Oiwa highlights paradigm shifts – profound transformations in how we see the world. As the Chinese character for crisis - made up of symbols for danger and opportunity - suggest, turbulent times can be utilised to shift or break free from limiting beliefs. In fact, even Einstein reminds us, the problems we face cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them.

“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” - Albert Einstein

A holistic approach is essential, one that transcends fragmented thinking and fosters a deeper understanding of our collective reality. The journey towards a paradigm shift requires not only learning new ideas but also unlearning outdated beliefs. The current multifaceted crises – economic, social, and environmental – present a unique opportunity. They serve as a wake-up call, urging us to reimagine our world and forge a path towards a more sustainable future. What if the solution lies not in bigger, faster, more, but in a simpler, slower, and more mindful way of living?

Slow. Small. Simple: Life Lessons from the Sloth

At the core of Professor Keibo Oiwa's philosophy lies a simple yet profound mantra: Slow, Small, Simple. Rooted in the wisdom of the natural world, these guiding principles offer a transformative path toward sustainable living in an increasingly complex and hurried society. Drawing inspiration from his anthropological studies and E.F. Schumacher's seminal work "Small is Beautiful," Keibo advocates for a shift towards a more intentional way of being—one that mirrors the deliberate pace of the sloth.

The sloth, often misunderstood for its perceived laziness, emerges as a remarkable exemplar of the slow movement. In its deliberate movements and minimalist lifestyle, the sloth embodies the essence of slowness, smallness, and simplicity. Despite societal norms that equate success with speed and strength, the sloth's intentional pace offers valuable insights into the ecological wisdom of moderation and interconnectedness.

Against the backdrop of the "law of the jungle," where survival is often associated with quickness and aggression, the sloth defies conventional wisdom. Its evolutionary journey has led it to prioritize efficiency over haste, resilience over brute force. By minimizing movement and energy consumption, sloths have evolved to thrive in their arboreal habitat, carving out a niche untouched by the frenetic pace of the forest floor. Unlike their counterparts engaged in relentless competition for resources, sloths embrace a more harmonious existence, embodying the ethos of "slow is beautiful."

Even in the most mundane of activities, such as defecation, the sloth's deliberate approach reveals profound ecological insights. Venturing to the ground—a perilous journey fraught with danger—the sloth meticulously selects a spot, digs a small hole, and deposits its waste. Far from a trivial act, this process nurtures the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring the distribution of vital nutrients to the forest floor. In this simple yet profound act, the sloth embodies the interconnectedness of all living beings, reminding us of the inherent value of every creature in the web of life.

I have no doubt that it is possible to give a new direction to technological development, a direction that shall lead it back to the real needs of man, and that also means: to the actual size of man. Man is small, and, therefore, small is beautiful. To go for giantism is to go for self-destruction. - E. F. Schumacher

Echoing E.F. Schumacher's "Small is Beautiful," Oiwa proposes "Slow is Beautiful," urging us to learn from the sloth and appreciate the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. Through slowness, smallness, and simplicity (the 3 S's), we discover a path towards sustainability and a deeper connection with the world around us.

Unlearning and Relearning: The Path to a New Paradigm

In our quest to transcend the confines of existing mindsets and paradigms, the journey begins with a profound process of unlearning and re-learning. Rather than swinging to the opposite extreme, Oiwa advocates for an integration of opposing perspectives while retaining the valuable aspects of our current worldview. Central to this transformative journey is the embracing interdependence: "Okagesama."

The phrase ‘Okage Sama De, ‘ meaning ‘Whatever I am today — it is because of you’. This is such a straightforward and beautiful phrase of gratitude. Each living being is interdependent. Everyone I have met has influenced the person I am today. The environment influences what I learn and how I think or react. - Anupama Borgohain

Shifting away from a purely economic lens, we also need to move beyond the concept of "homo economicus" and the emphasis on "human doing." Drawing from the insights of authors like E.F. Schumacher, Keibo illuminates the path towards a more holistic worldview by considering the value of human existence beyond just economic productivity. Through the lens of Buddhist economics, he highlights the importance of human character and well-being, contrasting it with the materialistic focus of modern economics. Buddhist economics underscores simplicity and non-violence, positioning consumption as a means to human well-being rather than an end in itself.

As we embark on the journey towards a more holistic worldview, Professor Keibo Oiwa offers a comprehensive roadmap that encompasses both practical shifts and profound philosophical realignments. Central to this paradigm shift are seven key aspects, each representing a departure from the entrenched norms of our current worldview. From a transition towards local economies to the revival of communal villages rooted in nurturing and interconnectedness, these aspects lay the groundwork for a transformative societal evolution. Embracing concepts such as Gaian symbiosis and ethical democracy, this holistic perspective seeks to harmonize human existence with the intricate rhythms of nature, fostering deeper connections within communities and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

Furthermore, Oiwa presents a vision of the New Traditional Paradigm—a stark departure from the prevailing ethos of our modern paradigm. This paradigm envisions a shift from the relentless pursuit of growth and progress towards embracing cycles and the natural rhythms of life and death. It advocates for the transition from a civilization that seeks to dominate nature to one that co-creates with it, emphasizing the importance of regenerative, organic farming over chemical monoculture practices. In this new paradigm, the focus shifts from individualism towards community-centric approaches, from competition towards cooperation, and from a culture of excess towards one of simplicity and moderation. Across the globe, communities are already embracing the principles of slow, small, and simple living, demonstrating the transformative potential of adopting a more holistic perspective on life and society.

As we navigate the myriad challenges of our time, it becomes increasingly clear that the crises we face are not isolated incidents but interconnected symptoms of a deeper systemic issue. Our prevailing worldview, shaped by notions of progress, materialism, and relentless growth, has led us astray, fostering a culture of disconnection and imbalance. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity—an opportunity to reimagine our relationship with the world and embrace a more holistic perspective.

In confronting the inertia that often accompanies such paradigm shifts, we must remember the wisdom of the sloth: to move slowly, think small, and live simply. By embracing these principles, we can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate our current predicament and pave the way for a more sustainable and fulfilling future. It is through collective action and individual introspection that we can usher in a new era—one characterized by harmony, interconnectedness, and reverence for all life.