What is downshifting interests many people. This word is more and more common in the modern lexicon, but not everyone understands its meaning.
In this article, we will look at the main features of downshifting, which may differ in different countries.
What is downshifting
Downshifting is a term denoting the human philosophy of "living for oneself", "abandoning other people's goals." The concept of "downshifting" has similarities with another term "simple living" (from English - "simple way of life") and "simplification".
People who consider themselves to be downshifters tend to abandon the desire for the generally accepted benefits (a constant increase in material capital, career growth, etc.), focusing on "living for oneself."
An interesting fact is that in translation from English, the word "downshifting" means "shifting the machine's gearbox to a lower gear." Therefore, the concept of "downshifting" should mean a conscious transition to a lower level.
In simple terms, downshifting is a rejection of generally accepted norms (career, financial well-being, fame, education, etc.) in favor of living "for oneself."
In films, there are often plots in which the main character becomes a downshifter. As a successful entrepreneur, famous athlete, writer or oligarch, he decides to give up everything in order to start a life filled with meaning.
In such cases, the hero can settle somewhere in the forest or on the river bank, where no one will bother him. At the same time, he will enjoy hunting, fishing or housekeeping.
It is worth noting that downshifters are divided into 2 groups - "at the behest of the soul" and "for ideological reasons."
The first group includes those people who dream of achieving harmony with themselves and nature. The second group includes those who want to protest against the consumer society.
Basic principles of downshifters
The key features of downshifting are:
- living in harmony with yourself;
- lack of desire for enrichment in any of its manifestations;
- getting pleasure from communicating with loved ones or, conversely, from an ascetic lifestyle;
- doing your favorite work or hobbies;
- striving for the development of spirituality;
- self-knowledge, etc.
To become a downshifter, you don't have to make drastic and radical changes. On the contrary, a person can gradually come to the way of life, which in his understanding is the most correct and meaningful.
For example, you can stop working overtime or make your life as simple as possible. Thanks to this, you will have free time to implement your favorite things or ideas.
As a result, you realize that you have to work in order to live rather than live in order to work.
Features of downshifting in different countries
Downshifting can be understood in different ways in different countries. For example, in Russia or Ukraine, the number of downshifters does not exceed 1-3%, while in the USA there are about 30%.
This is explained by the fact that the higher the standard of living of the population in the country, the more citizens stop worrying about the material, switching their attention to the realization of their life aspirations.
Such a low percentage of downshifters in Russia is due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of the population lives at the subsistence level, so it is much harder for people not to think about material benefits.
An interesting fact is that often downshifters return to their old way of life. That is, a person having lived for some time as he wanted, decides to "return to the origins of his existence."
Therefore, if you want to become a downshifter, you do not have to resort to drastic measures, completely changing your lifestyle. In any case, it is better to try at least once to live the life you have dreamed of for a long time than to think about it for many years.
