Currently, there’s a huge trend in clothing and lifestyle that is “boho” or “hippie” based. Lingo such as “good vibes,” “Zen” and “Namaste” are thrown about and written on popular clothing from stores like Pink and Forever 21. People use the caption “Good Vibes” on their Instagram posts, and sometimes the phrase is associated with drug paraphernalia. People claim to be free souls who emit good vibes, but do all of them really understand the terms they are using? I am all for this movement in style and culture, and I practice and learn as much of it as I can. I want others to really know what they are portraying and living so that they can start their own journey into these concepts.
The term “bohemian" means either a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, or a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. Usually, the term used to describe adventurers and those who live with like-minded people is written with a lowercase “b." Typically those who fall into this category are those who wander, like to go on adventures, and live a life dedicated to art, music and writing. The word is often used as a replacement for the term “hippie,” which means “a person, especially of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and beads, headbands, used garments, etc,” according to Dictonary.com
The trend of “boho” style has recently become popular again, and I must say I love it. Anyone can rock the style of clothing, and anyone can have the home décor that many furniture stores are carrying, but not everyone knows what it means to truly be bohemian and free. I am a firm believer that anyone can live their life to the fullest - and being free and at peace with oneself is the best feeling in the world. It’s also super easy once you show the proper dedication to a “boho” life. Just loosening up, being open-minded, and being ready to take on life one step at a time is a great way to get started to practice living a bohemian lifestyle. Find a passion rooted in music, art or writing, and then find others who share the same interests. Have vast, deep conversations with them about the meaning of life, and discuss difficult, diverse concepts with them. Learn their opinions, and learn from their views while sharing yours as well. Go on a little adventure off into the woods or nature, and just sit, listen, and think. Feel the energy and the “vibes” of the creatures and nature around you. “Good vibes” is not a phrase created to be a cute Instagram caption - it is a pairing of words referring to the energy and essence of all living and nonliving things. Inhale and exhale deeply and just feel the life around you. Connect your soul to the world around you, and set it loose. Be free.
This leads to the breakdown of the next term that is used a lot with little understanding of what it really means. The word “Zen” literally translates as “meditation.” So when people say things like “being Zen” or “I am so Zen” it really doesn’t make any sense. However, Zen is not something so easily translated or understood. Meditation is a process where an individual trains and focuses the mind to be at rest, to find peace and to seek answers and unlock hidden messages in the subconscious and unconscious mind. Usually, meditation is done in complete silence or with light, gentle music while sitting in a relaxed position. Clearing the mind is essential in order for answers and messages to be clearly heard and interpreted. While this is the physical understanding of the word, Zen is not something that can be defined by a dictionary. It is an attitude, a way of life, and the peace one finds within oneself. Your experience with “being Zen” might be entirely different than mine.
“Namaste” is a word I hear a lot, and I have even seen little slogans on clothing with twists to the word like “Nama-cray.” It is a fun, peace-inducing word, but what does it actually mean? “Namaste” is a Hindu term that literally translates as “I bow to the divine in you” or “I bow to you.” Generally, the person offering the greeting brings their hands together near the heart chakra (or the chest for those who do not know what chakras are) and then bows slightly. It is a sign of good faith, peace and kindness, and though it originated in Indian cultures, it has thus migrated to modern times. You may hear this word in yoga classes, or see it on T-shirts at the mall. My only comment on this is that this word is a sign of respect, and just as much respect should be given to the word that commands such respect.
Much more can be said on these topics, and this is just brushing the surface on the information that is out there on the subjects. I could go on and on about meditation, crystals, chakra balancing, tarot interpretation, spirit animals and guides, and astrology, but I feel as though this neatly describes the basics of a few terms people use in society today. I am not an expert on these topics, and am just beginning my spiritual journey. I am constantly researching, reading and learning as much as I can about anything and everything within this broad umbrella of spiritual concepts. My goal here today is to ensure that people get a new perspective of these terms and phrases and show these words respect. May good vibes be sent your way, and I wish you good luck on beginning your journey to finding peace. Namaste.
