Starting from the very bottom of the definition of mindfulness is a condition where one is fully active in the present with body and mind, lives in the moment, and responds to current experiences. It is the healthiest state one can be in, observing each day with love, gratitude and peace. It is, however, the state one must practice daily.
“My heart trembles from joy; it is raining! I wonder what it is with humans that we thrive for rain after a few sunny days. The desire for contrasts, I would suppose. But how wonderful it feels, how refreshing is the view of washed fields, hills and roads. Only a few days ago, I thought about emotions I lately lack and my thirst for them. Does that thirst explain my joy of seeing gathering dark clouds and drops on the window? Most definitely, it does.”
The last time I found myself in a long line full of impatient people at one of ZARA stores, was the end of January when the season of attractive sales was almost over. In my possession, I had an oversized cream shirt, black dress and a pair of jeans. That was the end of my rare shopping at fast-fashion stores, and beginning of the challenge to stay away from those brands for one year. I can think of quite a few reasons that developed such an idea in my mind, and that is what this post should be about. Now, I do not call anyone to stop their shopping habits. I also wish to judge no one for shopping at fast-fashion stores. However, as I developed some kind of experience in the industry, along with a particular point of view on massively produced clothes, I wish to say a few words. Obviously, I do not need to explain what most people talk about nowadays. In essence, the struggle of the environment and the impact mass production has on nature and the way we as consumers are involved in those struggles. Firstly I would suggest researching the topic on your own time because such an act of curiosity brought me to the 'no fast-fashion' challenge. Secondly, another reason that brought me to the change was my experience of working in clothing retail and fashion houses.
I have many exciting (at least to myself) topics to write about, to bring up some organization to my thoughts and to hopefully be useful to my fellow readers and such include style, mindful living, minimalism, and wardrobe tips. However, while the whole world is on pause, I felt those topics could wait until I talk of something more critical than listed ideas. After the quarantine started in the middle of March I kept telling myself that nothing significant changed in my case. I kept waking up in the morning. I kept committing to my writing routine. I stayed loyal to reading, exercising, and working on the articles from my home office.