Each year, my need to play more, move more, and be in nature, increases, so I feel charmed to live fully immersed in nature by the canals.
This alternative lifestyle lessens my urge to keep up-to-date with social media and other mainstream vices, as my natural environment keeps me grounded and more conscious of how my actions or lack of them affect my overall well-being, and others around me.
I do believe that the environment that one lives in influences the way one behaves, and when I'm in nature, I am constantly observing the movements of the trees, the water, and the wildlife around me. This empowers me, as I'm constantly reminded to slow down, breathe, and be flexible in my approach to situations, just as the trees and wildlife withstand the natural elements such as rain, wind, and other weather adversities.
"I want to work and to play in nature so that I don't have to differentiate the two."My 5 Animal Qigong movement complements my environment and vice versa, and in the photo above, I'm stretching across mimicking the movement of a snake. God forbid if I should ever see a real snake though, as I have a morbid phobia for snakes.
Still, the movements that I do help to bring balance and harmonise my internal organs, and the stretches of the snake in particular, are linked to reducing negative emotions of worry and anxiety.
Here in the UK there's the National Health Service (NHS), however, the benefits that I feel from being in nature, make me regard nature as my 'natural health source'- my natural medicine.
Being in nature makes me feel a certain level of abundance, that makes me want to accumulate less tangible items. Therefore, it's easier for me to be creative and use my resources and space in multi-functional ways.
I had set up an outdoor office and while working, I took moments to feel and appreciate the natural ambient temperature, as I reflected on days when I was forced to work in a centralised air conditioning office. The temperature was never right, the atmosphere was sometimes toxic, and I'd be forced to spend most of my hours there, before leaving for home, feeling depleted.
Now, the fresh air that I breathe energises and refreshes me and stimulates my creativity.
I feel endowed by nature when I'm living simply, doing all things that make me feel at ease with myself. This lifestyle has given me a mental shift that makes me feel naturally good every day, and that's an achievement for me because my well-being is my number one priority.
Quick and easy meals are a huge part of my minimalist lifestyle, and I especially look forward to having rustic barbecues with hubby, after a long day cruising; just us two, and the beautiful sunset.
Spending my days amongst all these natural elements; wood, earth, water, fire, air, and space and making the most of them to my advantage without causing harm, is fulfilling beyond words.
What are your thoughts on this minimalist lifestyle, do you think it's a way of life that you could get used to?
This is a response to the KISS Prompt. I'd be delighted to hear about your daily minimalist activities in nature, that help to improve your well-being:)
What rocks my boat
My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”
Irie love,
Milly
Click the arrow below to find The Minimalist, a lifestyle community. 
It is a lovely lifestyle, and I feel that it is like a goal for those who seek peace in their environment; at the same time I understand that it is not a life for everyone. I particularly think I'm one of those people who would take advantage of it for a short vacation, as I can't stay away from the stage for too long, but I admire people like you, and I feel you understand life... That outdoor office sounds great, it's something I would like to add to my life, although right now my small apartment doesn't allow it... I love to stop by Hive and hang out with you Milly 😘
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I get that! It's the reason why many venues along the canals try to support local aspiring artistes and musicians.
It's great to see you stop by my post,😁 and thank you for the support:)))
Your boat is so pretty! I forgot. Hadn't seen it in a while.
That does seem like a killer office view. I wanted to say you're lucky, but then I remembered you make your own luck, so maybe you're just smart and brave to have created this lucky beautiful life for yourself <3
Thank you 😍
As much as it would be nicer to get one of the longer boats, there's something special about the smaller boats. We can hear people comment all the time when they pass by too.
That's so very true.
Sometimes hubby and I say the same that people say, "You're so lucky," not realising the challenges and sacrifices that also come with it.
We have to brace ourselves and remember that at the end of a beautiful day, some random thing could go wrong. I tend to take a deep breath when that happens and remind myself that I have life, I am free, and I am of sound mind - and face the challenges with calmness, clarity and patience:)))
The outdoor office in the areas that you travel to would be amazing. That location looks so serene and calm
which are two words that mean the same thing but it always sounds better when you double them upOutdoor bbqs on the bank would be fun as well. Enjoy!
I think you'd like the BBQs. There's something about mooring up, starting a fire and the smoky flavour of the meal. The best part is that you have a stunning view that you don't need to worry about maintaining and it's always changing.
My office setting is priceless!😊😁
Sometimes I go for a walk and take this stretch seat that folds like a bag. I can pop it out and set up an office in a split second.
I sat on a tree stump with my laptop on this the other day by the water, and passersby commented that I was "living the dream." 🤣
That does sound nice indeed. You are definitely living the dream.
That seat is very clever. Nice find!
😁
You know, I have been saving up for years to buy small land and been searching for ways to build the cheapest house because the price of land even outside of the city is way too expensive to afford I was thinking about container house but that is pricey as well Even though it is cheaper than brick houses, I still cannot afford that. I even thought about buying big bus frame as a house wall, lol.
But after I saw your boat and outdoor office, wow, I do not know why i never thought about living by the river with a boat I even have friends who can build such boat too. Have you ever wrote about how you Built the Narrowboat of yours? I would love to know how it works, how you get electricity, and everything in it. @millycf1976
Hello there!
It's interesting to hear all the different ideas that you've considered. They all sound good, and our friend who owns a Wharf House lives in a converted bus. It's simple yet luxurious with a Thai theme, influenced by his partner. It's like a big playhouse - large screen TV and surround sound. When he took me on a tour, he kept bursting out laughing at all the quirks and he immediately transformed into a happy 'big boy'. It was fun a watch him.
I'm not sure where you're based. However, narrowboats are popular in the UK, and you can find cheap empty shells and restore and do the interior decor yourself.
We purchased our boat fully decked out though.
We have solar energy, with the option to plug into main power if we are at a marina. Our fridge is 12V, which uses solar battery power, as the lights. We have USB power throughout the boat for charging mobiles, and other than that, we use power when the engine is running.
We bought a generator a few days ago and additional energy and we will get a power bank soon so we can have laptops and other appliances charged. We tend to only use manual appliances such as a Moka pot and French press, but we have a gas stove with oven and grill too.
We have the basic amenities of any small flat.
Here's a good website that you could search to see more possibilities for narrowboats - https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/.
Your friends house sounds amazing 🤩. I live in Malaysia but currently working in the UAE I just checked on Malaysian law for having a boat and to live in I have to register it to the government saying that I live on a boat ⛵ but might need to go back and ask the properly for more details.
Solar powered energy I've been seeing a lot of those in the UAE even the street light. What kind of maintenance do you do for the solar energy.
Sorry for so many questions I've been finding ways how to make this dream of mine works. I even studied how to make diy cheap bricks 🧱 yesterday on YouTube with 5 to 7% cement mix with gravel, sand etc.
Also thank you for the reply so now I need to check the price for solar powered energy equipment in Malaysia
We don't do any maintenance on the solar, we must ensure that we keep the battery level up to 12V at all times.
I heard that solar energy is super cheap here in the UK right now, but I can't imagine it to be the same in Malaysia. I lived in the Philippines and solar energy was ridiculously expensive there.
That's excellent.
In the Philippines, I realised the difference in hollow blocks and how their quality of differ. Some of them I could easily break with my hands, just like in the Kung Fu movies.
Alternative living is worth exploring. It's important to consider the natural disasters prone to the region too:)
I just checked the price of solar in Malaysia it's more expensive than the container house haha 😂 sigh.
I guess my only option is the diy bricks 🧱 cement in Malaysia is cheap but the labour cost is expensive but I can do it myself so I can cut the cost about 70% to 80% a lot of work but I can just make a small house no need to big gonna be alone anyways lol 😂
As for natural disaster we only have flood problems so I can just elevate the ground with stones and cement for foundation need to dig a big hole for the drainage system and I'm good to go. Should be few months work if I do alone that is.
But first need to buy the land which I think in one more year I can buy it. Earlier if I can get my HBD up to cover some of the cost.
Anyway I'm talking too much haha 😂 too much on my head thank you again for this I appreciate your help
You sound so excited about your goals and I'm happy for you. Labour costs are indeed expensive in those places, so if you can do a lot of work yourself and have a network, it saves you.
It's crazy how they out-market solar energy in Asia, where the sun is always at a 'premium' just to capitalise on the energy supply.
Another kind of alternative buildings that work in Asia and Africa is yurts. Check out this resort in Siquijor in the Philippines, called Infinity Heights
The structure is like a round permanent tent and you can make it basic or as luxurious as you like, on the inside:)
Yea anything to do with housing they mark up the prices like crazy no regards for average income people here.
I checked the yurts it might work actually it cost around 300+ it's cheap but I need to make sure it can withstand the wind in Sabah my location in Malaysia is the Borneo side most windy compare the other parts of Malaysia.
But I guess can use the bamboo wood to build to strengthen the walls and cement the floor should be good to go thank you so much I have more ideas now for my future house. I'm thinking about making the area for business as well all day breakfast 🥞 restaurant while enjoying the local tenom coffee ☕.
Yurts I need to remember this
<- superhero just has fallen from the sky onto our sinful land :P
A great image I am very much in love with. 🙏
😍😊 Hehe! Thank you!
I'm pleased you like them:)))
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
That portable workplace with the table and Mac at the front of the boat is just stunning! Love the idea! I bet the view is amazing when the boat is going full steam ahead. 😏
Thanks 😊
It's the best office ever. There are moments when I take moments to just sit still to appreciate it all. One evening I was working outside during the sunset hour. The lighting was beautiful and there was total silence. I looked down and saw a swan family of 9 surrounding me at the bow. They'd glided up so quietly from behind and just stood there. It's the mom who stuck her mouth in to get my attention. It was just beautiful 😍
at 3 mph max!😁
#SlowLife
A day and moment to remember, right? It's been a while since I've been on one of those journeys, a proper one at least; slow living, just relaxing and taking in the sights.
Hey, "whatever floats your boat", works for me. Haha.! 🚣
Hehe! Somehow, I'm just seeing this comment.
Have a great week ahead:)))
Same to you, Milly. Cheers! ☕️
Super yes! Gosh! You should see the smile on my face as I read because this is my dream. I once shared my views on this a few months ago, and seeing you living such life is pleasing to my whole being.
I love and appreciate nature so much that I feel like my heart is ready to burst when that cool natural air blows around swiftly like a fairy dancer. The way the trees move, the chirping of birds, the greenery, and so much more!
Thank you for sharing this. Reading this post was therapeutic for me. I love the images shared as well.
I'm happy that this made you happy!
Don't give up on that dream of living simply, and hopefully somewhere safe.
It's a lifestyle that presents many challenges, but the overall benefits outweigh it all.
Thanks for your lovely comment:)
Giving up? That's not an option, and it has never been! I know I am going to acquire this, and I really can't wait to have it. Gosh! I think I am just going to just sleep out in the midst of nature for a month😂.
That's the spirit. Things take time to manifest, and you just have to trust the process.
Yes, I know and that is why I am super trusting the process. Thank you mama 🤗
You're very welcome:)
Nature and its environment offer pretty much what one needs in his/her life. Obviously, you won't find technology or modern behaviours on there, but they are also not a must tin everyone's life. That's why I love so much nature too!
The more time that I spend in nature, I find this to be true 😊
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the weekend:)))
Thanks! Wish you a lovely week ahead :)
🤗
Wow! I really liked all your images, it provoked me to be there, the truth is that the best place to be is in those natural environments that God gives us. It is definitely a delight. Enjoying working outdoors is unique. Thanks for sharing, your content is very nice.
Thank you, I'm pleased you liked it. It's wonderful living in nature on the boat:)))
Your relationship with nature is truly inspiring. It's amazing how the environment positively affects our well-being.
Thank you 😊
Yes, you're so right, indeed:)))
It's so beautiful
Thank you:)
Minimalistic Life is something I wish to have. You have mastered it so beautifully. Kudos on mastering such a good job at maintaining your space with nature and the wildlife. 🫶🏻
What beautiful photos we agree the environment influences, freedom more connected with ourselves and what surrounds us living in the middle of nature makes us much more creative, harmony. Now that's an office! Very few enjoy something like that.💚
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I can feel your calm state of mind while reading this and it's lovely. Honestly, I'm a bit jealous haha. What a lovely way to live on the water in such a boat, I remember seeing some pictures of how you are using all the space in the boat for storage of your belongings and it's great to see how much is possible on such a "small" boat.
In terms of minimalist lifestyle I would say it's great if you have a small living space because you have to be creative with space, we already accumulated too much in this bigger apartment as we have plenty storage spaces, which is not where I want to be but yet we are here again. Reading such posts is inspiring and a kick in the butt to (once again) declutter and know that less is more.
Although I live in an apartment quite high, I REALLY enjoy staring outside and seeing the ocean with the rest of the killer view, especially when the moon is clear in the sky from my couch to be seen I feel so blessed and calm. Therefore I can really see how living so in touch with nature as you are does to a mind.
We have plans for the future to live closer to nature as well but it's a work in progress and will take a few years at least to become reality.
Thanks for being an inspiration @millycf1976 <3
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Here I am, confined within four walls and reading about your outdoor office, damn! This is so amazing. I can do double shifts on such atmospheres, what a beautiful experience they are!
Thank you and a happy weekend to you too:)