Water: The misunderstood cosmic messenger

August 11, 2025 — Leave a comment

A memory, a teacher, a traveler from space.

Once upon a time, exactly 4.5 billion years ago, Earth was a violent place.

There were no oceans. No rivers, no rain, no life. Just a molten ball of fire and gas, spinning restlessly in space.

And then it came. Not as a storm or a miracle, but as dust, rock, and ice, hurtling through space and crashing into this young planet during what scientists now call the Late Heavy Bombardment.

Over millions of years, icy asteroids and meteorites may have delivered what Earth itself couldn’t produce on its own: water. Drop by drop, this alien substance transformed our planet, cooling its surface, filling its craters, and laying the foundation for every living thing that would ever exist.

In other words, the water in your glass, in your blood, in your tears, may not be from Earth.

This is a common theory among scientists, but how do they back it up?

Well, simply put, traces of deuterium (a form of hydrogen) in Earth’s water match those found in carbon-rich meteorites, not in Earth’s original atmosphere. In other words, water could well be extraterrestrial and we’re walking oceans, born of stardust and comets.

Pretty cool.

“A water molecule is made up of one atom of oxygen and two of hydrogen. Hydrogen was created in the Big Bang, and oxygen in the cores of stars more massive than the Sun. Enormous amounts of water, in gaseous form, exist in the vast stellar nurseries of our galaxy.” – NASA

All that being said, new discoveries have challenged that theory. Science doesn’t care about romance and poetry..

But that’s only the beginning of the story.

Water is alive in ways we’re still discovering

Science has always viewed water as simple H₂O. But the more we look, the more mysterious it becomes.

Water doesn’t just hydrate, it reacts. It listens, and it may even remember!

Case in point, when scientists drill into glaciers in Antarctica or Greenland, they’re not just pulling out ice. They’re pulling out history. Inside those frozen cores are bubbles of ancient air, particles of volcanoes and wildfires, records of rainfall, drought, and dust storms, all preserved in perfect detail. These layers tell us the climate story of Earth going back hundreds of thousands of years.

So yeah, water stores information. It has a memory. It IS a memory, not metaphorically but quite literally.

But what if water also stores something more subtle?

Can water feel ? Like, does it have feelings?

The late Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, believed it did. In his famous (and controversial) experiments, he exposed water to different words, prayers, music, and intentions, then froze it and photographed the crystals that formed.

On one hand, water blessed with words like “love” or “gratitude” formed stunning, symmetrical snowflake-like shapes. On the other, water exposed to hate, anger, or pollution formed distorted, chaotic patterns.

His work was dismissed by many in the scientific community, as they do. But for others, it cracked open a door. A possibility that consciousness and water might be connected in ways we don’t yet understand.

The mystery of memory in water

In 2009, Luc Montagnier, the Nobel Prize–winning virologist who co-discovered HIV, published a paper suggesting that highly diluted DNA in water emits electromagnetic signals, and that water retains this information even when the DNA is gone.

Another researcher and Swiss chemist, Louis Rey, studied water’s “memory” through thermoluminescence and noticed changes depending on what the water had previously been exposed to.

These findings are controversial, but they echo something ancient cultures have always known:

That water is not just a substance, it’s a carrier. A messenger. A mirror.

Water in religion & spirituality

Across every tradition and belief system, water is sacred.

• In Islam, it is said in the Qur’an: “We made from water every living thing” (21:30). Before drinking or washing, Muslims say “Bismillah”, or In the name of God, inviting His name to bless the water. Then there is the water of Zamzam, a sacred well in Mecca, believed to have sprung miraculously for Hagar and her son Ishmael in the desert. This water is revered for its purity and spiritual significance, and pilgrims often drink it during Hajj and Umrah, and take it home as a cherished gift.

• In Christianity, water baptizes, purifies, rebirths.

• In Buddhism and Taoism, water is a symbol of humility and transformation. It yields but wears down mountains.

• And Bruce Lee, blending martial arts with Eastern philosophy, famously said:

“Be like water, my friend.”

Meaning: stay flexible, formless, adaptive, like the element that takes the shape of whatever holds it, and yet remains itself.

Water teaches us to flow, to remember, and to release.

Our bodies remember too

Our body is made up of about 60% water. Our brain? Closer to 75%.

We are, quite literally, a walking river. Every cell depends on water, not just to survive, but to communicate, to regenerate, to feel.

Our emotions, hormones, sleep, focus, creativity, they all ride on the flow of water inside us.

And yet, for something so vital, we’ve forgotten how rare it is.

Water is scarce and under threat

Earth may be covered in water, but only 0.007% of it is drinkable and accessible. The rest is locked away in oceans, glaciers, or underground.

Meanwhile, pollution, overconsumption, and climate change are drying up and polluting a resource that our very existence relies on. Every environmental campaign is focused on the pollution of air (which causes 7 million deaths a year), which is great, but most campaigns don’t even touch on the irreversible pollution of water (mostly due to the fashion industry and animal breeding). Why? The air is much easier to clean than our fresh water streams. and yet..

Meanwhile, pollution, overconsumption, and climate change are depleting and contaminating a resource essential to our very survival: water. Most environmental campaigns rightly focus on air pollution, which causes 7 million deaths each year btw, but rarely address the irreversible pollution of our freshwater sources, much of it driven by the fashion industry and industrial animal farming. Why? I mean if anything, air is far easier to clean than our streams, rivers, and aquifers..

• The fashion industry produces 20% of global industrial water pollution. Dyes and synthetic materials poison rivers from Asia to South America.

• The meat industry is one of the biggest consumers and polluters of water. One single beef burger requires over 2,000 liters of water to produce. But that’s not it: Waste from livestock contaminates rivers and groundwater. Read about the Green Tide, aka Killer Slime or green algae, a magic seaweed that can kill you in SECONDS, another scandal brushed under the rug because a certain lobby is too powerful to let it be mediatized.

Food production accounts for over a quarter (26%) of global greenhouse gas emissions. 18% of those are due to livestock production. – Stanford

• Plastic and pesticides enter our lakes and oceans at alarming rates. Microplastics have now been found in rainwater and even in unborn babies.

By 2030, the United Nations warns that 40% of people could face severe water scarcity if we don’t act.

Water is strong. It’s self-purifying, patient, ancient. But even it has limits.

A call to return to reverence

We live in a world where water comes from a tap, which is why we forget how sacred it is. We wear clothes made in countries we’ll never visit, eat food raised on land we’ll never see, throw away plastics that outlive us by centuries, and we don’t see the water trails behind them.

But now we know better.

We know that water is more than H₂O. It holds the blueprint of life and the story of our planet. It listens. It reflects us.

So what can we do?

• Plant trees.

• Eat more plants and less dead flesh.

• Repair our clothes.

• Use less plastic and ban single use plastics.

• Speak blessings into our glass.

• Treat water like the rare, cosmic treasure that it is.

Because every drop of water you drink has seen stars. It’s been ice. It’s been vapor. It’s fallen as rain, flowed through rivers, and run through the veins of everything that has ever lived.

And maybe, just maybe, when you speak to it, it remembers you too.

Thanks for reading.

Tee.

Reasons why we don’t eat honey

May 12, 2025 — Leave a comment

Besides the fact that we don’t “need” to.

Honey comes from bees. Bees are tiny creatures who play a huge role in keeping our planet alive and healthy, I’ll explain how.

Bees are born in beehives, where they grow up, work together, and take care of each other. While most people think bees are just busy flying around, they’re not! They actually have specific “jobs”, or tasks if you will. In fact, each bee has a specific role: some clean the hive, some feed the baby bees, and others go out to find food. Basically, they’re like us, except more advanced, because they don’t pollute, fight over nonsense and hate each other for no reason.

Bees are also pollinators.

When bees buzz from one flower to the next, they’re doing something extremely important known as pollination. Here’s how it works: As bees collect nectar for making honey, they carry pollen from flower to flower. This simple act helps plants grow fruits, veggies, seeds, and even more flowers. Without bees doing their thing, a lot of the food we rely on wouldn’t exist.

Let that sink in for a second.

Case in point, 75% of the food we eat depends on pollinators like bees (WEF). 75 freakin’ percent! Apples, strawberries, cucumbers, almonds, and even coffee all need pollination. So, losing bees would mean most of these foods would disappear, or become extremely rare and expensive.

Besides, pollinators also help plants that grow in the wild. These plants give food and shelter to animals and help keep the air clean. So, pollinators help whole ecosystems survive, not just farms and gardens.

While bees are the most famous pollinators, they’re not the only ones. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, moths, beetles, and even some types of ants and wasps also help pollinate plants. However, bees are the most effective because they focus their energy on flowers and carry lots of pollen.

This year (2025), we’ve had the worst honeybee loss in recorded history in the US. In fact, 80% of honeybees died suddenly. We still “don’t know” why (pesticides, it’s pesticides).

So, why don’t we eat honey? Simple: bees make honey to feed themselves and keep their hive alive, especially through the winter. When humans harvest honey, they’re taking away the bees’ own food (and heat) source. To make up for it, beekeepers sometimes replace the honey with sugar water, but that doesn’t give bees the nutrients they need to stay healthy. In fact, just like in humans, too much sugar can weaken their immune systems and make them more vulnerable to disease.

Worse still, to harvest honey, beekeepers often use smoke or chemical fumes to force bees out of their hives. This disorients them, causing stress, panic, and confusion, sometimes even leading them to get lost or die as they flee.

Even though it might not seem harmful at first, stealing honey puts a lot of pressure on bee colonies. It is in fact one of the reasons we’ve seen millions of bees die in recent years.

This is why many vegans consider honey as part of animal exploitation. The more we take from bees and damage their homes, the fewer bees we have, which in turn puts entire ecosystems, and our own food systems, at risk. In numbers, honeybees pollinate a worth of 15 billion dollars of crops in the US only, yearly.

If bees disappear, many plants won’t be pollinated. This means fewer fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Animal species that eat these plants will struggle, and so will the animals that eat them. It’s a chain reaction that could cause entire ecosystems to collapse. Eventually, the extermination of bees would entail food shortages even for us, humans, and thus our death as well.

Humans have long seen themselves as sitting at the top of the pyramid, a concept known as speciesism, but in reality, we’re just one part of a vast, interconnected family of living, sentient beings.

Fascinating facts about bees

Here’s where things get interesting: Plants, being rooted in the ground, carry a small negative electric charge. Interestingly, this charge increases the higher up the plant you go, creating an electric field around the flower itself.

Bees, in contrast, acquire a positive charge during flight due to friction with the air, which causes them to lose electrons. So, as a bee approaches a flower, the opposing electric fields of the bee and the plant begin to interact. This interaction subtly changes the flower’s natural vibrations or signals, imperceptible to humans, but detectable to bees.

When the bee lands on the flower, the positive charge from the bee and the negative charge of the flower neutralize each other almost instantly. This leads to two remarkable outcomes:

The negatively charged pollen from the flower is attracted to and effectively “jumps” onto the positively charged bee;
The flower’s electric field is altered, signaling to other approaching bees that it has already been visited. This change communicates that the flower likely has no nectar left, prompting bees to move on and return later. Mindblowing!

So, flowers use electric fields not just to attract pollinators, but also to communicate whether they still have nectar. They have their own language of electricity, completely imperceptible to us.

Other interesting facts about bees: They can also recognize human faces, communicate with each other through a little dance, and even show signs of emotion. Scientists also suggest bees can count and they might even dream.

What can we do to protect the bees and our soils?

Ban pesticides.

Plant flowers that bees love, like lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers.

Replace honey with the million other alternatives in existence: maple syrup, agave nectar, date syrup, molasses, and even fruit-based syrups work great. Why participate in the extinction of a whole species (and many other would follow suite) when you can avoid it?

Bees may be small, but they are mighty. Taking care of them is not just about saving one species, it’s about saving the world we all share.

Thank you for stopping by. This post was inspired by a conversation with my wife ❤

Peace!

Teekay

Totally unplugged: how to live without electricity (yes you can)

January 27, 2025 — Leave a comment

Millions of people do, no bid deal.

Living without a connection to the grid, and mainly the electric grid is a significant lifestyle change.

As a lifelong explorer and survival enthusiast, I’ve always hoped for the best but prepped for the worst.

Live off the grid by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Off-grid living, photo by Alex Bierwagen

In most Western countries, fundamental commodities such as electricity, running water, well-maintained roads, and a wide range of goods and services are conveniently accessible. However, life is quite different in other parts of the world.

Travel with me

For instance, when my family and I relocated to Mozambique in 1996, basic provisions like sugar and cooking oil were exceptionally scarce. Similarly, when we moved to Ethiopia in 2004, dairy products and sugar were also in short supply.

Not only that, but during our time in Cape Town (South Africa), Maputo (Mozambique), Algiers (Algeria), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and (very briefly) Cairo (Egypt), water scarcity was a prevalent issue, particularly during the summer months.

In fact, we used to get up at 4 AM to fill up our water tanks and jugs.

Unfortunately, water shortages are still widely common, and some fierce battles for control over water have already begun.

Water wars

water scarcity by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Water battles, Image by Freepik

Take the above-mentioned region of East/North Africa for instance. The Nile River is at the heart of an ongoing battle for water.

Indeed, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Burundi are all entangled in a high-stakes discussion that could reshape their destinies.

Long story short, Ethiopia’s audacious endeavor, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), an engineering marvel rising on the mighty Blue Nile has cause a lot of discussion and anger in that region, rightfully so.

Such an endeavor endangers both Egypt and Burundi, who fear the ripple effects of such a grand project.

An electricity-free lifestyle

oil lamps and candles by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Oil lamp by Photo by Bernard Tuck

Now, in a perplexing paradox, frequent power outages were extremely common in Ethiopia, and I mean several-times-a-week common, even though Ethiopia possesses ample electricity to meet its population’s needs.

Surprisingly, this occurs because the local government chooses to export their energy to neighboring nations, leaving their own citizens in the dark.

I spent over four years (teenage years) in Ethiopia, over four years of persistent power cuts, so I learned a thing or two about adaptability and ingenious hacks to beat the system.

First of all, I hate artificial (street) lights. One of the things I miss the most about Africa is the tranquil stillness of the night. I always found the incessant intrusion of artificial lights aggressive.
With that being said, I love candles and oil lamps with all my heart. They embody a charm that captivates me entirely. Indeed, candles and oil lamps are a gentle alternative to artificial light, as they gracefully replace it without imposing their presence. Their warm glow is synonymous with coziness, while their soft illumination remains pleasing and comforting to the eyes. Perfection!
Many of us rely on electric utensils and stoves for cooking, not in Africa (not back then at least).
My family always opted for non-electric cooking methods like gas or an outdoor wood-burning stove. Dutch Ovens are also pretty awesome if you want to cook bread and pizzas. No power, no problem.
Food storage: This is a big one. “How did you survive without a fridge?”. First of all, we did have a fridge, it was just turned off most of the time. Since we never had an underground cellar storage (that would’ve saved us the hassle), we had to relearn about ancient cooling techniques, like pot-in-pot coolers (or clay pot coolers).
Here’s how they work: First, you’ll need two terra-cotta pots. Place one (the smaller one) inside the other, allowing for an approximate 3 cm (1.2 in) to 4 cm (1.6 in) gap between them. Fill the gap with sand, then saturate it with water.
Finally, place your fruits and veggies inside the small pot and cover everything with a wet towel.
As the water slowly evaporates from the cooler, heat is taken from the clay pots, keeping the temperature of the food cool inside.
But that’s not the only way to store food, you can also learn about preservation techniques like canning, pickling, and drying.
Heating and cooling: Africa isn’t as hot as they say in movies, it actually gets pretty chilly over there, depending on where you are.
Fun fact: You can ski in Africa. In fact, there’s so much snow in Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa that they have their own ski resorts, with approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) of ski slopes.
Anyway, one of the most efficient techniques to regulate indoor temperatures is known as “passive solar design”. Passive solar homes use natural ventilation and insulation techniques to regulate the temperature indoors.
However, in colder climates, wood-burning stoves and passive heating methods like thermal mass and efficient insulation are common.
In hotter climates, shading and natural ventilation were our go-to, with evaporative techniques coming in handy (with battery-powered fans).
Water supply: As stated above, we had tankers (or water tanks) in all of our homes. Our water tanks were always placed above the house, allowing for gravity to do the rest.
However, in total transparency, we still relied on an electric current (and water pump) to get the water up there. We used it once to twice a week.
Other methods we used were conventional water wells, hand pumps, and rainwater collection systems. I used to LUHV elaborating and kidgineering rainwater collection systems around the house!
Communication: Well, most of what I’m telling you here went down between 96 and 2010, so iPhones were pretty much nonexistent (for the most part).
However, I did have an MP3, then the first iPod, on which I watched hundreds of movies and my favorite bootlegged series. I used to charge my electronics at school or on our drive home.
We also relied on our landline a lot back then.
Speaking of entertainment, the reason I spent so much time kidgineering and playing outside was that I had no other choice. Video games were a big no-no till I was 15 or 16, so reading, playing board games, puzzles, biking, and pursuing outdoor hobbies was all I did.
I also read the newspapers. No, this wasn’t the ‘70s ^^
Hygiene: Have you ever washed your clothes by hand? And I mean ALL your clothes, not just a pair of socks? Well, I have, and most people still do. It’s no big deal, it’s pretty fun actually.
Human-powered appliances: My grandma (who obviously didn’t live with us) had the best appliance ever made: A hand-cranked coffee grinder.
I loved that thing!
I genuinely believe we need more of this stuff today. It makes life so much more fun.
On a personal level, I’ll always favor an old-school kettle or manual food mill & grinder over new, electric ones. Also, I never owned a microwave.

clay pot cooler or pot-in-pot cooler by Teekay Rezeau_merah — Clay pot cooler by Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Technology is convenient when used properly and I believe electricity is a blessing to humanity.

However, we ought to reduce our reliance on modern tech and learn how to live simply. As you can see, living without one of the most important inventions known to man, electricity, is doable, though it requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and adaptation to alternative methods. Assessing one’s specific needs and resources is paramount for such an endeavor, but it’s manageable and within everyone’s reach.

Self-reliance is the future.

Thanks for reading.

Peace.

Teekay.

WATCH: 31 Documentaries that will change your perception of food (with trailers)

December 23, 2024 — Leave a comment

An Updated Guide to Must-Watch Documentaries on Health, the Environment, and Animal Welfare

A few years ago, I compiled a list of powerful documentaries that opened eyes and sparked conversations about the connections between our diets, personal health, the planet, and animal welfare. Since then, new documentaries have emerged, offering fresh perspectives and deeper insights into these critical topics.

This updated list features 31 must-watch documentaries that will inspire you to rethink your choices, understand the broader impact of what’s on your plate, and consider the powerful role food plays in shaping our world.

Whether you’re passionate about health, sustainability, or ethics, these films are a compelling call to action, and a perfect way to kickstart meaningful change.

You Are What You Eat: The Twin Experiment (2024)
A twin-focused dietary experiment exploring the effects of different eating habits on health.
Notable Figures: None known.

Earthlings (2005)
A groundbreaking documentary examining humanity’s reliance on animals for food, clothing, and entertainment.
Notable Figures: Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.

Dominion (2018)
Exposing the darker side of animal agriculture through hidden-camera footage.
Notable Figures: Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Sia.

Forks Over Knives (2011)
A case for adopting a plant-based diet to combat chronic diseases.
Notable Figures: Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

What the Health (2017)
Investigating the link between diet, disease, and corporate influence in health organizations.
Notable Figures: Kip Andersen, Keegan Kuhn.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)
Revealing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Notable Figures: Directed by Kip Andersen.

Seaspiracy (2022)
A critique of the fishing industry’s devastating impact on marine ecosystems.
Notable Figures: Directed by Ali Tabrizi and Kip Andersen

Christpiracy (2024)
Examining the intersection of religion and ethical food choices.
Notable Figures: Directed by Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters.

The Game Changers (2018)
Debunking myths about plant-based diets and athletic performance.
Notable Figures: Produced by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I Could Never Go Vegan (2024)
Addressing common excuses and challenges against veganism.
Notable Figures: None known.

Vegucated (2011)
Following three people as they attempt to adopt a vegan lifestyle.
Notable Figures: Directed by Marisa Miller Wolfson.

Milked (2021)
A deep dive into the dairy industry and its global implications.
Notable Figures: Created by Chris Huriwai.

Pignorant (2024)
Exploring the psychology behind ignoring the ethics of animal consumption.
Notable Figures: Created Joey Carbstrong.

Eating Animals (2018)
An exposé of industrial farming and its impact on food systems.
Notable Figures: Based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s book, narrated by Natalie Portman

Carnage: Swallowing the Past (2017)
A satirical take on a future where veganism is the norm and meat-eating is taboo.
Notable Figures: Directed by Simon Amstell.

The Smell of Money (2022)
Investigating the environmental racism tied to industrial pig farming.
Notable Figures: Guess appearance: Cory Booker

The End of Meat (2017)
Imagining a world where meat consumption has ended.
Notable Figures: Directed by Marc Pierschel.

The Invisible Vegan (2019)
A focus on the often-overlooked contributions of Black communities to veganism.
Notable Figures: Directed by Jasmine Leyva, guest appearance by John Salley

Mission Blue (2014)
Chronicling Dr. Sylvia Earle’s mission to protect ocean habitats.
Notable Figures: Featuring Sylvia Earle.

Eating Our Way to Extinction
Exploring how our diets are destroying ecosystems and biodiversity.
Notable Figures: Narrated by Kate Winslet.

Eating You Alive (2018)
Highlighting the health benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Notable Figures: Featuring Samuel L. Jackson, James Cameron.

H.O.P.E. What You Eat Matters (2018)
Demonstrating the health, environmental, and ethical reasons for eating consciously.
Notable Figures: Guests; Jane Goodall, Vandana Shiva

Food Choices (2016)
A comprehensive look at how dietary choices impact health and the planet.
Notable Figures: Directed by Michal Siewierski.

Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home (2009)
Farmers recount their journeys from animal agriculture to veganism.
Notable Figures: Directed by Jenny Stein.

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days (2009)
Following individuals reversing diabetes through a raw vegan diet.
Notable Figures: Featuring Gabriel Cousens.

The Cove (2009)
Unveiling the horrors of dolphin hunting in Japan.
Notable Figures: Featuring Ric O’Barry.

Speciesism: The Movie (2013)
Challenging societal norms about animal exploitation.
Notable Figures: Directed by Mark Devries.

73 Cows (2018)
The journey of a farmer transitioning from cattle farming to sustainable living.
Notable Figures: Directed by Alex Lockwood.

Live and Let Live (2013)
Examining ethical veganism and its implications.
Notable Figures: Directed by Marc Pierschel.

Land of Hope and Glory (2017)
An exposé on UK factory farming practices.
Notable Figures: Directed by Ed Winters.

Rowdy Girl (2023)
A former cattle rancher turns her farm into an animal sanctuary.
Notable Figures: Featuring Renee King-Sonnen.

The Great Paradox: Our Love-Hate Relationship with Nature

July 24, 2024 — Leave a comment

How can we do better, collectively?

My self-professed love for nature is no secret to my readers.

Being close to nature is and has always been my thing.

Nature is wondrous, full of beauty and peace.

Hiking photo by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Hiking photo by author Teekay Rezeau-Merah

The reason I became a vegan minimalist was mainly to protect it and its inhabitants.

But doing so opened my eyes on a fascinating paradox, especially in the vegan and vanlife communities; a paradox I ponder upon on a daily basis.

Spending more time in the great outdoors allowed me to come to a poignant realization: The very nature that we, avid nature enthusiasts and animal lovers, hold dear to our hearts, is the very same nature we often unwittingly damage with our bad habits.

How can we enjoy something so much while simultaneously participate in its destruction?

Teekay @teekayrezeaumerah — Please don’t leave toilet paper in nature (photo by author)

Well, here’s where my thinking is at the moment.

Reasoning

First of all, I want to make something clear: As pragmatic as I can be, my personal belief is that human beings are born good.

However, human beings are also amazing at compartmentalizing.

meaning of compatmentalize by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Screenshot by author

A fitting illustration of my point is that of individuals who profess to be staunch advocates for human rights, yet they contradictorily sport Nike shoes, H&M dresses and Zara pants.

Note: If you don’t know what I’m hinting at, read this.

The same can be said about vegans who consume palm oil, or vanlifers who consume animal products (that destroy the very nature we want to be surrounded by).

Now look, I always say life is all about balance, and I believe it is, but sometimes — often times — rocking something ethically sourced won’t hurt you in any way, shape or form. Perhaps you’ll pay more for it, but you don’t have to if you buy second hand.

This applies to almost all consumables.

So the first takeaway from this piece is to think twice before your next purchases. Always consider the added value of what you buy, its environmental impact and whether there are other alternatives.

That’s one way to tackle this paradox.

Another reason we engage in actions that cause harm to nature is our toxic sense of entitlement, or deservingness.

This manifests itself in different forms: Arrogance, greed, boastfulness or in some cases, negative narcissism.

Some of us behave as if the world owes us. This sense of entitlement emanates from a lack of self-awareness and gratitude, which itself is the result of a Godless, non-religious and non-spiritual society.

Many people believe, wholeheartedly and arrogantly, that everything they have was owed to them.

Hustle culture prescribes “hard work and determination” as the ultimate solution for success, often discarding external factors that also contribute to one’s accomplishments.

Unfortunately, such attitude blinds us from seeing the bigger picture: That none of what we have, none of what we achieve is truly ours, and that it can be taken away from us at any time. It will be when we die.

More humility would do us all a world of good, and without it, we will continue indulging in things that harm us and everything we love.

When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money. — Native American saying

The third reason behind this great paradox is our lack of concern for the future.

In other words, selfishness.

Social Media may have exasperated this, but many people believe they MUST prioritize their own pleasures and conveniences over the well-being of the environment and future generations.

It’s sickening when you think about it.

But I don’t blame us, not entirely. If anything, we were programmed and brought up this way, but it’s time for a change, a big one.

As a matter of fact, we can’t live like we did 30 years ago, times are changing and so should we, evolution and all.

Indeed, our planet can’t sustain our greed and selfishness for too long, and the time to turn things around is now.

I would never advocate for anything radical, life is all about balance once again.

As such, we don’t have to move to self-built huts, nor do we have to wear banana leaves, but it’s our duty to watch what we consume, how we consume it, and what we want to support.

Your dollars are more potent than your vote and your words. So put your money where your mouth is.

How

You see, I often write about boycotting certain products: Palm oil, white sugar, animal products, single use plastic, brands that pollute our water and source their products in Chinese slave camps and Bengali/Indian sweatshops, brands that support wars, so on and so forth.

To take part of this would make the world significantly better. To do so and to raised our collective awareness is as close to perfection as we can get.

That and reversing consumerism. Remember, minimalism (and essentialism) isn’t just an aesthetic, it’s a philosophy.

In 1927, a Boston-born, Harvard educated son of immigrants went to work for Lehman Brothers. His name was Paul Mazur and his interest in the economics of consumption and retailing made him a rising star in the investment banking establishment for more than 50 years.

Mostly he was responsible for manipulating the psyche of the American consumer. — Sherry Truitt

His philosophy in a nutshell:

“We must shift America from a needs, to a desires culture,” He wrote. “People must be trained to desire, to want new things even before the old had been entirely consumed. We must shape a new mentality in America. Man’s desires must overshadow his needs.”

“Man’s desires must overshadow his needs.” That’s a powerful statement, and a scary one.

So you see, as stated above, human beings are born good, but we were led astray for many decades.

Indeed, our actions are often shaped by cultural and societal norms. Unfortunately, said norms favor efficiency and convenience over wellbeing and ethics. They also favor desires over altruism and consumerism over self-awareness.

We all follow patterns and attitudes considered “normal” in our society, hence why we hardly question anything.

With that being said, let’s not forget that we’re still human, and luckily for us, God bestowed upon us reason and logic.

God gave us free will too, so it’s on us to outgrow our biases and harness original thinking.

Final word

All in all, the paradox of enjoying and destroying nature at the same time is a complex and deeply ingrained issue.

It’s not just about individual behavior, it’s rooted in our cultural, political, and economic systems, making it extremely difficult to shake off.

The one thing I want to leave you with is to question things and at least make sure your actions are aligned with your values, that’s it.

Perhaps some of us have a stronger moral obligation to protect nature, while others don’t. That’s okay, life can’t be perfect and neither can we, but does that mean we should stop trying?

Peace!

Tee.

Clarity with Teekay Podcast Guest-list

August 7, 2023 — 4 Comments

Clarity with Teekay is where I unpack life’s weirdness, one conversation at a time.

Since 2019, I’ve been recording from the cozy space of my home in Bordeaux, digging into culture, society, and whatever else catches my curiosity. Sometimes solo, sometimes with insanely cool guests.

I’ve had all kinds of people on the show: Hollywood execs, international movie stars, doctors, explorers, neuroscientists, microbiologists, pro athletes, writers, marketers, authors, architects, professors, podcasters. They bring their perspectives, I bring my questions, and together, we break things down in ways that (hopefully) make sense.

This podcast is about real, useful ideas, the kind you’d usually pay thousands for in coaching or courses. But I’m putting it out there for free, because why gatekeep good stuff, right? Whether it’s breaking habits, questioning norms, or figuring out how to make life less of a mess, I’m here to help you unlearn, rethink, and build something better.

What to Expect

🔹 [FULL] Episodes – Deep-dive convos (45 mins), dropping 1-2 times a month.
🔹 [CLIP] Episodes – Short, straight-to-the-point answers (<10 mins), every week.
🔹 [SOLO] Episodes – Just me, rambling about a topic for 7-15 mins, once a month.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

The podcast has a bunch of accounts on major social media platforms but to be honest, I don’t use Social media anymore, so if you want to reach out to me, do it here.

If you like the show and want bonus content, you can support it here:
🔗 Subscribe here

Press play and let’s get into it. 🎧

(Guest list below! 👇)

Alejandra P. Arenas, Assistant director and production stage manager – Queretaro, MX
Natalie Christensen, Psychotherapist turned published photographer – Santa Fe, USA
Isabella R. Lash, Actress and acting coach – Virginia, USA
Grace Treutel, Manager of culture and content – Alabama, USA
Miruna Dragomir, Head of marketing at Planable – NYC, USA
Fabian Chegoya, Healthcare IT and revenue cycle management consultant, founder of Chaminger and diplomat kid – Denver, Colorado, USA
Fabe Mitchell, Business owner and coach – Florida, USA
Lachlan Parker, Sport and exercise scientist, esports mental health counsellor, head performance coach for @Renegades, Melbourne, AUS
Brian James, Author of “The Wolf Among Sheep“ – New Orleans, USA
Alexander Tankou, Electric vehicles research associate at the international council on clean transportation – Washington DC, USA
Mardet Guebreyesus, Architect and bestfriend – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deborrah Cooper, Advice columnist, author and Top Female blogger, Southern California, USA
Keith Hutchings, Founder of The Comfortable Home project and sustainability enthusiast – Perth, Australia
Joseph “Joey” Drolshagen, Founder of IFGT Life Coaching LLC, featured in FOX, NBC, CBS and as Top 20 Business Coaches in America in the NYC Journal 2022 – Greenville, SC, USA
Josh from Pursuit of Infinity podcast, Psychedelics expert – Pennsylvania, USA
Craig Gavigan, CEO of the Unplugged brand and national park ranger, Scotland
Lynne Bowman, Plantbased author of Brownies for Breakfast, California, USA
Karen Knight, NPF coach and volunteer management consultant, Canada
Jochen Thomas Grunbeck, Behavioral and consumer psychology expert, London, UK
Megan Sam Holstein, Award-winning personal development, psychology, philosophy, science writer, Columbus, Ohio
Shane Rogers, Stand up comedian, musician and author, California, USA
Marcello Pasqualucci, Head of experimentation at SKY, ex YAM! and HSBC experimentation project manager and neuroscientist, London, UK
Karolina Rzadkowolska, Alcohol-free life coach and author, San Diego, USA
Jas Takhar, CEO, content creator and co-owner of REC Canada and FTGU Media, Toronto, Canada
Michael Buzz Buzinski, President of Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing, Arizona, USA
Richard Flint, Author of 19 books and Human Behavior expert, Washington DC, USA
Andrea Osvart, International film actress and European Golden Globe winner, Budapest, Hungary
John Kenny, The Relationship Guy, London, UK
Dr. Johannes Mallow, PhD and two-time World Memory Champion, Germany
Dave Wann, writer of multiple books and founder of Harmony Village, Golden, Colorado
Brenden Kumarasamy, Public Speaking Coach, Montreal, Canada
Juan Lee, CEO and founder of Clear Journey, Author of Love Made Simple, Maryland, USA
Anne Claessen, MSc LLM, Podcast Host, Strategist & Monetization Expert, Arnhem-Nijmegen Region, Netherlands
Tim Fitzpartrick, B2B Revenue Accelerator and Marketing Consultant, Denver, USA
Connie (Lockhart) Ellefson, Professional Organizer, Aurora, Colorado, USA
Phil B. Pelucha, TV Host & Network founder, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Vinnie Potestivo, Emmy Award-winning Media Advisor, New York, USA
Kelly L. Olson, Ph.D., Director, Clinical Affairs – Medical Affairs Specialist, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Laurel Foley, Movement Analyst, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Kit Huffman, Personal Branding strategist, CEO of Seneca, Jackson WY (now Bariloche, Argentina)
Jen Blanchette
Flobo “Flobito” Boyce, ex US Airforce, Live Entertainment Professional, Standup Comic, California, USA
Yogi Aaron, Yoga teacher and creator of Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™, New York, USA
Linda King, Travel Agent and Writer, Melbourne, Australia
Amanda Kate, Self-Mastery Facilitator, Melbourne, Australia
Kim Sorelle, Writer and Speaker about love, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
John Mendez, Marketer & AI Integration Specialist For Real Estate Agents, Stamford, Connecticut, USA
Bastien Siebman, ASANA consultant, Founder and Minimalist, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Cora Kessler, Social Media & Marketing Consultant, Richmond, Virginia, USA
Jerome Bethea, Aka JB The Wizard, Web 3.0 Alignment Branding™ Expert. Creator of The World of Futuring, Hollywood actor, Philadelphia, USA
REV Gabriel Castillo, Lead Facilitator at Church Of The Sacred Spore and Psychedelic expert, Titusville, Florida, USA
Dr. Elaine Ingham, Microbiologist and Founder of Soil Food Web Approach (Soil Regeneration), Oregon, USA
Luke Titus, Creator of the Barefoot Challenge, Wisconsin, USA
Geoff Palmer, Natural Bodybuilding and Natural Physique Masters Champion, Owner of Clean Machine Plant-Based Fitness Nutrition, author, national lecturer, vegan patent holder and 2 Time NEXTY Winner for “Best Supplement of the Year” 2016 & 2018, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA

Thank you for stopping by.

Teekay.

From Cash to Trash: 19 Everyday Things You’re Oversaturated With

July 31, 2023 — Leave a comment

Your home is meant to be a sanctuary, not a graveyard for your gadgets and excess stuff.

Home is where we retreat from the outside world, unwind, and recharge ourselves. It’s where we seek solace, relaxation, and tranquility.

from cash to trash by minimalist Teekay Rezeau-Merah — Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST

Supposedly.

Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods — in other words, items they do not need — The Wall Street Journal.

For most people, home has become the place where they store their stuff.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your living space?
Is it a challenge for you to locate items or decide what to wear?
Are you occasionally faced with a shortage of hangers?
Does the sight of your closet alone make you feel tired?
Does it take an excessive amount of time to tidy up your home?
Would relocating from your current residence require multiple utility trucks?

If you find yourself answering “yes” to any of these questions, here are the likely culprits for this draining situation.

Note: The following examples and numbers paint a jarring picture of excessive consumption and unnecessary accumulation. Clearly, many of us have far too much stuff.

Food storage containers

How many containers does one need ? Research says 6 to 10 containers per person, we’ve got 3 in our home, for 2 persons.

It’s shocking to me that people hoard these things. Some accumulate them to the point of overflowing cupboards, it’s madness !

Wouldn’t it be great if neighborhoods and buildings provided a designated space where people can share their surplus containers, allowing others to utilize them as needed ? This would help curb the unnecessary purchase of food containers and promote a more sustainable approach to storage.

Note: This doesn’t apply if you meal prep, which is awesome by the way.

Pens

I think there are enough pens in the world and we must cease to produce pens anymore, till we finish the ones we have.

Most people don’t use pens anyway.

Auto tools

You don’t need ten wrenches, Bob ! Seriously, you don’t. One is enough, two is MAX, unless you’re a mechanic.

And just like with containers, I wholeheartedly believe neighborhoods and buildings must provide a space where people can share their tools.

I got mine when I was building my Campervan. I’m more than happy to share them with others.

Reusable shopping bags

Reusable shopping bags are the new plastic bags.

A massive scam.

People collect those even more than they did plastic bags, because they paid more for them.

The problem ? Reusable bags require more plastic, energy and fabric to make.

Forgot your bag at home ? It’s okay, just grab what you can carry. You won’t die of hunger, and it’ll train you to think about your bag next time.

Also, always leave a reusable bag in your bike/car or coat.

Better yet, we must promote the introduction of returnable bags. They have those here in France, they cost 15c each (pricey), which is refunded back to you when you return them.

In fact, we don’t have ANY bags at home, reusable or otherwise. We operate with returnable bags only (and my backpack if need be).

Handbags

Why do people even buy those ? When did this trend begin ?

Since around 1500 AD, handbags have been an essential part of everyday life for both men and women.

It wasn’t until the post-war economic period of the 1950s that handbags were propelled into a cult status.

Can we go back in time ?

To those of you who own a thousand and one bag, you only need ONE, two tops.

It kills me to notice people, particularly women, having an extensive collection in their closets and consistently using the same old handbag. Sell them !

Backpacks

Why would anyone purchase a new backpack if they still have the old one? Aesthetics? Boredom? Maybe a size or quality upgrade?

Whatever the case may be, how about you retire the old one (by giving it to charity) before purchasing a new one ? Just an idea.

Coats

What do you need THREE coats for? It’s not like you can wear them simultaneously, right ? Think about it.

Vases (and other decorative objects)

I don’t even know why vases exist, such a waste of energy, materials and space in my opinion. I like my flowers in a garden, but to each their own.

Toys

British research found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with just 12 daily — The Telegraph.

3.1% of the world’s children live in America, but they own 40% of the toys consumed globally — UCLA.

Need I say more ?

Let your kids play outside, run around, play sports. Some toys help children develop their curiosity and learn about the world, which I’m all for, long as we buy them USED. There are enough toys out in the world that’ll never see the light of day ever again, and even more toys in landfills. Enough !

Let’s stop wasting resources and start thinking differently. By the way, gifts don’t always have to be NEW.

Kitchenware

Perhaps I’m a bit extreme but I only have one single plate, and my wife has one too. A couple of bowls and a mug complete our tableware set ^^

If you’re the type to host lots of gatherings and parties, it makes sense that you have more, but we don’t really, so that’s that.

That said, there are billions of used plates and bowls (and other kitchenware) in the world. Stop buying those at IKEA, flea markets are where it’s at !

Note: We only own one mug because I love drinking out of my 34Oz reusable bottle. Easier to keep track of my water intake that way, and less “stuff” to clutter our home.

Furniture

Nightstands, bed frames (unless absolutely necessary, like for people with bad knees), shelves, chairs, TV stands, coat racks and everything in between. We don’t own any of this stuff and we’re extremely happy with our lives.

Don’t clutter your sanctuary with useless furniture. It costs money, it’s heavy to carry, it makes cleaning more annoying and most of it serves no real purpose.

Empty spaces don’t always need to be filled.

Hangers

If you don’t have enough hangers for your clothes, you have too many clothes.

It’s time to stop buying new and to get rid of all that excess.

By the same token, this logic also applies to closet space: If you don’t have enough space in your closet, you have too much of whatever you’re trying to store in there. Declutter.

Clothes

Speaking of which, we all have too many clothes. I don’t even have to know you to say this.

The average American woman owns 30 outfits — one for every day of the month. In 1930, that figure was nine — Forbes.

Also:

The average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing per year — Huffington Post.

Need I say more ? Sort that stuff out, have just what you need.

Each year, we produce as many clothes as humans have ever existed on Earth. Over 100 billion, for 8 billion people living.

TVs

Why would anyone need an iPad, an iPhone, a MacBook AND a TV ?

Some homes have more television sets than people, it’s crazy ! For me it’s a sign of civilizational decline. It hurts to think nowadays.

Americans spend more on shoes, jewelry, and watches ($100 billion) than on higher education — Psychology Today.

Besides, it’s also time to refocus our attention on how energy consuming TVs are to make and to use.

That aside, we must also find new solutions to FIX them. It makes no sense that fixing an appliance costs as much as buying a new one, it really doesn’t.

Also, we’ve reached a point where TVs are slim enough and smart enough that we hardly need more quality, so why are we pushing for more ? What’s the point ? Most TVs today offer 4K quality, which is already too much.

Want to enjoy a GREAT movie ? Go watch it in a movie theatre. Otherwise, your laptop is more than enough for your late night lullaby.

Offsite storage units

If you live in an apartment, a house or anywhere in between and feel the NEED to have an offsite storage unit, you have a problem.

Your stuff isn’t supposed to take up that much space. If you can’t contain it, get rid of it.

Grooming and hygiene products

People have dozens of shampoos, body lotions, shower gels, and an array of other “beauty” products in their bathrooms. It’s hell !

The multitude of these items cluttering up drawers creates a sense of disorder, disarray and mental fatigue.

But I get it. The “latest and greatest” always looks better. Packaging is always evolving, and marketers work hard to make us buy more.

However, we’ve all been blessed with a sense of logic and reason. Often times, these shiny new objects don’t live up to our expectations. Instead, they end up abandoned in drawers, collecting dust.

They’re also a waste of money and resources, and are likely to end up in landfills or worse, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Think before you buy.

Note: I personally use a single natural, organic, vegan and local bar of soap to wash my hair, my face and the rest of my body. My wife and I also share a natural Shea butter bar to keep our skin healthy and hydrated.

Aloe Vera is another great option for the skin but is often sold in plastic, so we don’t buy it.

As for oral hygiene, I use my Miswak during the day and baking soda to brush my teeth after meals. My wife often uses solid toothpaste (so no plastic in our home).

Non-refillable toiletries

Plastic bottles (of all sorts) must be illegal by now. Plastic shampoos and shower gels must be the first ones to go.

I strongly believe that refillable toiletries are the way to a more sustainable future, and I advocate for a higher initial cost when purchasing them.

A higher price point would discourage people from disposing of these items after use, encouraging greater reusability and reducing waste.

Travel size toiletries

People don’t even travel that much, the fact they steal (or borrow permanently) travel size toiletries to keep them in their bathrooms is beyond me.

The greater the usage, the higher the production rate of any particular item. Supply and demand. If we want to eradicate plastic, we must stop financing and promoting the plastic industry.

For those who already have travel size toiletries, don’t toss them. Instead, put them in your shower and use them.

Better yet, give your toiletries to a local homeless shelter or women’s shelter that accepts them. It’ll lighten your load and help someone in need at the same time.

Humans

Yeah, there are way too many humans on this planet.

Final Word

Presently, North America and Western Europe, comprising merely 12% of the global population, contribute to 60% of private consumption spending.

In contrast, the combined population of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for one-third of the world’s pop, represents a mere 3.2% of private consumption spending. (Worldwatch Institute).

Do you see the problems here ?

It’s not just that we overconsume in the West, because that’s a given. But what will happen when South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa starts consuming as much as we do ?

Because they’re coming, and they want everything we have. After all, why would they not ? Many people look up to this absurdity and want the same for themselves.

Consumerism, fashion and flex culture will be the death of us. They are a sign of the dumbing of our current generation. After all, there are more shopping malls than high schools in America, and 93% of teenage girls rank shopping as their favorite pastime (Affluenza).

Question everything guys. Food for thought.

Thanks for reading.

Read more of the same on my Medium page.

Tee.

monkey see, monkey do by Teekay Rezeau-Merah

Beyond Sight & Sound: Vicarious Touch is Revolutionizing Consumerism

July 17, 2023 — Leave a comment

This article is about a NeuroScientific (and neuromarketing) concept you never knew existed !

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. — Edith Whartons

Our brains have this exceptional ability to act as a mirror. This ability is made possible thanks to what we call “mirror neurons”.

mirror neurons by teekay rezeau-merah — Photo by Vince Fleming

Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell responsible for mirroring or simulating the actions of others.

The knowledge of these neurons is relatively recent. In fact, it wasn’t until the 90s that researchers first identified mirror neurons in macaque monkeys.

And what they found was fascinating !

Mirror neurons were found to activate when a monkey performed a specific action, such as grasping a piece of food.

However, the same neurons also activated when the monkey watched another monkey (or a human) perform the same action.

It was unexpected.

The Point

These incredibly cool neurons are said to play an important role in our ability to imitate and learn from others, as well as in our ability to empathize with and understand the intentions of others.

And to be honest, it makes perfect sense.

For instance, I realized very early on that my proficiency in learning new languages was attributed (in part) to my habit of mimicking the language patterns and communication styles of native speakers.

In fact, even when my knowledge of a language is limited, I make a conscious effort to replicate the way words and phrases are pronounced, rather than how they are written and spelled.

By “mirroring” others, I learned 10X faster than before, and I hardly forget anything. I can also sound “native” if I want to, in any language that I speak.

This strategy has been instrumental for me. Becoming fluent in six different languages and comfortable in a couple more didn’t happen overnight, but with the right tactic, language-learning can be a piece of cake.

Check out this little 3-minute clip if you wish to understand how it works.

With that being said, the effect of mirror neurons isn’t just limited to what we see or what we hear, our brain can even experience vicarious touch through others.

Perhaps this explains the boom of ASMR and the porn industry?

New technologies like Virtual Reality are already using the power of our mirror neurons to their advantage, and perhaps ours, as well.

For instance, VR is now used to help us fight certain mental illnesses and cure certain phobias.

VR can obviously never substitute real life, but it could potentially help many of us heal from certain things.

The Dark Side

As an ethical marketer, I must mention this.

In the world of marketing, understanding vicarious touch and mirror neurons has been a game changer.

Instead of designing ads and products blindly, we now purposely target your subconscious mind.

Doing so allows us to create more engaging and memorable experiences for our audience, thus driving up sales and clicks.

Vicarious touch or haptic touch tactic by Teekay Rezeay-Merah — *Credit: Journal of Marketing Research*

We call this The Vicarious Haptic Effect in Digital Marketing.

So instead of making commercials that focus on the product alone, big corporations and marketers now hire actors and tap into all your senses — especially for physical products that produce a tactile sensation, like a soft fabric — to deliberately activate mirror neurons in you, the viewer.

There are numerous other tactics to trigger buying, here are a couple I’ve used in the past:

Product packaging: Mirror neurons can even be triggered through packaging. In fact, the texture and feel of product packaging evoke more tactile sensations in consumers than they know. For example, a package with a soft, velvety texture creates the impression of luxury and comfort, while a clear, matte packaging evokes warmth and superior quality.
Audio-visual experiences: Videos, music, podcasts and other types of media can evoke sensations of touch through sound and image. These techniques have long been used in the entertainment industry and in adverts to shape culture as a whole.
Scented products: Products that smell cut grass or mint create the sensation of coolness, while the the smell of lavender provides us with a sense of warmth and reminds us of our childhood (and possibly grandparents). Yes, smell is also used to drive up sales, but can only be used in physical businesses (for now).

Understanding human behavior allows us to look at ourselves with more depth.

Understanding ourselves doesn’t just make us wiser, it actually improves our decision making, hence this piece.

By reading this, I hope you’ve gained a bit more self-awareness and understanding of human behavior.

If you want to read more similar articles and support my work, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter by clicking HERE.

Till next time !

Peace.

Tee.

Simplicity Unites: The Global Influence of Minimalism in Diverse Cultures and Religions

July 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

I love writing about Minimalism.

I’ve noticed a genuine interest from my readers in the “HOWs” of minimalism, but how about the “WHYs” and the “WHEREs” ?

Well, that’s what we’re here for today. What you’re about to read will bring things full circle.

Peace and tranquility by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — *Credit: Freepik*

After reading and writing about minimalism for 5+ years, I realized that this philosophy is nothing new. In fact, throughout history, most cultures and religions have emphasized the importance of living a simple and minimalist life.

Want proof ? Read on.

Minimalism in ancient European Civilizations

In ancient Greece, Socrates famously espoused the idea that “the secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

Socrates believed that living a simple life was key to achieving contentment and stressed the importance of focusing on the essentials. His philosophy also focused on avoiding excess and materialism.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, Seneca wrote extensively about the virtues of minimalism.

In fact, Seneca believed that focusing on the basics and refraining from excess granted human beings a sure sense of inner peace and tranquility, and he couldn’t be more right.

Not only that, Seneca also emphasized the importance of mindfulness, advocating for individuals to live in the present moment and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

Minimalism in Eastern religions

The concept of minimalism is central to many teachings in Buddhism and Hinduism.

In fact, Buddhism teaches that “desire is the root of all suffering” and that inner peace can only be achieved by letting go of our attachment to material possessions.

Indeed, the Buddha himself renounced his belongings and lived as a monk, teaching his followers to let go of desires and attachments in order to achieve enlightenment.

The Buddhist practice of meditation is the perfect illustration of that. While Seneca didn’t insist on one particular practice to promote mindfulness and presence, his ideas perfectly match Buddhist philosophy on this point.

Calmness by Teekay Rezeau-Merah — *Credit: pch.vector*

Similarly, in Hinduism, the concept of “Sannyasa” or “renunciation”, is a central theme.

Sannyasa involves renouncing material possessions and living simply and in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

But Sannyasa isn’t the only Hindu concept that highlights a certain form of minimalism.

“Aparigraha” or “non-possessiveness” also points up the importance of avoiding excess and materialism in favor of simplicity and contentment, which ultimately shows that minimalism is nothing new, and that it took center stage in century long beliefs and religious practices in the East as much as in the West.

Minimalism in Monotheistic religions

In Judaism, the concept of “Tzedakah” or charity, is an essential part of the religion.

Tzedakah involves giving to those in need and promoting social justice.

The art of giving: By giving to others, we learn to reduce our attachment to stuff. Not only that, giving means we learn to prioritize the needs of others over our own desires.

The world needs more of this practice.

How about in Christianity?

Well, one of Jesus’ (AS) most famous teachings says “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

This idea highlights the importance of avoiding excess and materialism, and promotes selflessness and spiritual values.

Last but certainly not least, Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived a humble and simple life. He owned the bare minimum, despite his influence, status and the wealth of his wife hazrat Khadija (RA).

7 Remarkable Things About Khadija, Wife of Prophet Muhammad

Many of Prophet Muhammad’s (PUBH) teachings revolved around the above-mentioned values of charity, avoiding excess and emphasizing spiritual and ethical values over material possessions.

Case in point, the Islamic concept of “Zakat” involves giving a percentage of one’s wealth (once a year) to the less fortunate, promoting empathy, caringness and compassion for others.

The universality of minimalism is evident in its presence across different cultures and regions worldwide, and there’s more !

Minimalism in ancient South American culture

Often forgotten when talking about minimalism and anti-consumerism, South American cultures and civilizations had some equally impressive values to the ones mentioned above.

“When the rivers are all dried up, and the trees cut down, man will then realise that he will not be able to eat money.” — Native American proverb

For instance, if you look at the Inca civilization (present-day Peru, 13th to 16th century), living simply and in harmony with nature was paramount.

The Incas prioritized the concept of “Ayni,” which involved the reciprocal exchange of goods and services among members of the community, encouraging mutual aid and support.

Similarly, the Maya civilization (present-day Mexico and Central America, 2000 BC to the 16th century) practiced a simple and sustainable way of life.

The Maya were famous for their beliefs in the conservation of natural resources and living in harmony with the surrounding nature (I guess now you know where I get that from).

This was reflected in their agricultural practices, namely terrace farming and irrigation systems, which were brilliantly designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

Quite the opposite of what we do today.

While the Incas and the Mayas are quite well-known, there’s another lesser-known civilization in the Nazca civilization.

Nazcas lived in a desert region (in modern day Peru) and relied on sustainable practices to survive.

For instance, they built underground aqueducts and water management systems to make sure they survived in their harsh environment, a group of genuises they were.

The Nazcas also produced simple but elegant pottery, textiles, and other crafts, demonstrating their appreciation for the beauty in simplicity.

Nazca pottery by Teekay RM — Nazca, painted pottery (© Trustees of the British Museum)

Minimalism in ancient Asia

Last but not least, Asian ancient cultures also provide numerous examples of minimalism and simplicity being valued and practiced way back.

For instance, in ancient China, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Taoism highlights the importance of living a simple and natural life, in harmony with the flow of the universe this time.

This is commonly known as the concept of “Wu Wei.”

“He who knows he has enough is rich.” — Lao Tzu

But besides ancient China and India (through Buddhism and Hinduism), another gigantic civilization from the East has its own form of minimalism: Japan.

Indeed, the Japanese aesthetic of “wabi-sabi” is a great example of minimalism and simplicity.

Wabi-sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection and transience, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and contentment in the simple things in life.

Final Word

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”

As you can see, minimalism is inherently connected to wellness.

Avoiding excess and materialism while promoting charity and compassion for others are what make this philosophy so pure.

The common goal of achieving inner peace and contentment has long been sought, and it seems like doing so requires more simplicity and less consumerism.

I hope minimalism helps you live a more ethical, sustainable and fulfilling life.

Thanks for reading.

If you wish to read more from me and support my work, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter by clicking HERE.

I write about minimalism, health, slow living, my adventures as an explorer, environmental solutions and more.

Till next time !

Peace.

Tee.

Is climate change real ? A closer look at climate change denial

August 25, 2022 — Leave a comment

This blogpost serves as a reminder that we don’t always need the media, political figures and “science” to tell us what to think.

I mean, we live in the age of misinformation and fake news anyway.

Everything is blown out of proportion, all the time, so I understand those who are skeptical about everything cause sometimes that’s the only way one can keep their sanity and free thinking.

We demonize people for the smallest mishaps, we cancel them, we go at each other’s throats online for no real reason..

Incivility is rampant, but that’s beside the point of this post.

What we need right now

Perhaps what we need right now is to be more understanding, to use sensible reasoning and think for ourselves.

What we need is to collectively take a step back from the ongoing noise and assess what we see and feel, not what we’re bombarded with by the media 24/7, 365.

So climate change, is it real ?

Well, first let’s drop in some facts:

👉 We’re in the midst of the worst drought in the Horn of Africa since records began
👉 We’re in the midst of the worst drought in China since records began
👉 We’re currently in the midst of the worst drought the USA has known in the past 1.200 years
👉 Europe is going through its worst drought in 500 years

Those are facts, not opinions.

Unfortunately, blistering heatwaves ran rampant in the continent where I’m currently based, Europe, in the past few months.

The same can be said about many other places on earth.

Given how things stand right now, everything leads me to believe that a catastrophe is around the corner.

If you look at the the Jialing River in Chongquing, a major tributary of the Yangtze (China), you realize that it’s partially dried up, following weeks of extreme heat.

The same can be said about rivers and lakes in France, rivers that I used to hang out at just last summer.

Besides, we’ve seen so many untamable wildfires this summer, too many to count: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy..

The same thing is happening in North Africa.

Pretty safe to say, biodiversity is crumbling all around the world.

So, what to do about it ?

Well, it all depends on the type of people we are.

We can either wait till we all die, or we could start making some serious changes to our respective lifestyles AND impose restrictions and sanction the biggest polluters.

Private Jets, Yachts, Golf courses, Olympic-size swimming pools, these privileges need to stop, at least for a little while, if we want our planet to survive.

You don’t have to be “republican” or “democrat” to see things for what they are, this has NOTHING to do with politics, it has everything to do with survival.

If you don’t want to believe reports from the media, it’s fine, I don’t either, so talk to people, talk to the elderly, talk to your friends.

I’m lucky enough to have friends all over the world, and not a single one of them tells me things are just like they used to be.

There are so many environmental disruptions all across the globe, so many droughts, from Iraq to Italy, to China, to Kenya.

The cuprit ?

Maybe it’s capitalism, maybe it’s greed, maybe it’s collective carelessness, selfishness ?

Or maybe it’s all of the above !

Our planet is running out of clean water. People are literally DYING of hunger and thirst.

Industrialization and hyperconsumerism are a direct cause for that.

What to do ?

The collective will always prevail over individual changes

So what we need is to collectively give up on our old ways and start learning about sustainability, pollution

We have to start looking at the way we consume, what we buy and who we’re buying it from.

We don’t have to give up on living for things to work out, we just have to adapt, to change.

The solutions to our problems have more to do with mindfulness than they do with technology.

Of course technology has to step in to improve many things, but first, let’s cut out on all the unnecessary impulse buys, watch our consumption, learn how to live in harmony with each other and NATURE, push for a global change and promote sustainable habits.

Let’s be mindful of what we do and how we live, individually and collectively.

It really doesn’t take much more than that for things to go back to how they used to be.