If you are not familiar with the Chinese Lying Flat Movement, you can read our post on the topic here. It provides some background to today's discussion.
The "Tang Ping" movement, which translates to "lying flat" in English, emerged in China as a response to societal pressures, particularly among young people.
It advocates for a lifestyle that rejects the intense competition and high expectations prevalent in modern society, particularly in terms of career success, education, and consumerism.
Instead, proponents of the movement promote a more minimalist and laid-back approach to life, emphasizing personal well-being over societal expectations.
The Not Buying Anything blog would like to propose a North American Lying Flat Movement to begin in this new year of 2025.
As members of the North American Lay Flat Movement, we would declare our commitment to a life of intentional simplicity, well-being, and authentic connection.
In a world that often equates worth with relentless productivity and consumption, this movement redefines success on our own terms.
Proposed Principles:
1. Prioritize Well-Being: We believe that mental and physical health are paramount. We reject the notion that our value is determined by our output and instead embrace a lifestyle that nurtures our well-being.
2. Embrace Simplicity: We advocate for a life free from the clutter of excessive consumerism. By simplifying our lives, we create space for what truly matters—relationships, experiences, and personal growth.
3. Challenge Societal Norms: We will question the status quo that glorifies overwork and material accumulation. We stand against the pressures that dictate how we should live and strive to create a culture that values balance and fulfillment.
4. Foster Community: We recognize the importance of connection and support. We commit to building a community that uplifts one another, shares our journeys and celebrates our choices to live authentically.
5. Promote Sustainability: We acknowledge our responsibility to the planet. By choosing to consume less and live more mindfully, we contribute to a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
6. Live Intentionally: We choose to be present in our lives, and make conscious decisions that align with our values. We reject the notion of "hustle culture" and embrace a pace of life that allows for reflection, joy, and creativity.
Our Call to Action:
We invite all who resonate with our vision to join us in this movement. Let us lay flat against the pressures of modern life and rise together in a new paradigm of living. Together, we can create a world where simplicity, well-being, and connection are at the forefront of our lives.
In solidarity, we choose to lay flat, and in doing so, we rise.
Note - thank you to our Chinese brothers and sisters in simplicity for leading the way with their original rebellious and courageous act to do what they can, and choose to lay flat rather than conform to consumerism and wage slavery.
