Becoming a modern-day hippie is all about embracing freedom, love, and nature while rejecting consumerism. This guide breaks down the values, lifestyle, and practical steps you can take to live with purpose, sustainability, and mindfulness — without giving up your individuality.
The Hippie Movement Then and Now
In the 1960s, hippies defined a counterculture movement that prioritized peace, love, and rebellion against mainstream society. Fast forward to today, and the hippie lifestyle has evolved, but its core principles of nonconformity, environmental activism, and spirituality remain as relevant as ever. This article will guide you through the key aspects of adopting the modern hippie ethos and living in harmony with the world around you.
Embrace Nonconformity: Express Your Authentic Self
The foundation of being a hippie is nonconformity. Rejecting societal expectations is key to living authentically. Whether it’s through the clothes you wear, your career choice, or how you interact with others, embracing individuality is at the heart of the hippie lifestyle.
- Key Values: Authenticity, Freedom of Expression, Nonconformity
- Practical Tips:
- Dress in a way that reflects your true self. Embrace bohemian fashion — think flowy fabrics, earthy tones, and comfortable styles.
- Make choices that align with your values, such as working in sustainable industries or pursuing passions that contribute to personal fulfillment.
To be a hippie is to embrace your true essence and live boldly, without compromise.”
You definitely don’t want to be splashing out the big bucks on a brand-new wardrobe to be a hippy, buy secondhand and upcycled clothes instead. We’d recommend starting at BOHO thrift shop for that. Flares can still be groovy!
Peace and Love: The Core of the Hippie Movement
At the core of the hippie ethos is the belief in peace, love, and tolerance. From anti-war protests to global movements for human rights, the modern hippie lifestyle continues to champion these ideals.
- Key Values: Compassion, Tolerance, Love
- Practical Tips:
- Practice kindness and mindfulness in everyday interactions. A smile or a kind word can make a big difference.
- Get involved in local or global movements that promote peace and justice, from climate change activism to promoting mental health awareness.
Living with Nature: The Environmental Hippie
A true hippie values the environment, nature, and sustainable living. The modern version of this ideal involves reducing your carbon footprint, supporting eco-friendly brands, and living a minimalist lifestyle.
- Key Values: Sustainability, Eco-Conscious Living, Connection with Nature
- Practical Tips:
- Adopt a zero-waste lifestyle by reusing, recycling, and reducing consumption. Start with small changes like carrying reusable bags and avoiding single-use plastics.
- Support ethical brands that prioritize sustainable materials, fair labor practices, and eco-friendly production methods. For example, wear vegan fashion or shop at thrift stores.
The Music of the Movement: Soundtracking Your Hippie Life
Music plays a crucial role in the hippie identity, from Woodstock to modern-day festivals. The modern hippie embraces musical freedom, using it as a form of expression and a tool for activism.
- Key Values: Creativity, Expression, Rebellion
- Practical Tips:
- Explore different genres of music that inspire you, from classic rock and folk to modern indie and electronic. Music festivals are still a key part of the hippie lifestyle.
- Use music as a tool for mindfulness — whether through calming sounds for meditation or upbeat rhythms for joyful dancing.
Pro Tip: Tune into eco-conscious artists like Jack Johnson, who blend activism with music.
You don’t have to reinvent Woodstock to get your groove on (or go through the Vietnam War for that matter), though you can watch most of it on YouTube (below) to set the tone.
If you’re more of an audiophile we suggest you grab a copy of the 50th Anniversary 10-CD set called Woodstock – Back To The Garden. It’s worth every penny. This is the quintessential spirit of the hippie counterculture, modern hippies need classic hippie music if they really want to have a good time.
But you want to set the vibe with a little Dylan, Donavan, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and you absolutely can’t miss the Grateful Dead. If you’re looking for something a little more modern – and psychedelic electronic music is for neo-hippies.
Spirituality and Mindfulness: Connecting with the Divine
A modern hippie seeks spiritual growth and mindfulness. This doesn’t necessarily mean following any one religion, but it’s about cultivating inner peace, purpose, and connectedness with the universe.
- Key Values: Spiritual Awareness, Meditation, Mindfulness
- Practical Tips:
- Practice meditation and yoga regularly to improve your mental and physical well-being.
- Engage with a community of like-minded individuals who support your spiritual growth, whether through a local meditation group or online.
Join the Modern Hippie Revolution!
Living as a modern-day hippie means embodying values of love, peace, and nonconformity in everything you do. From practicing mindful living to supporting eco-friendly businesses, your everyday choices can align with the hippie movement’s ideals. The future is free-spirited — and it starts with you.
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