I’ve undertaken yet another crazy project which will surely raise some surprised looks.

The idea is: when I first moved into my apartment five years ago, I neglected to do some paperwork (or was that bribing?) and in consequence had to wait three weeks to get electricity. As much as it was a nuisance – cooking on a gas stove, recharging phones at cafes, lighting the house with candles – it also was a wonderful way to experience the natural day-night cycle. We quickly began going to sleep at 22-23, as soon as it was dark, and getting up early in the morning without an alarm clock. There were no artificial means to kill time. As a result, there was plenty of it, enough to paint the entire house, buy furniture, read books, drink wine, cook, go for long walks and chill. It was probably the most peaceful time of my life.

…and that’s why I’ve decided to bring that back. From this year, I officially announce 22.08-2.09 to be a no electricity period in my house.

Before you ask…

1. It’s not strict. Things that need running still run. I could bring the gas stove in once again; instead I’ll just cook on the electric cooker by the candlelight. Fridge and washing machine are still there; I’m not that hardcore. I’m not sure about the dishwasher.
2. What got cut out are lights and electronic devices. This means no music, but also no internet and no annoying buzz from hard drives and fans. I can’t quite remember the last time it was so quiet here.
3. Okay, I didn’t entirely cut the internet off. I just reduced it to the absolute minimum – the router is broken anyway, so there’s no WiFi, and I’ll only use the cable whenever I need to, not whenever I feel bored.
4. There’s no reward for doing it and no penalty for breaking the rule. This is for the sake of thing; for experiencing what is almost forgotten.

A slow life.

I have no expectations about the outcome of this experiment. No matter how it turns out, though – I’m sure I’ll be much more peaceful in the end.

I receive quite funny comments regarding my actions. Whenever I undertake something silly, illogical or seemingly complex and unnecessary, I inevitably evoke some confusion. Why would you want to do that?, people ask. What’s the point of making your life harder?

The answer is quite simple. If you don’t know it, learn about the warrior ethos; learn about forging your soul in the forge of adversity and hardship. I’ll quote Michael Mary here:

It’s only during times of crisis that man starts to search for new ways and possibilities.

The answer is: because once you get accustomed to things being hard, it just doesn’t make sense to get back to the easy way anymore. Once you discover you can put ten times more effort and sustain ten times more pain than you thought you’d ever would, there’s no way back. Because, honestly, why would you ever decide to return to a lower position?

There’s no retiring from the good & hard way of life.