In a world of politics, war, and deadlines, one can’t be blamed for seeking the wonders of bohemianism.
The modern bohemian lifestyle has gained popularity simply because it contradicts everything we loathe but have learned to accept over the years.
There are many “truths” that we learn as we grow up, but who wants to live their life like a machine?
Go to school, get an office job, get rich, then die. That’s no way to experience our planet.
What Does It Mean To Live A Bohemian Lifestyle?
If you have the Queen song in mind, it’s time to give you a crash course in bohemianism. The lifestyle includes aspects of spirituality, ideology, and theology.
The term “Bohemian” was first used in 19th century France to describe the gypsy travelers that had come there from Bohemia — a region of the Czech Republic.
As more and more people began using the term, it evolved to describe the gypsy lifestyle rather than where they come from.
Of course, there aren’t many gypsies left, especially not in Southern California, so why do we still hear this term so often?
Well, in our time of Facebook and cronuts, bohemianism is used to describe those who live unconventional, artistic lives.
The modern bohemian lifestyle is one filled with music, art, and literature — a way of living that embraces the doctrine of freedom over possessions.
The term bohemian can also be used to describe things that are cheap, unconventional, and probably considered odd by most.
Characteristics of the Boho Life
You won’t find your average bohemian carrying around signature bags or the latest iPhone. Instead, they prefer to explore our lush planet while free from the material chains that bind others.
Most bohemians stray from the norm when it comes to their fashion sense. Environmentalism and anti-establishment ideologies are also key to the bohemian lifestyle.
Habitat
Bohemians prefer to live in habitats with strong freedom of expression. Bohemian communities can still be seen sprouting in areas with cheap living costs.
Most bohemians don’t have much money due to their antimaterialistic way of life, making affordable areas especially prone to benevolent invasions.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Boho Style Home Decor.
Order in Chaos
Bohemianism is the polar opposite of routine. Bohemians live a nomadic lifestyle filled with art, surprises, and adventure. They disdain routine and pay no mind to what others might say about the path they’ve chosen.
Go against the grain, but eat it
While bohemians are often associated with sexual promiscuity, alcoholism, and drug abuse, there is one area where they take the healthy path — diet.
You’ll find many bohemians sticking to a vegan diet and even keeping a watchful eye on their weight. The two most common reasons that bohemians go vegan are the protection of the environment and increased energy.
Seeing as many bohemians deeply appreciate mother nature, it’s not surprising that they would abstain from eating innocent farm animals.
While bohemians often oppose restriction, they draw the line when something like consuming meat harms the earth and the creatures who inhabit it.
The second reason that bohemians go vegan is to get more energy. Bohemians want to express themselves, explore the world, and pursue many crafts, so keeping their energy levels topped off is a must.
Intellectual Pacifism
While most of the bourgeoisie would think otherwise, many bohemians are actually well-educated.
They spend their time studying philosophy, deconstructing art, and reading anything they can get their hands on.
Most bohemians live out their lives creating paintings, writing novels, or producing music. It’s not a very lucrative lifestyle for most, and as a result, many call them poor.
But while they aren’t top performers on the financial side of things, you can’t doubt that they are rich in knowledge.
Anachronistic Bohemian Fashion
Like we covered above, bohemians are seldom seen living in wealth, which is likely why they wear old clothes.
While they rarely get to buy brand new clothes, they still express their fashion style. They often gravitate towards bold colors that help them stand out from the monotonous rhythm of society. The bohemian style often ties in with other gypsy and hippie elements.
You’ll find girls wearing colorful, floral dresses and maxi skirts that are two sizes up while their male counterparts wear t-shirts, hoodies, and ripped jeans — with pockets that Ed Sheeran would surely take note of. Bohemian outfits are also easy to spot due to all the accessories that go with them.
This makes bohemian fashion a fashion designer’s playground with all the layering opportunities. The bohemian dress is simplistic while maintaining a unique character. Boho style and bohemian clothes lend themselves to their unconventional lifestyle.
A maxi dress will always get you through whether they are adventurers or vagabonds, part of the free love movement throwback, or live more traditional lifestyles.
Diverse Artistry
Art and bohemianism come hand in hand. Most bohemians spend their time pursuing artistic projects like creating books, songs, and paintings, but the list doesn’t end there. Singing, dancing, sketching, poetry, and even blogging are all common hobbies in the bohemian world.
Since the earliest cave paintings of men hunting and being hunted, art has been a way to criticize the flawed nature of the world surrounding us.
From predators to presidents, there will always be a threat to our freedom that can be identified through poems, novels, paintings, and other art forms under the sun.
It was the great Thomas Merton who once said:
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
The late reverend wrote over 70 books throughout the course of his life. Most of his work focused on social justice, spirituality, and pacifism.
The Seven Storey Mountain is arguably Merton’s most important publication. It was an autobiography that led to the migration of many toward monasteries all around the US.
What It All Means
Bohemians live the way they want. They don’t concern themselves with routine, wealth, social norms, or the judgment of others.
Many will call them bums, burdens, and a whole myriad of names, but that doesn’t change the fact that we could all learn something from the bohemians of our age.
Bohemianism could remind us of what we once had in childhood but lost along the way to adulthood.
There’s nothing wrong with pursuing success and financial stability. Still, we mustn’t sacrifice our creativity, curiosity, and everything else that makes us happy to chase the things society tells us to chase.
To summarize this article with a quote from the novelist Jake Lizarraga:
“The antagonist to progress is not chaos, but entrapment.”
Don’t stop here; go ahead and find awesome Bohemian Lifestyle items for you.
