Cost of living pressures
As a 65 year old man who lives alone I thought readers’ might be interested to know how I cope with all the cost of living pressures so magnified in 2023.
All this winter I have had no heating on in my house. The thought of a high gas/electric bill frightens me. When in the house watching television or listening to the radio on really cold days I have layered myself in jumpers and a coat. If I am still cold I wrap a blanket around myself. There have been times this winter when I have felt very uncomfortable indeed.
January 31 2023 was a pivotal day for my life, for on this date in time I worked my last shift at my job. As I walked to my car to drive home I was a little tearful, anxious and fearful as to what the future holds. Retirement is wonderful but it certainly has its challenges. As a retired man I am conscious that my spending will be under severe restraint. This is good in terms of living a disciplined, ordered life. For the next 12 months I will be living on my savings, after this period of time I will be able to claim a state pension.
My Buddhist ideals will stand me in good stead for sure. Less is invariably more is a mantra that has served me well. Being teetotal I am offended by adverts on television for alcohol. Prisons are rammed full of people who have committed heinous crimes under the influence. Prohibition has to be viewed as a positive for society. Alcohol is the devil’s buttermilk.
Avarice, the ‘grasping’ for the exotic, have to be seen as negatives on the journey of life. The recent sacking of the Conservative politician, Nadhim Zahawi, is a classic example of a man overwhelmed by greed.
Meditation has been a force for good in my life in terms of keeping me on an even keel. A calm, rational mind equates to a healthy outlook on life. Having reached a ripe old age I have started running again. I hope to continue as long as my dodgy left knee will allow me to. Living a spartan life is good for basic living trains the mind to appreciate the fundamental aspects of the world.
To reject opulence and greed is a triumph for the human condition.
Richard Carl Nielsen, Loughborough