Peace, Love & Understanding : Taking learnings from the Hippy generation and adapting them for today

I’ve always had a fascination with the Hippy movement. A hippy at heart. Whats not to like about peace, love and understanding? Building like-minded communities, self-sufficiency close to the land, the hippy trail, meditating!

The hippy movement of the 1960s and 1970s left a lasting positive impact on the world. It challenged traditional norms, promoting peace and equality. It advocated for civil rights, environmental awareness, and social justice. The movement inspired cultural shifts, fostering greater acceptance and individual expression, shaping a more inclusive and progressive society.

However like life itself, the movement was double-edged, and a lesson in duality. On one hand, it brought about a positive evolution in humanity through the teachings of eastern gurus in the west , promoting peace, love, spiritual and global exploration, the hippy trail …something I’d choose if time travel was an option.

However, the movement also saw the misuse of sex and drugs without the boundaries and education needed to avoid mass addictions and exploitations. By the time the movement came to an end it was associated with disease and a warped image of the hippies.

One of the core factors for their raison d’être was gone - protesting the Vietnam war was a mutual goal that held the movement together, but when it ended in 1975 members started to dissipate. After exploring hippy ideals, those who made it through the movement transitioned and pursued "normal" careers. By the early 1970s, they began to acknowledge that the optimistic idealism of the counter culture, while noble, wasn't always feasible. They opted for jobs in the "real" world, recognising the need for practicality and adapting to societal expectations

It started as a counterculture frustrated with the way things were, they were seeking change. As children they had only lived in a world with vast consumerism, rapidly changing ideas of the future of the country, a government that refused to listen and a desire to have a voice in this new world. If we think about the amount of change we need to make for the good of the planet right now in 2o23, especially considering the post-covid landscape, the mental health ‘crisis’, and the identification of politics gone wrong and the impact of the media - there are many parallels with the emergence of the hippy movement. The question is do you have a desire to make a change, are you (under your personal brand image) a modern-day hippy at heart?

The 1960s and 1970s were a transformative era known for its vibrant counterculture, fuelled by experimentation with sex, drugs, and music. Amidst this cultural revolution, society also encountered a profound influence from the original meditation gurus who emerged during this time. These spiritual leaders, such as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who the Beatles famously spent time with in India, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Ram Dass, introduced ancient Eastern practices like meditation and yoga to the Western world, leaving an indelible impact on society.

Like the hippy movement they were also double-edged because while they offered spiritual guidance and promised enlightenment, some of them were plagued by controversies and scandals. Their teachings often attracted vulnerable individuals seeking answers, leading to instances of manipulation and abuse of power and lack of sexual equality. The era highlighted both the transformative potential and the dark side of following certain charismatic figures.

Swami Satchidananda, wasn't the first Yoga master to come to America but, with his opening words at Woodstock 1969 and the creation of the Integral Yoga organisation, he helped modern Yoga and meditation take firm roots in the west, and introduced it to millions. If you aren’t familiar with his teachings - ‘The first lesson to be learned from Yoga is to lead a dedicated life. Love expresses itself as dedication and service. The most important thing you can do is to dedicate your life in service’.

One of the most significant lessons society learned from these gurus was the power of inner exploration and self-discovery. As individuals sought to break free from societal norms and expand their consciousness, meditation became a tool for personal transformation. Through the practice of stillness and mindfulness, people discovered a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

Additionally, they emphasised creating communities, and interconnectedness of all beings which fostered a sense of unity and compassion. Their teachings encouraged individuals to transcend ego-driven desires and cultivate a deeper understanding of others. This emphasis on love and acceptance helped to bridge cultural divides and promote harmony within society.

Furthermore, the gurus challenged the prevailing materialistic mindset by highlighting the importance of inner wealth and spiritual fulfilment. They reminded people that true happiness does not solely lie in external possessions but can be found within oneself. This shift in perspective led to a reevaluation of societal values and a greater emphasis on personal growth and well-being. Is this something we need a resurgence in today given the explosion of Instagram and the emphasis on building personal brands?

Many Instagram influencers prioritise self-promotion and materialistic, filtered displays over genuine content. Their focus on appearances and acquiring material goods has contributed to a culture of egotism and shallow values whilst irresponsibly undermining societal well-being. Fake-ness for cash, gifts or perceived social kudos and ‘success”.

The original gurus encouraged a holistic approach to health and well-being, emphasising the connection between mind, body, and spirit. They popularised practices like yoga, Ayurveda, and conscious eating, which promoted a balanced lifestyle and self-care. Today we are seeing a rise in the popularity of these practices, alongside veganism, and the understanding of the dangers of how far removed we are from eating directly from the un-polluted land. We can reflect on the invaluable teachings to society. Their emphasis on self-exploration, compassion, inner wealth, and holistic well-being continues to resonate in modern times, shaping the way we approach personal growth, relationships, and our understanding of the self.

Also, today, we won’t see the end of a modernised hippy generation because of the need to go back to a ‘normal’ job. Jobs in the “real world’ are very different now. The ‘real world’ is very different now. A great step change, and evolution of humanity, has been evident post-covid with many people embracing the positive opportunity of a new era. Practicality and adapting to societal expectations have gone out the window with younger generations, hence changing the status quo for all of us. Creativity is now the driving force, alongside the skills of empathy and logic. Collectively as a global community we have been standing together for equality, against exploitation and for advanced human rights like never before.

While progress has been made, it's important to remember that challenges and gaps in human rights remain.

For me, the biggest learning from the Hippy movement is the concept of equilibrium - a state of intellectual or emotional balance. The movement serves as a reminder of the importance of equilibrium in society and in life - while it embraced ideals of peace, love, and freedom, it also highlighted the potential pitfalls of extremism and imbalance.

It underscores the significance of finding a balance between individual expression and responsibility, between seeking change, growth, revenue & “success” and maintaining stability, fairness, justice and positive evolution.

So reach inside and have a chat with your inner Hippy, and see where they can shine their light and open up their heart.