Watch The Simplest Things

The Simplest Things, a documentary series produced by Hocus Focus Productions in 2011, explores the lives of people who have chosen to live simply. The show focuses on individuals and families who have rejected materialism and consumer culture, instead choosing to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability, community, and personal fulfillment.

Each episode of The Simplest Things examines the daily lives of its subjects, following them as they go about their routines, interact with their communities, and pursue their passions. Viewers see how these individuals have streamlined their possessions, opting for only what they need and cherish, and how they have found creative ways to live off the land, reduce waste, and minimize their environmental impact. The show also delves into the psychological and emotional benefits of living a simple life, emphasizing how paring down can bring greater clarity, purpose, and connection.

One episode of The Simplest Things focuses on a family in rural Vermont who have opted for a life of homesteading, growing their own food, raising animals, and living off the grid. We see how they have constructed their own house using locally sourced materials, how they have designed an innovative graywater system to conserve water, and how they have learned to adapt to harsh weather conditions. Through interviews with the family members, we learn about the challenges and rewards of their lifestyle, and how their decision to live simply has brought them closer together as a family.

Another episode features a couple in California who live in a tiny house, a mobile dwelling less than 400 square feet. The camera follows them as they navigate the logistical challenges of living in such a small space, such as how they cook, sleep, and store their belongings. We also see how their lifestyle has allowed them to travel more freely, prioritize experiences over possessions, and cultivate a strong sense of community.

The Simplest Things also examines how simplicity can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. One episode features a woman who has found solace and meaning in meditation, and who has embraced a minimalist lifestyle as a way of managing her anxiety and stress. By removing clutter and distractions from her environment, and focusing on her breath and present moment awareness, she has transformed her relationship with herself and the world around her.

Throughout The Simplest Things, there is a recognition that living simply is not always easy or accessible for everyone. The show empathetically acknowledges the structural and societal barriers that prevent many people from making such choices, such as economic hardship or lack of access to resources. However, it also illuminates the creative and resourceful ways in which its subjects have found alternatives to mainstream consumption culture, and how these choices have improved their quality of life.

Overall, The Simplest Things is a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of minimalism and sustainable living, and how these practices can bring greater purpose, joy, and connection to our lives. With its focus on individual stories and experiences, the show offers a nuanced and compassionate view of this growing movement, and encourages viewers to reflect on their own values and priorities.