How to Be a Modern Bohemian

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By ponchomeg
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Free-spirited, energetic, creative, and living life on MY terms. I am a Modern Bohemian.

I am a Modern Bohemian. I would say I am a combination of a hippie, a Bohemian, a free spirit, and what is known as a Mohemian. I am a big believer in peace (make love, not war), I shop second hand or make my own stuff (including stuff I sell), I am very creative, I have a lava lamp in my apartment (with my vintage couch and chair, several arts and crafts projects, and my cat, Ava), I love Moulin Rouge and RENT, I write poetry, novels, and songs, I have my own Bohemian blog, I have random jam sessions with friends, I listen to all kinds of music, and I live my life on my own terms.

That last one might be the biggest key to unlocking the mystery that is the Modern Bohemian. Modern Bohemians live life on their terms. If this sounds like it COULD be you, here is my step by step guide to becoming a Modern Bohemian. Follow it as much or as little as you like. Being a Modern Bohemian is slightly different for everyone and in order to maintain your Bohemian status, you must walk to the beat of your own handmade drum...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

The desire to be a Modern Bohemian
A LOT of creativity

Step 1

This is what I wear...

Dress the Part:
If you are a Modern Bohemian, it is doubtful that you will be wearing a three piece suit (unless you have to for a dreaded "real" job... yuck!) It is more the style of a Modern Bohemian to dress in a way that stands out from a crowd because of it's sheer originality and innovation. Handmade items, vintage items, shawls, second hand items, crazy jewelry, hemp anything, comfy shoes... these are some of the things that make up a Modern Bohemian's wardrobe. For more, see my article "How to Dress like a Hippie, Bohemian, Free-Spirit" in the resources section below.
Step 2

Peace and Love

Make sure that you agree with the ideals of a Modern Bohemian:
Most Bohemians are pretty liberal. They believe in their causes (whatever they may be) with so much intensity that sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming. Modern Bohemians are also very open with others. This could mean that they share a lot mentally, emotionally, physically, and even sexually. Modern Bohemians are creative and believe in pushing boundaries in the world of modern art and culture. They love music and candles and poetry and in some cases can be quite obsessed with spirituality and reaching a higher plane. (Modern Bohemians can really be a part of any spiritual endeavor... Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Wicca, etc.) The list goes on and on, but just make sure that if you claim to be a Modern Bohemian that you can back it up with some of your shared beliefs.
Step 3

One of my many jobs includes crafting and selling jewelry like this piece here.

Have a "Cool" job:
The best jobs for Bohemians are not 9-5 jobs, but jobs where the Bohemian has complete control. Some great jobs include:
-Freelance Writer
-Artist
-Musician
-Lessons Instructor
-Crafter
-Actor or Actress
-Model
-Photographer
-Street Performer
-Poet
-Dancer
-Independent Film Maker
But sometimes a Modern Bohemian has to get a "real" job. Some acceptable ones include:
-Barrista
-Music or Art Teacher in the Public School Systems
-College Professor
-DJ
-Record Store Clerk (Or Owner)
-Small Business Owner
-Yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi Instructor
-Dance Teacher
-A job in a gallery, museum, or vintage clothing store
-Newspaper columnist
-Interior Designer
-A job at a daycare or as a Nanny
-Waiter or Waitress
-Bartender
-Jobs at craft stores, flower shops, thrift stores, or organic food stores
-Jobs at head shops, hookah bars, or specialty Hippie stores
Step 4

Yay! Photo Shoot!

Express yourself creatively on a daily basis:
Work on a painting, write a song, dance an interpretive dance, relax with Yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi, have a photo shoot, draw, scrapbook, make jewelry, crochet or knit, film a documentary, write a play, perform on a stage, write a short story, poem, or love letter, cook an exotic dish, perform at an open mic night, juggle, whittle, whatever! Just be creative!
Step 5

Promoting peace with my sis!

Promote Peace and Love:
If you are a Modern Bohemian, you probably have a lot of Hippie in you. So promote peace and love... always.
Step 6

Visit websites like Poetic Expression.

Do some reading:
Read "The Bohemian Manifesto" by Laren Stover, "Hippie" by Barry Miles, spiritual texts like the Tao Te Ching and the Bible, lots of poetry, the Village Voice, and various blogs about other Bohemians and Hippies. For a start...
Step 7

Me and Kelsey: Two Bohemians in a pod.

Surround yourself with other Bohemians, Hippies, Free-Spirits, and other such people:
Being around like-minded people will help you to cultivate your Modern Bohemian attitude and lifestyle.
Step 8

Me and Ava.

Have pets:
Whether it is a loyal dog, a cool cat, a chinchilla, a lizard, birds, or just the mice who happen to "share" your apartment... show love to your animal friends.
Step 9

I will change the world!

Make your own rules and break your own rules:
It is your life. You decide what it is going to be like. Let peace, love, and creativity be your guides, but don't be afraid to push boundaries, tear down barriers, and change the world!

Comments

xivyisazombiex said

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on 11/13/2009 Very entertaining article. keep it up.

vintage said

on 9/22/2009 interesting, good article

makaksa said

on 9/12/2009 Fun article on modern bohemianism.

jackie1sexycd said

on 9/6/2009 There are way too many short, shallow, articles on eHow. It is great to see ones like this where a very talented person put a lot of work and thought into it. It not only contained great information, it was also mentally stimulating (i.e fun to read)!