SELF IMPROVEMENT
Minimalism — Decluttering Your Soul
A Glimpse into Minimalism
Before embarking on our minimalism journey, let’s talk about Anne and Aaron. They chose to find happiness beyond material possessions by pursuing minimalism.
Aaron gave up everything he had, collected his minimal belongings, and went off to a Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas. He lives there happily to this day — cut off from worldly possessions — a minimalist to his core.
Anne, on the other hand, stayed put in Boston. She gradually modified her life to minimalist living. She works a 9 to 5 job and lives happily with her partner and two beautiful kids.
Aaron’s journey sounds sexier and more appealing, but this article is about Anne. Even though it sounds intriguing, not many of us can afford to give up everything in a heartbeat and lead an ascetic life.
My aha moment arrived when we were moving out of a house, that we had lived in for 10 years. My wife and I realized how much we had accumulated as we surveyed the two piles we had created. The first pile was a collection of 15 tidy storage boxes, the second one was quite a sight! Our old clothes, toys, travel memorabilia, my parents’ belongings, and our old furniture. Well, you get the picture!
That night my journey started with a commitment to de-clutter which has finally led me to my current minimalist lifestyle.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism values quality over quantity in life and adheres to the less is more principle. It aims to create emotional and material space, allowing individuals to focus on what they truly value! At the same time, filtering out unnecessary distractions, and preparing them to lead a meaningful, purpose-oriented life.
Minimalism as a Philosophy and Lifestyle
Minimalism is deeply rooted in Japanese Zen philosophy with influences from Buddhism. Zen philosophy emphasizes finding inner satisfaction through simplicity — creating space to fill with valuable objects and experiences. The Buddha’s teachings about finding happiness within instead of looking for it in things epitomizes minimalism.
Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle allows you to identify the things, that truly bring you happiness — curating your life to simplicity, and enabling you to savor the moments, that bring satisfaction. By reducing the focus on material possessions, minimalism helps liberate your inner self.
Minimalism vs Consumerist Minimalism
Consumerism is a lifestyle focused on acquiring material possessions and seeking fulfillment through consumption. In contrast, minimalism advocates for simplifying life by prioritizing essential possessions and experiences — emphasizing intentionality, mindfulness, and contentment with less.
Minimalism goes beyond simply rejecting consumerism and buying less. While it does help you save money and free up storage space by resisting the urge to constantly buy, it also allows you to reclaim time and money to focus on what truly matters.
Minimalism is for you if you are seeking to simplify your life, reduce stress, and live a more meaningful and purposeful life. But you must take a practical approach, go slow towards minimalism, and not seek a magic wand to transform your life overnight.
I particularly enjoyed the article by James D Kidiga
I also found a short and inspiring article by Henry India Holden💖
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