We Are All Minimalists But May Not Know It

Quote of the day: 

When you give your items away, don’t keep the excess of your pride.
-Bremer Acosta

Sometimes less is more. Somehow we still find ourselves stuffing clothes into wardrobes. And if we need more space we just get a bigger wardrobe, or suitcase. What else do we store away, oh right books. You really don't know how difficult it is to transport books -until you have to move house. And if you have a large library the harder it is to transport. Do we really need a library of hundreds and hundreds of books -most of which to be honest we only get to read once? I don't know. What I do know is that today, I'd rather borrow a book than buy one. It is not due to a lack of interest but more to do with dwindling storage space. And what about all that junk we hold on to, things with so called 'sentimental' value. Filled drawers, closets, basements, boxes and boxes of stuff and products collected over the years, cluttered living space, and a propensity to keep buying things we end up not putting to good use.

We live in world of hyper-consumption, zombies programmed to spend, spend, spend, and sometimes we just can't help ourselves. The idea of minimalism -which this post is really about, is an approach centered on living simply. Less is more and all that. Embracing more of the essence of things around you, less the physical objects. Watching a documentary about two guys who call themselves the minimalists reminded me of how one can get by with simpler living. A minimalist is often described as a person who has a moderate approach to thing. So in a sense anyone who likes keeping things simple is a minimalist. In art history, minimalists were artists whose work were filled with simple ideas and gestures. In government, there are those who advocate for minimal reforms. No matter which end of the pole you are minimalism is everywhere.

Minimalism sheds the excess clutter and reveals the underlying layers of clarity that we often seek. With minimalism the word 'enough' takes on a new meaning. Only the essentials matter. Everything else falls into oblivion. The main task becomes prioritizing what is necessary and doing away with the extras. Whether it involves doing a yard sale, donating to charity, or just throwing stuff away, a clutter free environment should count for something.

Minimalism is a lot harder than it sounds and something to think hard about before starting. It shouldn't be forceful but it should come from a good place. These days you don't even have to worry about paying to dispose off things you don't need any more-some local charities will pick up the stuff if you contact them. You de-clutter your home and at the same time make a change in a person's life somewhere.

I imagine myself living in such a way that even if I were to move to a smaller space, all my possessions would fit in nicely. But alas that may not be the case as I continue to remind myself about living clutter free -mentally and physically.

What are your thoughts on minimalism? Do share.



Peace. Love. Light* 



Current Listen: Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up