Ah, minimalism. Another buzzword or the ultimate solution for this collapsing world?
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In our article, find out a) why we think the latter, and b) the ways you can apply minimalism practices in your life now, from your house to your head space.
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Let's dive in!
What is minimalism?
Minimalism is the art of living simply. It’s about prioritizing what you have in your life, focusing on the things that matter most to you, and clearing your home and life of anything else that’s not essential.
It’s that simple, yet it’s also that difficult. De-cluttering your life in a society that tells you "more is better" can be hard, even when you’re focused on making it work. It takes time and patience… and a lot of self-restraint!
More and more it’s becoming a focus point for everyone, from single people to large families. It shows you how to walk away from the consumerism mindset and focus on the things that matter to you so that you can surround yourself with more of those important aspects by de-cluttering the rest of your possessions and your mindset.
"Any half-awake materialist well knows that which you hold holds you."
— Tom Robbins
What are some examples of minimalism?
Physical minimalism
Living according to minimalism guidelines, you can often start with physical minimalism.
You take note of all of your possessions and declutter down to the essentials. Then, when shopping, you focus on only buying what you need. Think about whether it's a want or a need and don’t let a sale sway you one way or the other.
Emotional minimalism
Emotional minimalism is about cutting those emotionally draining ties and focusing on our lives and the emotions that make us feel good and fulfilled.
You don’t need to be mean: just prioritize the relationships in your life that make you feel satisfied and fulfilled. Cut out anyone who drains that energy and replace it with more time for the people who make you feel like your life is moving in the right direction.
Mental minimalism
More often than not, we have too much on our plates. Between work, home, social obligations, and all the stresses that come with them respectively, our minds get full.
Similar to above, it’s important to cut out those thought processes that are constantly draining us, and focus on the ones that make our lives fulfilling and comfortable. Make more time for the satisfying parts of your life and give yourself time to recharge from the necessary stresses.
It’s easier said than done, but you have to start somewhere. So start by practicing meditation and focusing on the present.
"The past and future have a tricky way of creeping into our thoughts, and if our thoughts now live in a tiny house with a meticulously organized backpack, there just isn’t room for many of them."
— Paul Jarvis
How does minimalism change the world?
Minimalism forces us to focus on the things, emotions, and thought processes that matter most to us. It allows us to prioritize each element of our lives and focus on the idea that we will be able to make our lives more satisfying and fulfilling not only for ourselves, but for the people around us and all those that are watching us as an example.
Moreover, it forces companies to change the consumerist way of thinking and focus on making sustainable products that are going to actually serve a purpose in their customers' lives. Minimalism gives the power of trust and authenticity to a corporate world that is far too often into the shady sides of things.
What are your thoughts on minimalism? Do you think it is a solution for everyone?
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