It's a hot trend these days, the idea of being a minimalist. What if a wardrobe consisting of three white T-shirts, two pairs of jeans, two jackets and one pair of shoes might be the key we are so desperately looking for? The key to finding eternal happiness!
Probably not...
But, a practical approach to minimalism can have a great impact on our lives and change it for the better.
The idea of minimalism is not as new and trendy as you might think. The philosophy and practice of minimalism goes back centuries. The ancient Stoics and Zen buddhists had their own practices for a simple and organized life. Followers of the Stoic philosophy led a life focusing only on what was in their control, and what really mattered to them.
The life of a Zen Buddhist is strongly based around letting go of physical things and human desires. The perfect minimalist is therefore found in a Buddhist Monk, owning only their robe, shoes and prayer beads. They are not allowed to have any other possesions or handle or work for money.
As with every great idea, taking it to the extreme usually doesn't work out for us normal people. But here are some practical ways to improve your life with minimalism.
Declutter yourself
Most of us have more things that we need. Living as a Buddhist Monk is not a option, but actively decluttering our lives by getting rid of things we don't need or use, is a very good step. The shirts and pants in your closet that you like, but simply haven't used for months, it might be time for them to go.
All that stuff you have put away in boxes or your parents basement, there are probably things there you won't touch again. You could donate, or try to sell this stuff to get some hard earned money back. Either way someone else might actually make good use of it. And you get less things to worry about.
Decluttering your home and possessions will help life stay clean and organized. And a decluttered space will help declutter your mind. Less distractions, more of whats important. Great!
The same applies to your digital life. Getting rid of junk and organizing whats important will result in less distraction, more order.
Mindful consumption
Getting rid of things you have held onto in the past, gives you a great insight :
If I dont buy a bunch of crap I don't need, I wont have to throw it out again.
Seriously, it's disgusting how much shit we buy without even thinking about it. We fill our homes with low quality plastic trash imported from China, and we should not feel good about it. Even though it's normal these days, it's a stupid behavior we should work to change. How?
Avoid buying things before you reflect on if you actually need it. Then, go for decent quality, not for cheap things that break. Becoming more mindful over your consumption will save you money, space and time.
That means that you will also be able to invest more into the good stuff. Instead of buying five crappy shirts, buy two or three that you really like and wear them often. Instead of getting new plastic bags for your groceries every week, just buy a big sturdy bag that you can have forever. It's as simple as that. If everyone could settle with what they really need, the world would be a much less distracting, dirty and money hungry place.
Create space for what matters
The point of minimalism is not to get rid of the good things in life to live like a monk. It's about making more space for the good stuff, by minimizing the clutter, junk and disorder.
Feeling satisfied knowing you have what you need, without a bunch of crap. Keeping things in order, and enjoying the beautiful result it has on every aspect of your life.
Let this be a tool for something good. Remember, minimalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about making gradual improvements. Start where you are, and let small changes lead to a better life. Always carrying that mindset will over time do great things for you.
So, to end this with a fitting quote "Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world"
Jordan B. Peterson
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