The minimalist lifestyle is IN, people around the world are dabbling with this concept. However people are unable to implement it effectively in their lives. Read on to discover some key insights into the philosophy and how you can make it your own.
Minimalism as a concept emerged in the American art and music scene in the previous century. The minimalist movement in the 1960s drew on the reductionist tendencies that came to light from the 1913 composition by the Russian Painter Kasimir Malevich. Malevich had painted a black square on a white background almost in opposition to the British excess.
Today we are attempting to implement the concepts of minimalism in our daily lives. Simply put minimalism is knowing the difference between the individual needs and wants. It sounds simple but we humans simply do not prioritise based on our needs. The rampant fast paced consumerist society we live in only induces us to place more value in the possessions we own and can own. Minimalist living dictates we pull away from our consumerist behaviour and rethink our possessions.
You are not going to be happier by consuming more — Jesse Jacobs
Axioms to Minimalist living
Minimalism as mentioned earlier is letting go of things that you do not need: ask yourself what purpose an object has in your life.
Minimalism is intentional: actively assessing your purpose and goals and letting go of things that do not help in achieving them.
Minimalism is a look toward the internal self.
Minimalism is the freedom from consumerism.
Unclutter and Unburden
Many people claim ‘clutter helps them create’, there is nothing further from the truth. Clutter in our living spaces represents the chaos in our minds. By removing clutter from our personal spaces (and work spaces) we can induce a clarity of thought. It’s a type of reverse psychology; by de-cluttering your living and work space you can unburden the mental chaos and focus on things that actually matter — you can prioritise.
Also, you can think of your possessions as physical manifestations of unresolved emotions. By letting go of the physical object you are also making a conscious effort to resolve these emotions. Not to say that you will excel in your chosen career path immediately but it does affect a sense of calm that can give you more clarity of though and action.
A lack of clutter doesn’t necessarily meaning you as organised as a germophobe or a psychopath. It simply is a way of letting go of the things that you do not need. By letting go of the excess you learn to place more value on the things that you actually needs. In a weird way by learning to value only the things that you need you become critical of the consumerist mindset and start to actually ask yourself if you need to buy something just because you can.
Roadblocks to a minimalist lifestyle
While the Minimalist Lifestyle as a philosophy sounds freeing at first sight, its practice in our individual lives is not as much of a walk in the park. There are many articles on the internet (this included) that attempt to educate you on Minimalism. However elaborate these articles are it is important to realise that it is easier said than done, there are many individual challenges you might face, but here are a few:
Many of us don’t understand where to start: Start by organising your space, by doing so you are creating a mental inventory of the things you possess. This very act should give you an idea as to the things you do not need.
Getting rid of possessions with emotional value: When deciding if something emotional is needed, weigh the importance of the object against its benefits to you.
Getting used to less things: We get bored with the things we have, and multiple options help keep us engaged. Instead of adding more choices by buying more objects you can simply replace the objects that you are bored with. Remember you are still consuming but you aren’t hording.
The distractions around: In our ad-ridden world today everything looks attractive, necessary and useful (this is what marketers want you to think) before spending money on it consider if you need it, how will it be useful to you.
Remember, one size does not fill everybody. There are methods that suit you best and there are ways that won’t work for you. Power is in staying at it, and working toward you goals.
