Minimalism

Minimalism is about uncluttering our minds, surroundings and emotions. It enables us too simplify life and brings less suffering to the earth and humanity.

I am a minimalist, so I only have what I need which isn't much. I don't want to add unnecessary stuff to the landfill. Assets do not help the planet, they are a significant part of the problem. I fight consumption to name a few by being vegan, using cruelty free and vegan products that are also environmental friendly products that don't harm the planet. I make my own food thud avoid processed foods. I don't buy unnecessary clothes, or other possessions.

Less is not absence, it is a space for meaning. Simplicity is not emptiness but rather an opportunity to live with awareness, presence, and appreciation. The less we own the less it owns us. If we get rid of the things we do not want we will understand what we do want. When we get rid of visual clutter the mind becomes peaceful and calm.

I refuse to be manipulated by society's advertising to have new things I don't need. I don't have nick knacks or pictures on the wall, as they are not needed for anything except something to look at. We don't have a lounge suite or a table and chairs in our home because we don't entertain, and don't have a use for them ourselves. I'm tired of people asking us where our furniture is when they come to our place or ask if we are shifting or haven't unpacked yet. People ae so possession orientated they don't even think we don't need them.

Our purpose in life is in the present moment, and we are on a journey to simplicity. However, for many getting to the simple is not simplistic because we tend to see ourselves and the world around us as we are rather than how it really is.

People differ with their version of minimalism and what it means to them because people, become minimalists for many reasons. It could be to save the planet, mental well-being, or to find peace with less possessions, people and drama in their lives. It will play into things like sustainability, spirituality, clothing, food, and possessions. Some may also incorporate minimalism with being vegan so to not exploit animals and bring less suffering to humanity and the planet.

Minimalism is about living a simple life and owning only what we need. Living in an uncluttered environment allows us to create a space for self growth. Living a balanced life is not about going without material things but rather we don’t focus on excessive amounts. This allows focus on possessions that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.

Uncluttering the mind with the past and future helps us stay more connected to what we really need. Practising detachment helps us to let go of attachment to materialism and finding joy in life that does not rely on the illusion that possessions bring happiness. Extreme desires for wealth are about greed and selfishness whereas minimalism is about being content with what we need.

Finding identity and security in people, places and things is a false sense of self, and why a minimalist lifestyle can be a challenging process for many that embark on it. When we unclutter our lives, we become more self-aware of what we really need, and realise the lack of need for many of the things we have.

To simplify life is to focus on what’s important and involves a minimalist mind that isn’t full of over thinking but rather to ponder life from a simplistic lens. Overthinking tends to drain the life out of us and stops us making decisions that help us have a better life and can take us into a spiral downwards creating a lack of understanding in what we are trying to achieve.

Many are a slave to their negative emotions which can significantly impact on what their actions are. Emotions are a core part of human existence so when we connect with our emotions at a deeper level we are better able to resist judging things about people and their situations. This puts us in a better place to open and hearts and minds to compassion. The best way to release ourselves from the weight of negative emotions is to simplify our inner world. In this space we spring clean our baggage to bring about a more meaningful existence.

Real minimalism is linked to compassion for ourselves and the world around, because minimalism is more than living with less possessions. It doesn’t matter if we are eliminating material things or difficult emotions from our life because the process is the same, thus we are letting go of what doesn’t serve our best. Practising mindfulness can also assist with this as well because it focuses on awareness in the present.