Although they have sold us that having more will make us feel better, many people have realized that on the contrary, it creates more chaos (internal and external) and takes away time and energy.
The “aesthetic and intellectual trend that seeks the expression of the essential while eliminating the superfluous.”
The aesthetics is what I told you that is fashionable, and what many people focus on. But this is not the approach to minimalism as a lifestyle (or at least sometimes it is just a simple consequence).
Basically, minimalism is about prioritizing the essential and letting go of the superfluous.
Interesting, right?
And this is not exactly the same as having as little as possible. Since what is this limit called “possible”? And possibly for whom? Who decides what is essential?
And much less compete or compare yourself to see who lives with less…
For each person, the essential will be something different. Even for the same person, depending on their life stage, what they consider essential may vary.
For example, for a drawing student, it may be essential to have pictures and pencils of different thicknesses, while for a mother a baby carrier may be essential.
So it is not that “the supreme authority of minimalism” establishes the list of essentials and that whoever gets out of it stops being a minimalist.
It is about becoming aware of what is essential for us at this moment, and freeing ourselves from the rest.
And this not only in reference to material things but also to rethink the agenda, mobile applications or even the kite of our pressures
How do I understand minimalism in my life?
Naturally, I have always had a tendency towards minimalism, although I did not know there was a name for this.
For example, as a teenager, I felt more comfortable having my desk neat and uncluttered. Only with what is necessary for the task he was doing.
And the same with clothes or when setting the table:
Having only what is necessary and well-ordered has always been something natural for me and that unconsciously made me feel more at peace.
Not only did it clear the physical space, but it also helped me to keep my mind clear, eliminating chaos.
8 benefits of minimalism
The benefits of the minimalist lifestyle are varied and not just material. Some benefits that I have discovered are:
Helps to have a cleaner house:
With less and tidy things, it is easier to clean and keep the house clean and well maintain the appliance repair.
It helps concentration: when we are doing a task, if the space is clear and we only have what is necessary to carry out that task, we will have fewer distractions and it will be easier to stay focused.
You save money:
It is not its purpose, but it is a consequence of minimalism, since you buy less, and less frequently (when you buy quality objects and take care of it, it lasts longer, you do not get carried away by promotions or other extra expenses if it is not what you need, you decide not to accumulate,)
You take care of the planet:
By consuming less, you spend fewer resources. And if what you consume also respects the environment (natural cleaning products, organic or self-made cosmetics, etc.), then more in your favor.
You have more energy:
All those little decisions every day (what clothes to wear, finding a pen – to write – in the tangle of pens in a drawer, where do I keep my mobile charger, etc.). Energy that with minimalism you can use for more important tasks in your life.
Less stress:
Clear and orderly spaces give calmer and less noise to the mind. In addition, if you practice mindfulness, you can benefit (among other things) from the inner peace produced by keeping the mind free from the habitual run-run of thoughts.
More time and freedom:
The more things you have, the more time and energy you spend taking care of them. You also avoid wasting time looking for something in a drawer full of junk or a closet full of clothes, or time going shopping.
It recovers the social relations of interdependence:
Modern society has convinced us that each family / house should have its own drill, washing machine, car, wifi, etc. even if you use it once a week, or a year, or the range of your wifi can give coverage to the next door neighbor. The important thing in this society is to be independent, not to need anyone. Wouldn’t it be more logical to relate to other families with whom we exchange these types of resources? For example, in other countries there are buildings that have communal laundry rooms and time is allocated for each family.
Does this minimalism inspire you and try to live with less? Where would you start to simplify your life?