during the process of becoming minimalist, i have found it helpful to write about some of the benefits of minimalism that i have seen and/or experienced. it has helped to keep me focused in a world that champions the benefits of owning things. it has also helped to encourage others to further consider the lifestyle of minimalism. the benefits of minimalism page is the most viewed page on this blog.
today, i’d like to offer another benefit of minimalism: living a minimalist life allows the opportunity to financially support other causes. this is, of course, related to the benefit of simple dollars and sense but it goes beyond that.
minimalism provides an opportunity to not just save money for the sake of keeping it for myself, but for using it to further causes that i believe in. after all, if i have become content with my belongings and have been rescued from the race of accumulating possessions, i have no need to hoard money. i am free to support those causes that i hold most dear, whether they be political, environmental, relief-based, religious, or personal.
i met a man recently who has just put his house on the market to sell so that he can donate some money to a charity that he believes in strongly. let me adjust that… he has put one of his houses on the market. he has recently decided that there are more important things in life than owning houses in every imaginable climate.
now, i may not be tempted to sell my house (i only have one). but i am seeing the value of not purchasing another coat this winter, another piece of art for my wall, or another “new and improved” cleaning solution. because living a minimalist life allows me the opportunity to use my finances to further the causes i believe in.
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Paring down does seem to bring with it intense freedom, including financial. Freedom to decide what’s meaningful and what isn’t.
On an unrelated note, Joshua, have you guys the bravery to share the before/after pictures of your ongoingly (Don’t think that it a word, but I digress) minimalist process? I’d love to see the visual of the progress you’re making. And I regret that I didn’t have the courage to take a photo when i started.
christy,
i’ve posted a few photos (search for office and basement), but haven’t photographed everything concerning our “ongoingly” minimalist process.