This past week, I spoke on discovering simplicity to 125 mothers of preschoolers from Vermont. I decided today to post the audio here and give some of my readers a chance to hear the presentation as well.
If the topic of minimalism/simplicity is new to you, I think you will find this presentation to be a wonderful introduction to its benefits. It is intended to be both inspirational and practical. And it runs 36 minutes long.
On the other hand, if you have been reading Becoming Minimalist for awhile, you are probably familiar with most of the concepts covered in the seminar. But either way, here it is:
A few highlights:
- 0:00 Our Simple Message.
- 3:02 Our Story.
- 13:25 The Benefits of Minimalism.
- 21:00 Identifying Values and Getting Started.
- 29:20 Breaking the Trend of Consumerism.
- 34:58 The Invitation of Simplicity.
I hope you enjoy it. I value your feedback. And don’t forget if you live in the Phoenix area, you can catch me live on Sunday, October 24.
Rick says
Your presentation inspired me to now do it instead of only reading about it. Please understand the power of your words and the influence your spoken word has. You have a gift, please use it.
joshua becker says
I’m humbled. Thanks for the word of encouragement.
Andres says
excellent audio, it really is a nice thing to do, mentally you stay focus on other important things, and i think that when you get rid of stuff your mind also gets clear.
joshua becker says
So true. Remove the clutter to further identify your life’s passions.
Mowestusa says
Joshua,
You mention in the audio, that you are going to be speaking in Minnesota in December. Could you tell us when and where? Also it sounds like there is more to the presentation or at least some question and answer. Could we somehow download the whole unedited version?
Nice job, I would have enjoyed the presentation even though I’m not in the target audience for your talk.
joshua becker says
My presentation in Minnesota is going to be via video to a small group of professionals on how simplicity applies to their specific industry. It’s a private conversation, not a public presentation. That’s why I haven’t mentioned it anywhere else on this site.
I edited out the Q&A because the recording was not prepared for that type of forum. More specifically, my answers were recorded but not the questions… which makes for a pretty difficult listen.
Jill Foley says
I can’t wait to listen to this. My best friend (from my days of living in VT) was in the crowd you spoke to. I was jealous she was getting to listen to your presentation and it wasn’t me. Now I can listen too!
joshua becker says
What a coincidence, Jill! I do hope your friend enjoyed it.
Jill Foley says
I just finished listening to this. well done! I’ve read your first book, and have been following your blog for awhile so the info wasn’t new, but it was still inspiring and encouraging. Thank you for posting this. I’ll be directing several friends here and I’ll be checking in with my VT friend to see what she though. She knows your wife.
MostlySunny says
It is really nice to HEAR your voice after following you for a bit now!
I am still working on purging “stuff”….but I do BELIEVE. I am getting a bit nervous as my daughter’s first b-day is coming this weekend…and I know that relatives will undoubtedly give her “stuff”. It admittedly makes me nervous. My telling them that we don’t need “stuff” for her was taken as an INSULT! “What do you MEAN you don’t want (stuff) for her?!?! That is ridiculous!”
What do you do with that????
joshua becker says
I’ve been called a bad parent more than once as well. Ask for quality over quantity and real needs over ad-generated desires.
ruby dellson says
Yes! The first one minute sound bite is so very important and you worded it so well. Sums up PERFECTLY the insight that decluttering has brought to myself. In “my perfect world,” everybody would come to this realization. Thank you for your efforts in spreading this message!
Kim says
I have a list of moms that will be getting this link in an email.
joshua becker says
Awesome, thanks.
Eric says
Joshua:
Could you make the audio file available for downloading? It would be a great addition to my mp3 player.
Eric
joshua becker says
Yeah, I can look into that Eric. I’ll send you an email if I happen to get it right.
Walter says
Joshua, a friend recommended this discourse to me and I am eager to hear it. Could you kindly email me as well if you manage to get it into a downloadable format? I will be flying across the ocean tomorrow and I’d love to have this on my phone for offline playback. Thanks!
Olive says
I would love a download of this as well! I’ve just started reading this blog, so a beginner’s talk would be perfect for my ipod. Thanks!
Olive says
Ahh, just kidding. I found it below. :) Thanks!
Faith - Minimalist Moms says
“Our life will always match our heart”…that’s pretty powerful. My dad has this line he likes to say, “if you can’t say ‘Amen’…say ouch.” :)
It seems like a huge group of people who have chosen minimalism go from never having heard about it before to realizing the benefits and making a snap decision to claim it as their own. That’s how it was for me too. It’s like our hearts are yearning for more than consumerism but it’s just not the message that most people hear. I think you did a great job spreading that message.
joshua becker says
And that’s how it was for me too. One sentence from my neighbor at just the right moment in my life and we’ve never looked back.
Meg Blevins says
Joshua, you have a lovely speaking voice; clear and easily understood. As I listened to your message, I dusted the room and threw away magazines. I’ve been “studying” minimalism for about a year…if only I could get my husband on board! You are a wonderful teacher with an important message for us all.
joshua becker says
Meg, It’s interesting that each time I do these talks and have a Q&A time at the end, I get the same questions from each audience. And yours is pretty common, “What do I do about my spouse/partner/kids and their clutter?” I always respond the same way, “Realize that we always notice someone else’s clutter before we notice our own. So start with your own things first, the rest of the family will slowly come around.”
And thanks for complimenting me on my “lovely speaking voice.”