“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down, you can’t see the things above you.” – C.S. Lewis
Almost everyone I know is trying to live their best life possible. It seems we are born with a deep, ingrained sense that we only get one life… and are compelled to make the most of it. We desperately desire to be proud of the life we’ve lived.
Unfortunately, many of us will seek pride in the wrong places. We will look for pride in power, popularity, and possessions. We will hurt others in an attempt to move up society’s ladder. We will sacrifice uniqueness to gain popularity. And we will waste countless hours chasing more and better possessions. But no amount of power, popularity, or possessions will ever satisfy our deepest desires. Those things will always fall short. And there is no sense looking for pride in places that cannot provide it.
One of the greatest benefits of choosing to live a simple, minimalist life is that many of the pursuits above become replaced. And while choosing to intentionally live with less doesn’t automatically shift the focus of our lives… it can certainly provide the space that makes it possible.
It just may begin to shift our focus upwards to things that bring us true, lasting pride. Things like:
- A Clear Conscience. Living a life consistent with our values.
- Character. Choosing to treat others and ourselves with high esteem and respect.
- Sincerity. Living with no attempt to deceive those around us.
- Wisdom. Not being tossed and turned by the culture of the day, but laying a foundation of certainty from outside our ever-shifting culture.
- Love. Embracing a heart that, above everything else, seeks to love others.
Just to be clear, choosing a minimalist life doesn’t always result in a clear conscience, unparalleled character, unwavering sincerity, or boundless love. Nor is everyone who seeks those things a minimalist. There are, after all, many paths to the same end.
But I am saying that every so often, we need to slow down long enough to notice the focus of our lives. Afer all, the allure of power, popularity, and possessions can be almost too great to overcome. And intentionally choosing to remove them may be the only way to create the space needed to reject them completely.
Luinae says
This is very clear, and minimalist, and beautiful. I especially enjoy the one about “love.” Love for the people, the planet, your life – everything – it’s just so important.
Margie says
That’s the best answer by far! Thanks for cotinrbuting.
Living the Balanced Life says
Each of our minimalist lives will look differently, but you have summed it up so eloquently, “to live a life we can be proud of”. What a goal to strive for!
Bernice
Eating for Balanced Living
carmelita paraan says
Wow! What a wonderful reminder to what really matters in this life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You gave a breathe of life to this lifeless and materialistic society that most of us lived in.
Live Life Every Day says
Great post, Joshua! Too many of us get caught up in the insignificant things. Our priorities have become out of place.
We need to do whatever it is that makes us happy, the problem is most of the time we do not know what it is, or even worse, we THINK we know, but we’re actually horribly wrong.
Thank you for this post! We all need to reexamine the way we live our lives to see if what we are doing is actually what makes us happy.
Katie says
This is beautiful, Joshua. Space to focus on what is important. Lovely ideas.
Mike B says
Good stuff, Joshua. Another reminder to spend more time on “how” we’re going, rather than just “where” we’re going.
Nick B @ weekday.zen says
Excellent article. The blogosphere tends to be abuzz with a desire for an examination of the spiritual aspects of minimalism.
I think you really banged the nail on the head.
Minimalism at its core is about re-examining ourselves and the fundamental of why we seek or do what we do.
Mrs. Neutron says
Nick, there are BILLIONS of people living a “minimalist lifestyle” on one or two dollars a day. They tend to be “spiritual” people and indulge in all manner of paranormal beliefs because people lacking a visible means of support tend, because they are human, to produce/seek an “invisible” means of support.
I’m not convinced that they spend more time re-examining themselves. How is “minimalism” at the core of what Socrates advised so long ago… “Know thyself”?
Dan says
What a great post! Minimalism was originally an end in itself for me but, little did I know, my Spiritual life has improved by leaps and bounds once I had the space and focus required to listen, Pride and power are no longer a worthwhile pursuit for me, and that is a *major* change. Thanks for the encouragement!
Kristy Powell says
Absolutely wonderful. Clear and profound.
What you describe here is what brought me to what can be considered a minimalist path. For me, this is all about loving and rooting myself in place, people and God–using minimalism as a tool in the journey.
Thank for sharing your thoughts, Joshua, sound and inspired as always.
Clara says
I very much needed this message today. I’m struggling with living the life I want – and to be honest, I’m not sure what it looks like.
Jill says
My feelings exactly – I’m in the same boat. I wish you luck!
Jane says
Me three!
Santi says
I’m joining the club! and i love this website, much thanks! :-)
Julie says
We’re all in this together it looks like Clara! I will say a prayer for you all, because I know that feel exactly! Personally, I’m trying to become a minimalist so that I can have the time and space to figure this out!