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.
oh.. and thanks Josh- great talk, and very much appreciate your insights.. :)
Hi,
I have been reading this site, and others, on minimalism for a while now and I had already started to whittle down my possessions but after listening to Josh’s audio lecture on minimalism I am now going to fully embrace the minimalist life. We gather so much stuff in life that we don’t need, and we hold on to things which weigh us down, and this physical baggage manifests itself as emotional and spiritual baggage also. I can’t wait to feel the freedom of owning less (not that I have a lot anyhow, I live a fairly modest life). I aim to hold on to only what I feel is essential for me to survive. The most important things- family, friends, relationships and health are irreplaceable but everything else- the material things- they are really only worth what we ascribe to them- and often the value we perceive them to hold can be unhealthy and negative.
Just listened to your talk.
Thank you for providing.
I’m just starting my journey, but am looking forward to where it takes me.
God bless.
Theresa
Hey Joshua, It really adds to my happiness to have found your site.
The presentation that you delivered above was so powerful and timely as I’m onto the next phase of my minimalist life.
The reduction of “things” and “stuff” in my life has lead to greater clarity and delivery of my passion toward coaching people to Live Better. One of the essential components to Living Better is Self-Love. Self-Love isn’t attained through the consumption of stuff…quite the opposite.
Thank you for your inspiration and I look forward to digging deeper into your content.
Get to living better,
Donovan Owens
34 min + really got to me. Thanks!
Hi Joshua – I enjoyed your talk. My cure for consumerism is to live in a 500 sq. ft apartment in Manhattan :) It keeps me from buying furniture, artwork, knick-knacks, more dinnerware. And my place is extremely clean and organized. I’m still bad about buying clothes, shoes and handbags…I know one more sweater won’t change my life, but I still try it. I guess I still have a bit of work to do before I can call myself a minimalist.
Great talk! Is there a place where I can download this? I would like to get it on my iPod or phone to play it in the van so my wife and I can listen together while we are driving. Thanks!
Vermont is a fun place!
My family and I moved there in 1999 to live the simple life. I think the winter was a bit long and mud season was very squishy!
Thanks for sharing Joshua – enjoyed listening to your advice, stories and insights.
Biggest takeaway for me : begin to value the invisible things in your life…
Just started my little decluttering project towards a minimalist lifestyle and eating up everything I can find on the subject to assist in my aims – keep keeping on :-)