Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.
The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.
For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.
My Summer of No New Stuff | The Week by Jeva Lange. The past year has taught me that spending money on things won’t make my life better.
8 Ways We’ve Benefitted from Minimalism | This Evergreen Home by Mollie Donghia. More time to spend doing the things we love. More ways to spend our money in a meaningful manner. More opportunities for physical and mental rest.
How Minimalism Keeps My World Spinning as a Caregiver | Angelman Syndrome News by Sabrina Johnson. Being a caregiver for someone with Angelman syndrome means more: more appointments, challenges, changes, and other big things. However, I’m taking a liberating approach to a life of more by countering it with minimalism — a life of less.
Redefining Rich: How Minimalism Leads to a More Meaningful Life | No Sidebar by Julia Ubbenga. Being rich, I realized, has little to do with financial wealth and everything to do with building a life that is full of what makes you come alive. Of making space in your life for what matters.
How to Declutter Arts and Crafts Supplies | Becoming Minimalist on YouTube
Hi,
I accidently “Left group” on Facebook. Thought I was just leaving the page.
May I be re-joined or do I need to sign up for the course again?
Joshua, I can’t thank you enough for the great articles especially How to declutter arts and crafts. I’m a minimalist in most areas but not when it comes to paper crafting. You made valid points. I’m so overwhelmed with stuff I’m not even sure what I have. It’s time to start a big donation box for an art recycling shop in Lancaster, Pa.
Excellent video on Decluttering Arts and Crafts Supplies. I was hesitant to watch, because I knew You weren’t a knitter or spinner like I am, but there was great information in this video!
I loved Julia Ubbenga’s article about redefining rich! It’s so true that we need to redefine rich. When I think of it I think of a rich meal with rich flavors. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the dish is full of expensive things. It means it’s full of warmth and depth and interest. That means it is fully engaging and you linger over it with love and family around you. A rich meal also isn’t something you can collect and keep. But with effort and time you can create a rich meal and rich flavors over and over.
If we want a rich life we can’t hold onto things. We should instead be engaged. Taste our life. Linger. Take time with family. Digest. Appreciate what we have. Create more rich dishes. Create a beautiful meaningful life!
I love your reply! Makes so much sense – and so eloquently said.