Finding the life we want by embracing minimalism isn’t about giving up everything. Nor is it about holding on to everything and just trying to organize it better. Instead, it’s about reducing the number of our possessions to a level that sets us free.
Minimalism isn’t about owning less just for the sake of owning less. It’s about owning just the right amount of anything (and everything).
I have always found it important that the wisdom of the ages agree on the value of this approach to living. And the value of this approach to living may be as important today as ever.
12 years ago, when my wife and I began minimizing our home and removing the nonessentials, I would often remark to her, “This is fantastic. Owning less stuff is so freeing! I wonder why nobody ever told me about this before?”
Before long, though, I started to catch myself. Was it really that nobody had ever told me about minimalism before? Or was it that I just wasn’t listening?
In my head, I began recounting the mentors I had heard who spoke about the spiritual dangers of materialism. And beyond that, throughout my life, I had read and heard dozens of challenges to reject the empty promises of consumerism and follow a way based on higher values, not to mention all the financial advice about not overspending your means.
I began to do research and discovered that minimalism is not a new movement at all. Whether specifically labeled as minimalism or not, it has been practiced and encouraged for thousands of years—since well before our current society of mass-produced goods, well before suburbanization, and even well before the Industrial Revolution.
Under all kinds of economic conditions, minimalism has been promoted as a rewarding way of life. In good times and bad, people have encouraged the pursuit of minimalism.
Today, we recognize some of the people in recent centuries who have encouraged this approach to life, including Henry David Thoreau and John Ruskin. I even hear them referred to as the “fathers of the minimalist movement.” But minimalism predates all of them—by a long shot. The minimalist lifestyle may be gaining in popularity today, but it is the furthest thing from new.
Duane Elgin, who is often credited with bringing the phrase voluntary simplicity into the public discourse, said it to me like this: “I tell people that I’m the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of this movement that got started a couple of thousand years ago with the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, and other great sages who understood the value of simplicity. What is new is not the value of simplicity but rather the conditions of the world where it is understood.”
Living with less has always been freeing and life giving, filling people with hope and purpose. It has enabled human beings to expand in spirit and to live as more than mere accumulators of possessions. And therefore, minimalism is not a brand-new approach to life invented as a response to our overproduction of consumer goods. Quite the contrary. Our most trusted moral leaders have promoted it for centuries.
It is a historically important movement. And it is as important today as it’s ever been.
Lisa Spence says
I had a collection of vinyl albums (Beatles) that I had “toted” around for years…yes I played them some, but not enough. However, I just couldn’t part with them. Last year, I did – I found a young Beatles tribute musician – gave them to him – now he can enjoy them like I have since I was his age and younger. So liberating…working on other things – and not looking back – thanks
Rabia says
I have been a reading and practising minimalism since years for overcoming distress in many life events.. it miraculalously helped me heal a lot from many pains!
This was a good read, authenticating from ancient times, that its impacts are real.
Eileen Wilson says
Well said. Thank you. Fascinating when we became aware of stashed “stuff” in our body. As I identify and clear out the unnecessary of what I control, it does indeed correspond to a body dynamic. In fact, this inward awareness is what ultimately gives me the messaging of what’s what. What serves me and what doesn’t. Ever release something too soon or regretfully? That corresponding body feeling can be quite powerful. The release of ‘critically loaded’ connections have often revealed a suffocated inner health surfacing. We can actually suppress our health with too much of the wrong. Ditto, reverse.
Judy says
I read the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Love it! He promoted minimalism. I found one of his books just because I liked the cover! So glad I took the time to actually read it.
Brenda says
This was a great article. It goes along the book I have read called, “Happy Are You Poor”by Thomas Dubay. It is about voluntary minimalism and making correct choices. Excellent.
Linda Sand says
The US government is in the process of giving us all money to use to buy things to stimulate our economy. What if, instead of buying things, we gave that “free” money to charities that are helping those who need it to pay their rent and buy groceries? Wouldn’t that be a simple thing to do?
Eileen Wilson says
You have a big heart, yet the gov. stimulus money has to go to support the income generating factor of the economy, otherwise they collapse. These businesses support employees, pay taxes, etc. This is what generates and builds the gov. funds to disperse.
Linda Bradbeer says
Thank you so much Joshua. I really connected to this post. I started reading about the “Simplicity Movement” way back in the mid 1990’s. I practiced then but not as much as I had thought. Once a visiting friend commented upon seeing my overflowing library ” um Linda, just how “simplicity” books about minimalism do you need??” So there’s that!
My biggest challenge is now with inherited sentimental items from relatives who have passed – their memories actually not mine. Any suggestions? Take care everyone and stay safe and healthy.
Rabia says
Let it all go dear… with a loving gesture to help someone around,
If u cant really let it all go, reason to urself why to keep it really? Y wud loved ones be remembered with things?
Instead USE it to help someone.. this would eventually become a positive part of urself.
Tim Laird says
Well written and simply stated, Josh. Thank you!
Kim M. says
Thank you for this reminder about the long tradition of minimalism. I’m a work in progress when it comes to reducing my clutter and living within my means, but everyday I’m more and more inspired to do so. While this moment in time is undoubtedly stressful for everyone, I would be significantly more anxious if I was having to worry about extra stuff that needed attention, be it cleaning, servicing, or storing. My home feels peaceful because I have just what I need and I’m not worried about making payments on things I don’t since I committed myself to a debt-free lifestyle 10 years ago. Next goal is creating enough of a safety net that I could last at least six months on savings should I ever need too. I used to laugh at the idea that would ever be the case, but this virus situation has taught me that the unthinkable can indeed happen.
Karen says
This would be a really, really good time for me to downsize/ apply minimalist principles to my craft supplies, which I’m unfortunately really attached to. It’s an internal disconnect, because minimalism is something I truly aspire to! All suggestions would be really welcome. Any advice on how to figure out how to separate out what i don’t really need from what I should save – or even how to start attacking a mess that looks like a hoarder has taken up residence in my studio – any way to get the process moving? Thanks!
Jennifer says
I appreciate your desire to downsize craft supplies. I recently did a thorough clean out (although I still have a lot) of my craft supplies. I took an honest look at materials that I had held on to for years in anticipation of a project that I was never going to do. After battling through feels of disappointment (that I hadn’t made the time to get the project done) and shame(?) (that I had spent money on things I never used), I imagined the delight of some other crafter at finding these things at the thrift shop, since I donated all my unused supplies. Now I know what projects I want to do and if I don’t have exactly the right item, I must stretch myself creatively to figure out how to use what I do have. It was a struggle to let all those items go, but it was definitely worth it.
Heather says
Well done! I did the same thing recently and even went so far as to sell my good DSLR camera as I wasn’t using it as much or as I thought I would. Having all of that stuff sitting around just made me feel guilty. Once it was all gone I felt so much more free and now I feel like I can pursue other hobbies I am interested in without guilt!
LavaidaVandelia says
Good for you, Karen!
I would suggest starting by sorting the supplies into 3 categories:
1- supplies for crafts I’ve never done (for me this would be paper rolling, ceramic painting, macrame) Usually those supplies are easy to pick out b/c they look new! :)
2- craft projects I’ve started but not finished. This category may carry some blame/shame. It’s okay; give yourself grace.
3- craft supplies for projects I do all the time, or am currently working on. These items may make you smile. :)
Now- sort category 3. These are things that you know you will use, but you may have colors or sizes that you don’t need or don’t like anymore. Take these “extras” and put them in a box or bag. You wont need space for them anymore.
Now- sort category 1. Select the crafts that you really don’t even want to try anymore. Put them in a box or bag, too.
Now-sort category 2. Pick up each project in your hands. Think about why you started it. Why did you stop? Do you still “need” to finish it? Was it just a learning lesson on your way to another project? Sometimes our beginner pieces don’t need completion. They were simply practice or learning projects. Sometimes the intended recipient holds a different place in our life now and the project isn’t needed anymore.
These are the projects that bring us discomfort, because of the uncertainty they cause. Make the hard decision now about these unfinished projects. Make them complete by either discarding them or finishing them.
Do not delay on this decision. Remove anything obviously valuable from a “trash” project (knitting needles, fancy buttons, original photographs).
Category 2 projects can be donated or trashed. Decide now.
Now- Space for your current need.
Put the “trash” items in the outside trash can. Put “donate” items in a space for drop off to or pickup by an organization.
Now- Category 1. Look and dream.
Will you attempt this new craft? Do you want to invest the energy and time and space to start a new skill?
No? No problem! This has helped you discover more about yourself and who you are. Put with the “donate” items.
Yes? Then gather the supplies by craft category to store.
Now- Category 3. Donate excess and trash those not really usable.
Finally- Look at your storage space and what needs to be stored. Figure out logical ways to do this. Put everything away.
WooHoo! You have cleared your space and are getting ready to bless others,too!
Contact places where you can donate and make arrangements for dropoff or pickup.
Now, enjoy your space, your crafts; and celebrate your creativity! Way to go!
Brenda says
Lavaida, your reply to Karen was most excellent!! I would add one thing that might help. Set yourself some boundaries whether it be in the number of items you will keep or the space they occupy.
I have been a rubber stamper for 30 years or more. I made my own greeting cards and truly enjoyed it. I used to think, “Wow, if I would just get rid of my rubber stamp related items, it would clear out almost every drawer in my guest bedroom (which is large with many cabinets and drawers?)”. But, I wasn’t ready. However, in the last couple of years, I have realized I don’t have the time anymore and my hands hurt after pressing on the stamps. I mostly add simple decorations to cards and letter envelopes that can be colored quickly. My needs have evolved so I have donated so many items and reduced my boundary space. I can tell you it is difficult to let go, but liberating!!
Barb says
Brenda, I too own rubber stamps and I LOVE them. But there does come a time when we must say it’s time to go! It’s difficult!
But exhilarating when the stuff is gone!
Barb says
Lavaida… ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN ADVICE!
Thank you!
Betsy says
This is going to sound like I have way too much time on my hands. Under normal circumstances I don’t. I’m a paper crafter, ink, paint, rubber stamp lover and I won’t even begin to explain my 12X12 paper addiction. I’ve halted buying with the exception of basics I use all the time. ( Joshua deserves credit for that ) As far as other items I take painters tape, place it on the object I’m using and mark the date I actually used it. Every few months I add to a box I keep for a donation spot in Lancaster, Pa. for art students and crafters on a budget. If I haven’t used it in 9-12 months in the box it goes. I have managed to pare down nicely and I feel good using what I already have. I also got real about which crafts really give me pleasure and those that hold limited interest. I hope this helps a little.
Sun says
I’ve struggled with crafts/art supplies too. What helped me was looking at how long it had been since I really used the items as well as how much I could realistically use right now.
I had a little fabric and yard, and a lot of rubber stamps, scrapbook supplies and things like paint and crayons. So I chose my favorite rubber stamps, a little bit of paper supplies, and kept only a little fabric and yarn for projects this season. You could do something like that, and box up the rest to give to someone who will use it and love it and feel joyful over this gift you have given to bless them! Win win!
Tina says
I do a lot of crafts. I have a plastic shoebox with supplies for each one. Drawing and coloring, sewing and making tiny stuffed animals, crochet, origami, and one for paper crafts. I also have various sizes of pliers, screwdrivers and other tools in a small tool box. If I haven’t used something in a year or two, I pass it on. I also have one or two books of instructions for each craft. I was given many sets of china no one wanted. I saved a few pieces of each set and gave the rest away.
Carole Moore says
Thank you for acknowledging all that has come before, and is along side of your name
for it – minimalism. I was a student of both the simplicity movement in the recent past, as well as frugality. I am also a Quaker, and simplicity is one of our cornerstones. I am glad you have rebranded it for the current generations though. I think the terms you use are more current and are appealing to a different set of people. I do think the spiritual side of simplicity offers an additional important aspect of owning less and clearing all kinds of clutter but hopefully folks will discover that along the way.
Blessings to all.