“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.” – Carl Jung
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to write and speak often on the topic of simplicity. The simple message that there is “more joy in pursuing less than pursuing more” has been presented to audiences in various venues, has been discussed in small group settings throughout the country, and has been a constant conversation piece in my one-on-one relationships wherever I go.
And through it all, I have found that the message of simplicity appeals and resonates with the heart. In fact, the number of people who have told me that I am wrong and have flat-out argued against me can be counted on my fingers – that’s less than ten over the recent years… and I can distinctly remember each of them.
I have come to believe and understand that minimalism, the intentional promotion of the things I most value and the removal of everything that distracts me from it, is a message that appeals to the heart and resonates with the soul. It is an invitation that is appreciated, desired, and often accepted when offered.
In short, simplicity appeals to our heart because:
Our heart knows that possession don’t equal joy. We know intuitively that happiness is not found in owning more. Instead, happiness is found in the pursuit of our lasting passions.
Our heart recognizes freedom when we experience it. Possessions burden us… often far more than we realize. The heart desperately longs for freedom and the opportunity to be tied to things of true value.
Our heart desires fiscal sense. Nobody lives their life for the purpose of accruing large amounts of personal debt. Our souls desire to live within our means – not enslaved to a creditor. Simplicity provides fiscal freedom.
Our heart knows its resources are limited. Money, time, energy, focus, and love are finite resources. We do not contain an infinite amount of any. Therefore, we must make intentional decisions about where they are allocated. And the heart has little desire to spend them all on owning more.
Our heart knows truth. Most of our world is living a lie. They are passionately pursuing things of a finite nature. Society, culture, and advertisements promise lasting fulfillment in bigger houses, nicer cars, and trendier clothes. But lasting fulfillment can never be found in temporal pursuits.
Our heart knows when it is being fake. Sometimes, we collect possessions just to put on an outward facade to portray to those around us that our life is successful, put together, and all figured out. But deep down, we know it is not. And in the deepest places of hearts, we desire to stop pretending and be completely real and vulnerable… for the first time in a long time.
Our heart desires to pursue its passion. Very few would ever say that “owning stuff” is their greatest desire in life. Instead, we desire to find love, meaning, and live our lives for something bigger than ourselves. In this way, simplicity paves the way for our heart to accomplish its greatest desires.
Our heart finds joy in lasting value. What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Our souls desire to live for the things that matter by finding joy in the invisible, lasting things that can not be purchased with money.
Our heart longs for the higher attributes. We desire contentment, generosity, gratitude, and self-control. We want our lives to be described and remembered with those words. And the intentional rejection of possessions allows greater opportunity for these positive heart habits to emerge.
Unfortunately, we have been deceived. As a society, we have too easily succumbed to the lie that there is greater joy in owning more. But we all know it’s not true… our heart has been arguing for less all along.
It’s time we stop chasing empty pursuits. And start listening to the heart that knows us best instead.
Tarri Christopher says
Society, culture, and advertisements promise lasting fulfillment in bigger houses, nicer cars, and trendier clothes”. This one really resonates with me and think it is important to consider that this also includes food choices. Minimalism can and should extend to the way we sustain our bodies. So many of the principles of minimalism can be applied to our refrigerators and cupboards.
Jeanie Andersen says
Correction: “A rich person is not one who has the most but one who needs the least.” Author Unknown
Jeanie Andersen says
There is a saying: “A rich person is not one who has the most but needs the least.” Author unknown
marilee congo says
Joshua, I appreciate this blog SO much. I have said to many of my friends (who have subscribed to you too!) that what you write absolutely resonates with my heart.
I have left the field of design and fashion intentionally because I could not fully embrace it. My heart was divided.
I have embraced my love of writing and speaking, and am so excited about what God has in store for me.
There is such a difference between having things…and “things having you”!! I feel free at last.
Thank you!
Peggy Kemp says
Jon, that was a thoughtful question. Societal norms and the ways in which people accord status to others are going to vary depending not only on race, but culture, location, class as well. It might actually be more difficult for middle class white folks to lead a simple life surrounded by the entire white middle class expectation of what “success” is. But probably not. They are already a privileged class. In any group of people, others will try to define you by many things, including how much you own. We have to define ourselves through what resonates with our heart, and let them think what they will.
Bonnie Jean says
No,Jon, I do not think it should be any different if you are a person of color.
If a black person is treated differently should she choose to abstain from excess material possessions, this is racism on the part of the persons who discriminate and has Nothing to do with minimalism.
You will never cure racism by pandering to the people who practice it
DJ Johnson says
I recently had a baby and since I’ve embraced the ‘rational minimalism’ lifestyle, I am able to play and cuddle with my son on weekends instead of cleaning house (or stressing about having to clean the house!). Because my house and chores are usually all in order by Saturday, he and I got out visiting friends (you know the friends, right? The ones we tell ourselves are friends because we see them on Facebook everyday??) Instead of ‘liking’ statuses to prove I care, I can spend my time with them over coffee. It’s so much better.
audra says
excellent article. could not agree with its message more. if only more people felt this way…
Deb says
I am approaching a landmark birthday and am trying to make sense of this crazy world we live in. Living simply should be simple, yes? Unfortunately, it may be one of the bigger challenges in my life. I have to work at it everyday and need support to do it. It took a long time to recognize the “things” for what they are. But we humans like things we can possess; our simple brains have difficulty grasping the value of the .intangible
Emily @ Random Recycling says
As I have been spring cleaning the past month, I’ve tried to take some of these lessons to heart. I’m a believer that the more you clear away the clutter, the more you open yourself up to calmness and new opportunities.