5 things that minimalism has taught me about life
10 Aug, 2023
The lessons that my practice of minimalism has offered me over the last near decade, have been constant, cumulative and powerful. The peace of mind that I’ve gained by thoughtfully owning less, and by being more reflective has changed the way I react to the world, and the way that I relate to the incessant stresses that surround us every moment and every day. Experiencing life through a minimalist lense has changed me to my core in fact. And in ways that I could never have fathomed all those years ago when I suddenly decided to go through my muddled, cluttered, overflowing jewellery box. I was hoping to do some needed downsizing as I unpacked after a big move to another province.
Within that small thought about lessening a few rings, I had no idea what I was stepping toward. And regardless of the fact that I got quickly overwhelmed as I stared at all those tarnished, tangled and twinkling decisions, as they dared me with glistening menace to make the wrong choice, and regardless of the fact that I decided to close that jewellery box a few minutes later, and to place it deeply into my closet in order to try to hide the discomfort that all of those hard decisions were stirring up in my tired and overwhelmed mind…
Something had awakened in me. I had become curious. This was the beginning of my own recognition that less may just be more. And that I might just want less.
Having lived the life of a minimalist for several years now, I have learned that it keeps on changing me. I couldn’t take in everything at first. But slowly I have noticed, and I continue to notice the power of living as a minimalist. Here are 5 things that minimalism has taught me about life.
1) The power of patience
I have seen that minimalism really does embody, and quietly teach the practice of patience. Patience is a lost virtue in our present world. What do we really need to wait for now? And what would seem to be the reason for that wait? If we decide upon something, instant access to whatever decision or desire seems like the best option, now doesn’t it? And so, we have come to forget how much different it feels to have to wait for something that we truly want. It changes our ability to appreciate. Or our need to be thoughtful. So, patience is withering as whole in our society. We don’t need it, and we don’t want it.
But, patience is etched into the essence of the philosophy of minimalism. From that first massive purge of items, our patience is honed and tested. While our house is in shambles, when it is near impossible to imagine what good might come of this crazy decluttering madness, our patience is being tested and strengthened. Slowly though, we start to feel the benefits of pushing through the discomfort. And then we are likely gifted with the absolute stunning glory of getting somewhere nicer through grit, hard work and mindfulness. The truth is, with patience and perseverance, the space we arrive at is like nothing else. Where before we might have acted on an impulse to buy, now we likely sit calmly. We ponder, we decide. We take each decision that comes to us and we offer a respect to the decision at hand. And because of that, Our patience grows, and we are able to reap the massive benefits of this powerful attribute.
2) The importance of understanding the plan before taking action
It seems perfectly fine, for the sake saving time, that we might as well just jump in and do what we think we likely need to. That’s the way I responded to life before minimalism. Start doing it, and you’ll figure the rest out while you’re in the middle. But, living in haste didn’t actually get me where I wanted to be. I was easily and often thrown off kilter by my surroundings, and my rashness. I didn’t get the whole story of any situation before I decided and acted.
At best, my haste got me a sad collection of 40 shirts that I didn’t wear, 10 melty spatulas, and a cupboard full of flavoured teas that I’d never drink (I don’t even like tea… Why did I keep buying it!?) And at its worse, it exhaused me to the core, as I took on projects, and met with people that I knew I did not have the capacity or the desire to embrace. But through minimalism, I’ve learned to take things slowly, to think them through and to decide on my plan before I start. I have one spatula, and no tea now 🙂
3) It is integral to respect my own needs and desires
When everyday is a struggle to get through, if we are constantly dismissing or ignoring our own desires, we are not acting as our own ally. And with a world filled to the brim with people who would be happy to take on a role as a jerk, why would we do this to ourselves? It might seem selfish, or it might seem like too much energy when we feel tired, or just want the problem to go away.
But ultimately if we push our own needs under the rug, our own parched desperation will show itself again, bigger and more desperately. If I want to live well, and enjoy my life for myself, and for/with the beings that I share my life with, it is my duty (and pleasure) to treat myself well, and with kindness. It is not martyrdom to treat ourselves poorly, it’s just unkind, and unwise. How did minimalism teach me that? By showing me what I can accomplish for myself and for others when I put my own needs on the table, every single day.
4) Life and it’s experiences are always a treasure
Before I started living and thinking through the slant of a minimalist; seeing the beauty in small moments was easier to miss. As I dug myself out, however, I was able to take deep, genuine breaths throughout my days. I was able to plan, and prepare. And to make clear thoughtful decisions. As this mindful change began in me, something great changed. I started to notice the poetry in the most mundane of moments. My frustrations, which were normally screaming for my attention, they calmed, and softened.
And slowly, the beauty of a simple life; not only was it enough for me, but it was absolutely breathtaking. A day alone sitting on the couch reading, is bliss. Working hard for people at my old job as a hospital porter, was stunning just as it was. Even the heartbreaking, or frustrating experiences in life; it’s still somehow easier to see them for the profound and beautiful life moments that they are. A respect for these moment grows stronger within me. You can see things differently, and have the opportunity to view them from different angles when there is not clutter in the way. It goes equally for your physical home as it does for your life.
5) When I have less, I am calmer
When I think back to my home before the first big declutter, I feel for myself. I didn’t realize, first that my surroundings were contributing poorly to an already stressful life, and second, I didn’t realize then that there was another option. This option changed everything. When I come home to my soft, clear, open home, I am bathed in calm. When I open my closet in the morning, and I see just what I need to, only the clothes that I love to wear, I have space to breathe.
I do not possess things that I cannot afford. And I do not possess things that make me feel insecure, or like I’m not enough. I have less, and only what I need. I know where my things belong, and I like all of my things. Nothing that I own gets in the way of me, my inspirations, my contentment, or my peace. But when I had too many things, I would come home, and get more stressed. As I gazed around my home, I saw chores, ways that I had failed, and looming chaos. It’s so easy, and so powerful. When I have less, I am calmer.
Conclusion
Minimalism to me, is actually the beginning of a way of life that might just be more enjoyable, more fruitful, and easier to see the beauty in. It certainly has been for me. As I carry on in my path through minimalism, I am inspired and excited by having less in my way, and having more space to follow my inspirations as they come to me.
Thank you so much for coming by to hear my thoughts,
It truly means the world to me,
Also, if you’re so inclined, join me on instagram as well 🙂
Lyndsay