This is for the selective few, severely lagging behind Millennials, some social and Internet recluses who are possibly Captain Marvels standing by incognito to beam over. Or, very busy people obviously having better things to do, in whichever case it is no doubt all right. Until one day, someone, let’s say your kid, tells you about going Minimalist and throws out almost half of his belongings. And then it sets you on fumes because it seems counter-intuitive and opposite of the norm.
So what exactly, is Minimalism going on here? There is no exact exposition to define Minimalism, really. Broadly, it can be interpreted as a person’s intentionally reduced way of thinking, feeling and doing things in life. Chiefly, this is done to improve mental and physical health in a continuum from extremely Minimal to not at all. Some people will fall in between and be a bit of both. Some people are just minimals for the aesthetics. Some people say Minimalism is likened to Hygge, a Danish lifestyle of comfortable and cozy living. Then again this is similar to Kinfolk. But, Minimalism can be stark, and not so cozy. At least for some who wanted it that way. Of course, how can we forget Marie Kondo instructing us to declutter and organise our every plethora of material junk to be neat. But that is all just clutter. You can remove your keepsakes no longer sparking joy but still will not minimise, be a Minimalist and adhere to Minimalism.
So, what in heavens, is this promulgating thing of a Minimalism and Minimalist ??!!
MeowwAHHHHHH !!!
MINIMALISM IS ALL ABOUT LESS (BUT LESS IS MORE)
Minimalism is all about the life concept of subtraction. It is about having less and lesser things, but those less things are the best things. One high quality product is better than ten lousier ones. Therefore in actual, having less is having more. You can extend this from your physical space into your mental space. If you have an empty and clean (expensive) desk, you would feel “cleansed” and happy from the inside out. As though a trip to the spa just happened by just clearing and cleaning out a small space. Those things, that you remove can be a material item in relation to a mind thought pulling you down.
Having few thoughts in your head for example, would give a peaceful mind and a calm you deserve on a very stressful day. Having less things would mean a lesser need to clean and upkeep, lesser weight on your shoulders and your mental state would be less burdened by these possessions. Having little things at home would definitely put the things into brighter spotlight to be more noticeable and enjoyable. Suddenly, there is magic and you feel different altogether.
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MINIMALISTS ARE ALL ABOUT DOING LESS (AND MORE THAT MATTERS)
I’m going to go ahead and use the term what Joshua Fields Milburn & Ryan Nicodemus (from theminimalists.com) said about Minimalists. Minimalists live intentionally, they create purpose even when doing less in all sorts of ways. Minimalists live every single day like they really mean it, use every single thing because they really love and cherish it, be with people whom they really want to be with, EVEN IF THEY HAVE LESS. Mostly, Minimalists have and want lesser material things so things aren’t fussed about and obsessed over in their heads, because there are other important issues to think about other than things.
Minimalists practise a concept of Minimalism, where their life mantra is to pare all things (mind, body, soul and the material) down to the most essential, so these basics are tools maximised to the fullest. They benefit that every single moment in their life is seldom wasted. Excess waste, in Minimalistic sense, is not only toxic to the environment, but to animals and the human who lives and breathes it. Any human will likely be overwhelmed by too much.
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THERE ARE SO MANY TYPES OF MINIMALISTS (AND MINIMALISMS)
Again, there are different types of Minimalists liking and advocating different aspirations. And a wide-ranging spectrum of Minimalism ranging from very radical extreme Minimalism to the not so, and not at all Minimalism. Some also interpret their living objects differently, like all things have to be white, in neutrals and wood, Scandinavian or Japanese methods. While some others are colourful Minimalists (not sure how that works, but yeah). To complicate matters worse, there are scary hybrids of different Minimalist breeds. And some only going the half-way mile. WHAT ARE YOU ??
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7 FAMOUS MINIMALIST BREEDS (Based on observations)
THE AESTHETIC MINIMALIST - One who adores Minimalism in the aesthetic sense only, meaning that Minimalism only applies to their direct surroundings - white sofas against white walls and windows, white side tables and grey futuristic vases, clean surfaces and scantily furnished cribs. They still have overcrowded wardrobes, towering boxes of shoes, too many overburdened tasks and will not be recycling properly anytime near soon.
THE ECO-MINIMALIST - The Minimalist living by a sustainable system, using environmentally-friendly methods to reduce, reuse and recycle things. They live with less in consideration to fair trade, animal welfare, cruelty, climate, poverty and global economic crisis. They are likely to be vegans and gluten-free, although not turn out so in some occasions if their families or spouses protest.
THE FRUGAL MINIMALIST - Easily the most identifiable, they go minimal because they cannot afford things. Could be students and retirees. If saving money is high on the agenda, it is likely frugality always wins. Think, sparse rooms with a few cheap and trendy decor from the thrift store. Aims to find Daiso at every mall. Eyeing the mid and year end-of-season sales like a hawk. Cheapo, cheapo, cheapo.
THE CAN DIY MINIMALIST - This Minimalist loves hands-on making of things with a personalised touch. They can be frugal, or not, but relishes things that can be made on their own by manifesting effective resources and borrowed stuff from neighbours. If need be, they will splurge on a quality power tool so that they can make 20 DIYs in a week. And then spread the word around that they are better than TheSorryGirls.
THE MEDITATIVE MINIMALIST - Surrounded by crystals, healing gems and salt lamps while sitting upright on a floor pillow, the Meditative will prove that going minimal is wholesome for mind, body and soul. Things that matter to improve wellness, that is, are essentials and all else are not so equivalent. The remaining can be axed, or culled to a certain extent so that their inner state of being is balanced and fortified.
THE ADVENTURE MINIMALIST - Travel nomads, travel photographers, or people living a digital lifestyle across borders do Minimalism because it is practical to move about with less stuff. If not, what else? They pay for the opportunity of events, incidents, and experiences to enrich their lives and not so much on material things. Mainly, spending time with loved ones, investing in the careers that mean a lot to them and going to places to nurture their strengths and beliefs.
THE 30 DAY MINIMALIST - Being a Minimalist for 30 days, just for the challenge of seeing and discovering how much a human really needs and can do without, to prepare for the upcoming conversion to full-time Minimalist. Everything is dumped into another unused room except for must-have items until the 30 day experiment is over and results are clear. Usually there will be separation anxiety (and cries) for some stowed away beloved items, but their habits would adapt swiftly to the situation, changing somehow in transition to realise their Minimalist potential.