What The Baboons Really Is Minimalism And A Minimalist?

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.

.

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.

.

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 ??

.

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.

Mind-blowing Minimalism Exhibition Had Me Wondering About My Life

On the 12th of January, having pre-booked tickets, I went to see the Minimalism: Space, Light, Object exhibition in Singapore which ends 14 April 2019. I’ve purchased the dual museum option. If you are stingy, and wondering whether you should spend that money on movies and popcorn instead of going, you are clearly skipping town. Because, you won’t regret it. EVER. In fact, you will pine for a sequel, after going through some life-changing magic (wondering about life and the universe). Consolation, you can get closing discounted tickets because the exhibition is ending, sob. There are single venue tickets where you can purchase tickets to visit National Gallery OR Art Science Museum separately. And BOTH (see below promo) at your preference. However, I recommend you choose both of these museums to cover everything there is to offer. IMPT: You need not be into design, art or a Minimalist to appreciate the Minimalism exhibition. It is for everybody. Anyone can enjoy and have a fun day out with family and friends. But please don’t be too loud.

Briefly, what the heck is this artsy Minimalism Exhibition all about? Foremost, it is about the manipulation of lights, spaces, and objects to accentuate the Minimal Art Form and its ability to induce powerful, probing mental states of perceiving and being in humans. This is performed through paintings, sculpture, installation, performance and music. It is a very telling movement, showing how Minimalism rose to prominence in 20th century art. By stripping away superfluous elements and unnecessary art processes down to the essential, these Minimalist artists strive to create a closer relationship between the audience and the artwork. So we can have direct cool conversations with the art pieces and their Minimalist masters setting out to lesser.

View fullsize

One of the coolest installations ever at Minimalism: Space, Light, Object, Mega Death by Tatsuo Miyajima.

There are hundreds of work by various Western and Asian artists/composers influential in the Minimalism movement, spanning across both the National Gallery and Art Science museums for you to take in. This exhibition will shed light that the scientific idea of the Void itself - such as the cosmic void, which till today has tirelessly plagued metaphysics geek heads, is at best a very confusing hole of contemplation. The nature of the universe, although empty, isn’t truly empty. Somewhere along the walls in the museum, you will notice the overrated historical quote Albert Einstein would be hollering from his slumber six feet under in that ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.’ I’m assuming it extends beyond mere Math equations he had to decipher when furiously mugging in his office.

hello, albert.

A further explanation to how the theory of science incorporates some sort of simplicity, that is to be simple but not simpler, where you would find the core principle of Minimalism is as follows:

“It can scarcely be denied that the supreme goal of all theory is to make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as few as possible without having to surrender the adequate representation of a single datum of experience.” Albert Einstein

Right.

Before getting there, I had forecasted that the exhibition would be boring, solely because, it is about material subtraction. So what can I expect?

First stop. The National Gallery. Pretty much glared at exhibit after every exhibit, dumbfounded. At this point, I was thinking about my life. Wondering what had happened to my life up until now and if the emptiness will swallow me whole. Wondering about deeper messages and the infinity beyond. The air in the venue was different and even when people stood in the way of an artwork, I felt like the displays grew on me. Besides, I had not known that empty spaces could open up unfounded feelings. Heartily provoked, I came out of the venue like an awkward, displaced duck.

Somehow, the artful endeavours seem to be speaking (at times, screaming) about the quotidian. That had to be experienced in its vernacular, to be felt on its own ground. Not to be dismissed, there were myriad difficult emotions in the wave of a highly complex absence the Minimalist artists have successfully produced by meticulous work. And there and then, whenever I turned to view another exhibit, groupies would comment as they saunter past “OH, THAT IS SO SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN.” Well, it does look a little like that, but there’s something else.

View fullsize

LOL THIS SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN YOU THINK. Red Cube by POPO at Minimalism: Space, Light, Object.

Second stop. The Art Science Museum. The exact thing happened to me as it did at the National Gallery. Dumbstruck, I was reflecting on the starkness of Minimalism.

Here are some iconic unveilings you should look out for in Minimalism: Space, Light and Object:

This ASMR minimalist zen sand rotor. Perfect for zen gardens.

Organic stones in circular ritual formation. ARE THEY BLASTED out mini stone-henges?

High-brow, stylish ice cream scoops (bloody dung scoops too.)

The Dark void you enter at your own risk - soon you will ghost in. be very afraid.

This void, is quite possibly darker and deeper than it seem to be. Locking your eyes in into the pitch black ovate, you will wander off into the infinite galaxy of nothingness. Your senses will betray you, and you will lose all footing and control of your mind and body. Dead serious! You have to be there to feel. The manipulation of light, space, its angle and structure is divine Minimalist intervention. From Frederick De Wilde.

The only colour maze to get lost in the colour blinds. (Unlike me, you probably won’t be lost)

There was a maze of transparent coloured sheets. Color-tinted plastics. I got lost, and found myself at a dead-end slapped by a yellow plastic sheet. Turned around and I saw my friend from afar. Couldn’t call out to her and that was rather alienating and shameful. Although the sheets were kind of clear; you can peer out at people, but you can’t really see their faces. The colours had gone ahead and messed with spatial orientation. From Olafur Eliasson.

Moving light cubes to remind you squares aren’t so straitjacket. an Elite, hipster higher than high-school project.

A metal-plated egg to ward off Daenerys Targaryen’s rival gangs. (tales of fire and ice.)

A real time-capsule that encapsulates an artist’s time, hard work and sacrifice (weeping now..).

A superbly patient Artist does this task day by day, filling up the metal tubes in each needle-shaped borosilicate glass with finely milled metal powder. As if the time and effort spilled for this work is unjustly not rewarded, the time needle or capsule (pictured here) captures the essence of an Artist’s blood, sweat and tears, as time goes by. From Morgan Wong.

All the very enlightening museum labels (they have such elaborate stories).

Remember to read the explanations well so you really know what that they mean.

Well, were you expecting more? There are other featured highlights at the National Gallery & Art Science Museum in this exhibition which you have to explore and experience if you get the tickets before they close up. Every display had an important life lesson, at least to me it sure did? Something to think about when confronted head-on with sparsely decorated ornate installations. I had not discovered empty spaces to be so beautiful and hauntingly meditative. Now I really love an empty space and wish for a styled house to be quite empty.

20 Reasons Why You Can’t (Realistically) Be A Minimalist

Let’s be completely real. There are conditions you need to realise and act on before you tread into becoming a Minimalist. Types of Minimalists aside, ground rules exist for Minimalists to live by so Minimalism can run its cycle effectively, like a zen river flowing. Depending on what kind of a Minimalist you are planning to be, some criteria will or will not apply. If you aren’t sure what the caboodle is a Minimalist or Minimalism, please pop by here first.

Not putting a damper on the enthuse, here are 20 reasons why you can’t (realistically) be a Minimalist.

1- You are living with your parents or pesky roommates 

Single and still living with your family? If you cannot afford a rental or do not want to, living with your family may not be the best thing for Minimalism goals. Moms and pops have their own rules, as Maximalist as it can be with all the mismatched fabrics and multiples of cutlery. And you need to abide by them. Same for roommates who are not the most cooperative at home, and household members not resisting the chaos of clutter. Of course, you can gradually convert them into fellow Minimalists, but it’s not going to be easy peezy.

2- You have difficult children

Sometimes, you just have difficult children who cannot steer clear of trouble and a whole shitload of mess in the house. Muddy shoes all over the sofa, cupboards rummaged, toys and books trashed. You cannot find a day where white surfaces stay white for long. Working parents can feel very strained and taxed on the amount of mayhem their mad children are capable of. Plus, if kids frequently want things and grandparents gladly obliged. Your little ones rebel-cry if you start throwing their toys out by the dozens even as your white chairs and cushions are getting stained every other day. Going Minimal can do more harm than good here.

3- You are doing minimalism for the hype

Are you attempting minimalism because everyone else is doing it right now? Cos’ it is trending like crazy on social feeds? Well, trends eventually fade. Being Minimalist can save you a tonne of money and going back to a clutter-free home is invigorating. Still, is that really an ideal lifestyle for you? Think harder. Is it just aesthetically pleasing or a life routine that teaches mindfulness on a daily basis?

4- You are afraid of being judged by others

Sometimes, doing what you want will incur the wrath of others. It happens. You are fearful and anxious of judgement, what others may think of you. Often, people will question when you decide to cull your wardrobe to a capsule, and limit the amount of colours you wear now. People will think your new wardrobe poses new oddity questions even if it doesn’t concern them. If you decide to sleep on a hammock instead of a bed mattress, your friends and family will flip when they come over. You cannot begin on Minimalism unless you stop being afraid of what others will say.

5- You have maximalist hobbies

If you are a hobbyist who prides on a growing collection of Star Wars or Marvel figures.. well, stuff will tend to balloon until you set a limit on how much you can collect. Vintage doll collectors tend to purchase extra storage to house the purchase of more dolls. Most likely, if you are a multiple hobby collector, obviously collecting stuff rapidly at a higher volume than others, you will have a difficult time trying to pare things down to the essentials of a Minimalist. Unless, you decide to forgo some hobbies.

6- You have maximalist careers (like being a famous person)

Many celebrities say they love the idea of Minimalism. But they will not be Minimalists. Sure, they own Minimal designer items. Not the least, their lives are so completely busy, clutter has to exist. Being busy, having busy things to work on and owning myriad things are really important in their industry. Also, brand sponsorships, endorsements and fan gifts will litter their spaces while assistants task to manage these. Far too often, they have a luxury of options.

7- You crave a wide variety

This is one of the important deal-breakers of Minimalism. You cannot forgo a wide variety of things. You need socks in several colours and patterns to choose from an expansive selection, and you cannot wear the same pair again for the next two days. Staying chameleon-like is high on the list, making you feel excited and vibrant each time you wear something new, nothing like the old. You are never so much satisfied as, being on top of trends and exploring a diversity of possibilities. And, you rather not stick to a few basic Monochrome staples most Minimalists go for.

8- You are the ultimate hoarder

Unfortunately, humans are natural hoarders. We have instilled ourselves to stow away as much as we could like little hamsters and their seed feed, so we survive better and longer. If you find yourself NOT giving things up on MOST occasions, becoming so crippled and paralysed to the point you enter into heart attack mode each time, forget being Minimalist. You have to let stuff go at some point, to embark on the decluttering process every Minimalist does. There’s a Chinese saying that goes, “nothing new will come if the old can’t depart”.

9- You are too sentimental

You can’t let sentimental things go and severely sob when you have to. OH, you are stuck. No matter what kind of sentimental objects, they are a reflection of your past. These items so crucial to your existence always remind you of precious memories. 3000 polaroid photos of your deceased rabbit, you refuse to bin. You amassed ‘thank you’ cards from people you have no idea who they are by now. Learn to go digital by taking snapshots of sentimental stuff, saving them in files on your hard drive if you had to revisit memory lane again.

10- YOU just do not like restricting interiors to a few (neutrals)

Some people just love loud, colourful prints on walls and furniture. Although very distracting and busy, to many it can be impressive. They relish ‘the character’ so characteristic of leopard prints, massive display of florals and distinct colours that do not fit together. Obviously, the matchy-matchy concept is old school and strange juxtapositions between fore and background interior arrangements foster eclecticism. Neutrals and limited colour schemes are boring, although the simplicity can be fun if done tastefully (just look at IKEA). The serenity of white walls and simple design is uplifting, if not breathtaking for Minimalists.

11- You clearly do not like (NEGATIVE) empty spaces

Recently, I removed my vanity table out of my room since I wasn’t using it much. Was not doing makeup these days (only slaps of BB and skincare which can be done anywhere). My mom thought I was crazy, now that I have a huge parking lot where the huge vanity was supposed to be. I had left that remarkable vacant nook as it is. She was upset that now, my room looks unoccupied and crass. Well, finally, I am enriched by the void before me. I wouldn’t say all Minimalists love the idea of empty spaces. But they know how important it is to have empty spaces. Casted in a blank slate, the few visible items seem more prominent, profound and meaningful.

12- Cleaning is a pain in the **S

Some Minimalist wannabes are really born naturals at decluttering and organising, tidying their belongings so well you won’t believe they did not clean them. YASS. They do not clean. No Dyson. Nada wash. In actual, things get dusty and dirty so quickly, you won’t believe the extent of how horribly disgusting they are until you actually put them in water. The Minimalist process is only complete once everything you have decluttered is cleared of impurities. How could you eschew that irksome stench from a fine carpet for months?

13- You detest one item serving multiple purposes

I know, I was there. I hated using one tool for multiple use. Although a stool can be set as a tiny table, I did not want to utilise it as anything else but stool. If you live in a small space, a dining table has to double up as a desk. A bookshelf as room divider, living and kitchen storage. The benefits to multi-functions outweigh the cons - you combine uses so you have lesser things, lesser need to clean, freeing up needed space, saving money and contributing to less waste. Again, Minimalists will say less is more. Stripping possessions down to the barest makes them creative of what they have.

14- You still think less waste is a joke

If you ever, ever seek to be a genuine Minimalist someday (or a decent human being), please make less waste a priority in your life. It is detrimental to our planet. Save Earth, save us as well. Minimalism will not work - unless you try to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You will be far grateful for what you have if you generate lesser waste and is responsible for what you produce and consume.

15- You assume up-cycling is for beggars

Once, I had chanced upon a conversation among a group of nouveau riche dissing off up-cycling and its value. They believed that an old side table, is at best wonky, no doubt to be ditched in the dumpster. They scorn Freegans searching and digging away trash, labelling them beggars. Beggars can’t be choosers - they would pick up junk items right away to reuse. The true merits of Minimalism are right there - seeing value in absolutely anything they can find, and repurposing them so they may go around for a longer time. In a way, minimising waste and restoring its life.

16- You like to buy and store multiples

Just… don’t. You won’t be using the 5th or 6th scissors in the house - it won’t cross your mind about them at all. Listen to all the great Minimalists Fumio Sasaki, Joshua Fields and Ryan Nicodemus.. they will say the same. You only need one thing at one point of time. If you really want to make an exception, get a bonus extra. Try to limit your items to 1 at best and 2 at worst. Unfortunately, I live with my parents having 8 pairs of scissors in the house in case robbers and conniving idiots have to steal 6.

17- You love spending on things you don’t even use

Some peeps really enjoy home shopping, browsing those channels and picking up stuff they don’t even need because they appear cool on TV. Same for impulse retail purchases. Big mistake, Minimalist FAIL. Think again, does it really spark joy like our dear Marie Kondo emphasised? Is it really necessary you get that miracle juice blender when you don’t even juice often at home. Or a yoga mat, when you could have borrowed it from someone else?

18- You haven’t found the reason to love and live for yourself

Probably the most philosophical reason you can’t ever be Minimalist, true story for most. You haven’t found the drive to live in your own way. There are many of us still searching for ourselves. There ain’t no competition to this. Find some quiet, alone time. Then start thinking and writing down what you really like about yourself, how do you want to live your life, considering all the excess baggage you have. When are you going to let go? You cannot really reap the benefits of Minimalism unless you truly know, accept and begin to love yourself.

19- You never believed minimalism could solve real world problems

Cynics and skeptics thought Minimalism was The Hipster Fad of Intentional Suffering in little man and woman caves. I find it strange that they are looking at Minimalism on the outside, purely as a distanced observer. If you practise Minimalism, or some form of slow living, you will notice how much happier you could have been, compared to years ago. People have sought out divorces, cleared all their debts and worked closer towards their own goals. They’ve turned their life around. Completely, through Minimalism.

20- You procrastinate too much

You can’t get started on Minimalism unless you stop procrastinating. Listen carefully to what you heart says, does it want to embark on the Minimal journey? Do you want to clear out that wardrobe filled to the brim with towering stacks of clothes, doors bursting? Sit for 2 minutes in a room, and decide within these 2 mins if you are REALLY going to get the task done today. Many Minimalists procrastinate often, but they do eventually get out of it.