Minimalism is somehow of a trend nowadays, and people are really getting into it, it’s not just the lifestyle of the generation but it also a way of saving in a lot of things.
As what the famous Richard Holloway – a Scottish writer and the Bishop of Edinburgh from 1986 to 2000 – once said “Simplicity, clarity, singleness: These are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy as they are also the marks of great art“. With this quote, he stated that merely being simple is considered one of the greatest form of art.
Simplicity truly is great, it is because by being simple you can value even the tiniest of details in life and you appreciate it by having small things you need that poses a great role in your life.
Often times those who practiced minimalism are asked what it is and why they do it. Minimalists often times reply that they train themselves to live intentionally only with the things they really need. With that being said, these are the things on how to have a minimalist lifestyle.
Free from the urge of possessiveness
Minimalism is the power of having a strong will against the passion for possession. Modern practices of making you believe that having an easy life is to buy stuff that you don’t really need. Free yourself from this kind of mindset, having an easy life doesn’t mean that you’d have to spend heaping amount of cash, it actually is the contrary. There is no easy life, there’s only a happy life, happy because you get to spend your time on the things you actually need, not spend cash on something you were convinced you wanted. Happiness isn’t found in things you possess but on the value it has.
Swerving off the fast lane
In today’s generation everything and everybody is too fast, it’s like we are asked to be hurried in everything we do, going to work, eating, and even sleeping. Minimalism eradicates this fast-paced practice and it slows life down. It reminds us that stepping off the gas pedal is a thing.
Sometimes it is better to lessen the connection with others through any means of medium, because constant connection is going to burn you out, and that is a toxic way to live a simple life.
Living minimal
Living inside a minimalist concept of a home is one way to step up in your minimalist practice. This can not be done overnight–most especially if you’re the type of person who owns a lot, and puts too much sentimental value into things–but is achievable if you take these steps accordingly
1. Changing it one room at a time
Unless if you just moved into your new place, then it will be hard to cut down or simplify everything. First thing to do is to find the room that mostly makes you calm, the center of your relaxation inside your humble abode. After simplifying that, then make it as to inspire you to move on to the next room, and unto the next after that, and unto the other. After doing everything inside, then make sure to include outside too, in order for you to achieve that healthy lawn for healthy outdoor living concept.
2. Pieces of furniture
Getting into the details of each room is that you need to start with the pieces of furniture inside it. It is not only the biggest part of the room that you can easily move but it is also the first noticeable thing in it. The fewer you have, the better–as long as it is needed. Think of each furniture’s role, if it is essential inside the room or inside your house, if it isn’t then put it away or have a garage sale and sell it, makes a good extra cash for you.
If you’re going to buy pieces of furniture though, pick those plain looking ones, ones with few pieces of details, the simplest one, with solid extinguishing color.
3. Let the traffic flow
When remodeling your place, make sure the traffic of which you move around flow easily, clear the floors of excess baggage that’s been in the way this whole time, a simple rug or carpet will do, the coffee table should be in the right place and everything that stresses you out the first thing you look out the room, stow it away. Make everything clean and tidy with less stuff around you.
4. Storing excess baggage
Storing everything that’s not needed in the place anymore, keeping it out of sight, like files around you, papers or bills, anything on the surface of each furniture, keep them inside somewhere–label and classify them too for easy access in the storage.
5. De-cluttering the storage
When your storage is full though, then it’s time throw unnecessary things out, or donate them to those in need, or sell them in your garage sale.
6. Putting up simple artworks
Clearing up your walls is a good thing but putting up minimalist artworks is better, making the room a bit of a charismatic feel, rather than making it dull and all. Also choosing the right neutral colors to complement with the room like curtains, shades and other stuff not mentioned.
After all of this, take time of getting used to the minimal life, and in the long run, you’d find it fullfiling and relaxing, you might even get into a state of zen and tranquility. Making everything around you emit good vibes and positivity. After all, having less is having more–that is how you live a minimalist lifestyle.
