Therefore, it’s worth it to dive in and see if the minimalist lifestyle is for you.
Marie Kondo: Minimalist or no?
Marie Kondo has been around for a few years now. But then she got her own show on Netflix earlier this year, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”. And then it seemed everyone started to look at their stuff and ask if it “sparked joy”.
According to Kondo’s konmari method, if something doesn’t spark joy, it’s probably time to say goodbye to it. But are her methods minimalist? Not exactly, one writer who has ventured into the minimalist lifestyle says.
Melissa Haag from The House of Plaidfuzz says, “Minimalism is about simplicity. The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you.
“The Konmari method, which is laid out in Marie Kondo’s book, is the pursuit of your ideal life, and only keeping items in your home that ‘spark joy’ for you.
“Some people get their possessions down to a minimal number, because that is what sparks joy for them, and brings them peace, but some still live in relatively cluttered environments by a minimalist standard.”
Minimalism extends far beyond material things and is about the state of one’s soul. Contrary to popular opinion, minimalism is NOT about living rigidly with a prescribed number of things. It is simply about getting rid of things you no longer use or need.
Minimalists believe that material things enslave us in three ways — physically, psychologically and financially.
Therefore, the goal is to have an uncluttered and simple living space and to live a simple life. It’s all about breaking free from the bonds of materialism and the habit of accumulating things to find happiness.
Minimalism’s roots
Minimalism has long been practiced across cultures and beliefs. Both Christianity and Buddhism mention denouncing material possessions to gain spiritual wealth and insight from centuries ago.
In the ’50s and ’60s, the term minimalism emerged so as to clarify simplistic trends. This happened first in music, then in art and design.
The ideas were all the same — remove unnecessary and superfluous elements so as to focus on a single element.
Then, people began to notice the visual appeal of minimalism. Today, minimalism is not only seen in music, art or architecture, it is a lifestyle.
However, as in every trending wave or movement, there are pros and cons to the lifestyle. Why not see for yourself and decide if minimalism is something you would like to explore.
The advantages
• You gain more freedom. One of the best benefits this lifestyle provides is added freedom when it comes to space and time. Because your physical living area is decluttered, the demands that physical things put on you are removed.
Therefore, you can actually use your time for what matters. For example, instead of having to clean every inch of your mug collection, you only have to clean one mug for drinking coffee.
This frees you up to have time to have a wonderful conversation with your loved ones.
• You focus on stuff less. Because minimalism instills living simply in those who practice it, there will be less of an obsession with accumulating things. Because of this, you will spend less and have more money and savings.
You can actually use your hard-earned money for things that are truly meaningful in life. So, instead of buying your favourite brand of shoes every month, you can spend those savings on dining out your parents.
• You can finally concentrate on health and hobbies. Because you have more time on your hands, you can finally join that yoga class on your to-do list.
You can spend your time and money eating healthily and taking care of your body. Explore new hobbies! Join that calligraphy class you’ve been desiring and have fun.
The disadvantages
• You’ll experience resistance. It does take a toll on your soul when you try to explain your lifestyle to people who don’t get it. Some people have closed minds to minimalism. They’re attached to their things and find a certain meaningfulness in their consumption.
Let’s face it, minimalism can seem counterintuitive to the times we live in. We are bombarded with messages to buy the latest iPhone, trade in our car for a new one, or buy what’s in fashion this season.
You’ll be tempted to envy those who have more. But the freedom you have when you actually get rid of stuff will be well worth it.
• You’ll be tempted to turn the minimalist lifestyle into something legalistic or a system of rules. Minimalism, like any philosophy or lifestyle taken to an extreme, can become as bad as its opposite.
Don’t forget that the goal is freedom for your soul, through minimising the number of possessions you have. Don’t exchange one prison for another.
Remember, minimalism is not about counting stuff. It is simply a tool to get rid of life’s excess so you can focus on important things.
3. Trying to find balance may be tricky. You may find it difficult to strike a good balance. Let’s say you’re shopping and you really want that new bag. The price is reasonable and within your budget.
But then, your minimalistic ideals might just spring up and prevent you from making the purchase, leaving you feeling deprived and even frustrated.
Again, this lifestyle is about finding joy and freedom. If that bag really gives you joy, buy it. Don’t be limited to a strict set of rules. Be free to live life and enjoy it!
This article first appeared in thenewsavvy.com
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