Nowadays we often hear the term, ‘minimalism’. Minimalism is a lifestyle or aesthetic approach that emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and the essentials. It involves intentionally reducing one’s possessions, activities, and commitments to focus on what is truly important and eliminate distractions. The goal of minimalism is to cultivate a sense of inner calm, clarity, and purpose.
It is a great idea to have a calm mind without distractions for studying, working, and engaging in all kinds of activities that require concentration. Additionally, owning fewer possessions and maintaining only a small circle of close friends can be efficient as it saves time. Some people say that living a simple life gives you flexibility and freedom – is that true? While some people with higher incomes live their daily lives in hotels, I would not be able to concentrate in a hotel room. For me, it would be really nice to be surrounded by my favorite things.
Here are the 5 benefits of minimalism:
According to my research, these are the potential benefits of being minimalist:
- Less Clutter and More Space: When you embrace minimalism, you intentionally choose to have fewer possessions and simplify your life. This means you will have less clutter and more space in your home and in your mind. A clutter-free environment can lead to less stress and anxiety and a more calming atmosphere.
- Saves Time and Money: By consuming less, you will also spend less money and time on material possessions. You won’t feel the need to constantly buy the latest gadgets, clothes, or home decor, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. This can also free up time that you might have spent shopping, cleaning, or maintaining your possessions.
- Increased Focus on What Matters: Minimalism can help you prioritize what is truly important in your life. By getting rid of distractions and excess, you can focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. This might include spending more time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or working on personal development.
- Environmental Benefits: Living a minimalist lifestyle can also have positive environmental impacts. By consuming less and choosing high-quality, long-lasting products, you can reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint.
- Greater Sense of Freedom and Flexibility: When you have fewer possessions and commitments, you can feel more free and flexible in your life. You might be able to travel more easily, take on new projects, or explore new interests without feeling weighed down by material possessions.
Marie Kondo’s ‘Spark Joy’
When talking about minimalism, we can’t miss mentioning Marie Kondo.
Marie Kondo is a well-known figure who was selected as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2015. She has her own minimalism philosophy and system called the KonMari method that encourages people to only keep posessions that will give you ‘Tokimeki’, a Japanese word meaning ‘spark Joy’ and to let go of everything else. The KonMari method has resonated with many people who feel overwhelmed by their possessions and are looking for a way to simplify their lives. According to KonMari fans, Kondo’s approach is not just about getting rid of things, but also about cultivating a more intentional and mindful approach to consumption and ownership.
Getting rid of items that no longer ‘Spark joy’ is a popular concept, but why do so many unused possessions accumulate in a corner of the room? It may be because life has become too abundant with possessions, leading people to forget how to appreciate them. My parents taught me to value and respect my belongings and I pass on the same lesson to my children. Although I may not feel the spark of joy with my old possessions, they hold many cherished memories, some of which are almost 20 years old. While minimalists may consider my approach a failure, I believe it is acceptable to keep these items as long as I can keep my desk organized.
Minimalism and Economy: implications for our future
Another very important factor is the impact on the economy. If everyone becomes a minimalist and stops buying things, the economy will definitely grind to a halt and the cycle of change will slow down. Factory productivity will fall and prices will rise. Once factory capacity has been reduced by one level, it will be very difficult to increase it. This is probably the greatest challenge of minimalism.
Conclusion on Minimalism
Research has shown that having a tidy and organized environment can have many benefits for our physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that a cluttered environment helps you be more creative or productive, that’s perfectly okay. The key is to find a balance that works for you and allows you to thrive in your work and personal life.
Indeed, the purpose of simplifying your life is not only to increase productivity and efficiency, but also to cultivate a sense of peace, purpose and fulfilment. Once you have decluttered your room and organised your belongings, it is important to focus on avoiding unnecessary purchases and minimising the acquisition of new possessions.
Related Resources:
the minimalists
https://www.theminimalists.com/
Emmy-nominated Netflix stars, podcasters, and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus help millions of people live meaningfully with less.
Is Minimalism bad for the economy? (The concerns of a minimalist)
https://theadhdminimalist.com/is-minimalism-bad-for-the-economy-the-concerns-of-a-minimalist/
Relaxed Happy Life!
by Hiroishi
