I’ve been fascinated for years by the concepts of voluntary simplicity and minimalism. I’ve read so many books and articles, and I’ve gone through multiple phases of reducing the amount of stuff that I own and use every day. It always feels good to pare down my possessions to only what I use and care about most.
On the flip side, I still love the rush of buying things! I’ve never been one to impulse buy, but I am prone to getting an idea in my head of something that I need and then spending hours researching the ‘best’ one and then getting that thing. Does this go against the principles of minimalism? The purchase is most always a conscious and methodical decision. If it replaces something I already own I will usually try to get rid of what it has replaced. But I always wonder, would it be better to make due without, or to buy a good enough version from the thrift store out of whatever happens to be on the shelf?
What is actually at the core of the minimalism movement? Is it based in an effort to reduce our impact on the earth’s limited resources? Is it to rid the individual mind of the worry and anxiety that comes along with owning so much useless crap? Both I suspect, but does the reason even matter? Maybe it is good enough to introduce consciousness into our consumption; to cause us to stop and take inventory and evaluate the real need before making a purchase. I suspect the need we are attempting to satisfy is not physical at all, but rather a desperate grasp at filling a void of control, or social standing amongst our peers.
How would our world change with a societal mindset focused instead on the intangible products of love, generosity and mutual respect?
Where does a change like that begin?
Right here. Right now. With you. And with me.