So far in the Minimalism section, I have explained Simple Ways to Become a Minimalist TODAY and Reasons Minimalism is for YOU. Those two topics drew lots of attention and I hope I was able to influence many of you to become minimalists. However, something was bugging me. I have been expressing ways and reasons, but not changing the mental aspect of our stuff filled lives. Thus, I decided to present you with the development of minimalist thinking.
Minimalist thinking is the mindset where one’s lifestyle is well thought out around the minimalist principle. For every action you take in regards to consumption, having the minimalist mindset inherently causes you to ask questions such as, “Do I really need this?” and “What are the benefits and downfalls to having such item?” and “Why do I need this?” By asking these questions, a lifestyle on the basis of minimalism can be established.
It has taken me years to develop such mindset. I never had a lot of things, but there was STUFF that I did not need in life. Over the years, I accumulated unnecessary items that would move from place to place with me. Now-a-days, I could, literally, pack all I have into a large backpack and another bag. Everything else, I could do without. This was an established through a minimalist mindset. I made the decision mentally and such translated to the physical act of limiting stuff.
This act can be tough as we tend to put mental values on many things in our life. I am not sure if it is nature or nurture that causes us to put values on stuff, but such is preventive to limiting. We need to break these thoughts of value and focus on what truly matters. This doesn’t necessarily mean we rid ourselves of all sentimental things. But we do need to limit them. If you begin to ask yourself the questions stated above, you will start to create a mindset that eventually will answer these questions for you with no effort whatsoever.
With any physical object that is presented to you in life, ask the former questions. If you cannot generate a logical answer or reason for keeping said item, then rid yourself of it or do not accept it. Once you are thinking like a minimalist, your life will effortlessly becoming that of a minimalist.
Have a good day!!!
Dave
LifeExcursion
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Interesting ideas on minimalism. I used to hang on tons of stuff when I was younger, but as I’ve gotten older when I move, I’ve learned to accumulate less and less stuff.
Stuff is the biggest term there. Do we really need all that stuff? I have eliminated most and hopefully, my minalist thoughts will help you as well
Thanks for commenting!!!!!!
Dave
LifeExcursion
This looks like a very interesting blog, and I have just started reading it,…so I don’t know if I totally understand the philosophy of minimalism. Though I think I may be a minimalist without even realizing it. And I must say, it is certainly a lifestyle which has it’s advantages. In my other apartment I owned so little “stuff” it virtually eliminated a potential problem I might have had with mice coming in the building. Whenever one of these rodents did show up in my place, they would just run around..then realizing there was nothing of interest there, and no where to hide and make a decent home, they would simply scamper on out, I guess to take advantage of someone of wealthier means. There are also other minimalist practices that I believe I have engaged in; perhaps you can tell me if they are truly minimalist, since I have just started reading this blog. For example, when I eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken, I will save my spork (the combination of a fork-spoon utensil they freely give you), and wash it off, then put in a safe place where I can use it again at some future time. And, for the most part, the only clothes I own are my work uniform. So, I always wear my work uniform, which makes me look like a dork, but is much more economical than purchasing a lavish wardrobe. Well, I hope to continue reading this blog, and get a firmer grasp of what exactly is “minimalism.” Until we meet again, I bid you adieu.
.-= Jimmy Fungus´s last blog ..RETRACTION: "I am NOT Dustin the Republican" and a Brief History of Conservatism (which I made up) =-.
I love the spork comment! HAHA
By the sound of things, I would definitely consider you a minimalist. I am glad there is another one out there.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you come and leave your comical commentary again!
Dave
LifeExcursion
.-= Dave´s last blog ..Minimalist Thinking =-.
I want to be a minimalist!!
But, I hate to admit it, I have some un-minimalist tendencies.
Have you seen… http://www.storyofstuff.com ? Watching it makes me never want to buy another things again… and get rid of everything I don’t need!
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Teachers Are Everywhere =-.
Hey Dave,
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I bounced back over here after reading your comment and read this post.
I definitely have a hard time with instituting a minimalist mindset. There is something liberating about the thought of getting rid of all the things I have accumulated but don’t need…and starting from scratch. But it’s tough as hell to actually get rid of that stuff!
Seriously, who knows when I will want to re-inflate my big red and yellow Kansas City Chiefs bubble chair? I have had it for nearly 10 years, used it last about 9 years ago (before it sprung a leak), and I STILL fought myself from tossing it today (but I prevailed)!
I am in the process of moving and it has only highlighted how much crap I really do have – just the trash bags I have filled are enough to freak me out
Anyway, great post and I will keep the question you posed in mind throughout the rest of my moving process!
Paul
.-= Paul Norwine´s last blog ..Rich Schefren Called Me Out…but I Stepped Up to the Challenge =-.
Awesome Paul….Glad I could influence you a bit….even if it’s just a pump. Every time I have moved I eliminate more and more. I think I just am too lazy to want to move everything. It’s so much easier to just junk it. Good luck with the move man.
Thanks for commenting
Dave
LifeExcursion
.-= Dave´s last blog ..Minimalist Thinking =-.
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