The philosophy behind minimalism is to live a life with value and meaning. It is more than just getting rid of stuff. It's more than just picking the most neutral colours, the black and the white, more than the trend. It is about being conscious of what you have and what serves you.
I have friends who are into minimalism as a lifestyle and the way they practise it goes beyond the famous Instagram "aesthetic".
Let me be clear there is nothing wrong with the minimalist aesthetic or decor (unless it's a form of consumerism) because visual also has psychological impacts.
Even though I am not a minimalist, I deeply admire the idea of simplifying life.
There are key points from the movement which I take with me and challenge myself to apply in life. Key points I can look back whenever I feel like I'm losing my sense of direction.
These are the things I consider on trying to practise:
Being Functional and Intentional
The focal point of minimalism is functionality, knowing the intentions of what you have. When acquiring something into my life, I often ask myself, how will an item compliment my well-being? How will I make the most out of it? Am I fully committed to a specific lifestyle, or am I only confirming to what is trending? Will I allow myself to give in to what the market is trying to sell?
If that "minimalist" aesthetic or thing won't serve you for a long time, or will only give you temporary happiness, consider the purchase as a wasteful splurge.
I have to remind myself, "Simplistic" excess is still excess.
There was a time in my life, I kept myself busy with work, even though I loath it. I did a lot of things which weren't helping me, cost me time. I thought it would force me to do more, but it didn't.
Then, I started to simplify things, to make room for creativity and improvement. I made more time for the important stuff, the ones serving me, helping others. I bounced back to my good old hobbies even if I'm not excellent in that field. I do things at my leisure and experience fulfilment.
We give less attention to the external forces distracting us away from our purpose.
By focusing on less, I did more. I can do more for myself and others.
As cliche as it would sound, considering the quality over quantity applies to things and people. Do you receive genuine happiness being around the things or people you have in your life? Surface level relationships lack substance.
Simply choosing quality over quantity is efficiency. It saves you time, energy, money and heartbreaks.
Minimalism isn't just about throwing away, but also knowing how to keep the ones with value.
Consider why you're keeping something in the first place, especially when it comes to material things.
I kept a note saying, "There is no such thing as "away". When we throw something away, it must go somewhere.".
When you let go of things, consider giving it a second home. But when you let go of people, consider it a lesson. Ask yourself. Are you willing to take back clutter in your life?
Minimalism is being mindful of what you have, what you will want to have while having the freedom from worries, environmental guilt and clutter(physical and mental).
There is a fine line between limiting yourself from being content. That is knowing what gives meaning in your life.
Contentment is simply being in the moment, knowing that you have what you need, that what you need will eventually open more possibilities, that these possibilities yield a better life for you.
Minimalism is more than just millennial pop culture. Minimalism is a mindset. And practising a lifestyle of your choice isn't bad as long as you are aware of the core principles.
As for me, I am more on the maximalism side because I tend to keep things with history, the good ones, the ones I am willing to tell a story, yet I rarely consume new stuff of no value.
You will realize there is a common ground in each - minimalism, maximalism and essentialism. Whatever suits your liking as long as it's beneficial.
That path you choose, I hope it gives you deep significance and efficiency.
After all, a lifestyle doesn't have to be perfect, but it should align with what inspires you, your purpose, your comfort, and your peace of mind.