Before being a trend among urban planners, minimalism is an ideology of life that also preaches that “the less, the better”.
Minimalism is basically that old saying “Less is More”. The term was developed among urban planners and decorators, who launched a new lifestyle. Living with little has become a sophisticated way. The essentials became the basis for avoiding unnecessary consumption.
In addition to being a fashion, this theory is a way of bringing social criticism. Through daily habits, minimalists question how much we spend money on superfluous things and how this consumerism does not generate true happiness.
What does Minimalism preach?
The term “minimalism” is linked to artistic movements that initially came from the 20th century. We can associate some of this way of life with, for example, the hippie movement, because they also preached a certain detachment. The difference, above all, between them is that minimalists are not interested in creating an “alternative society”.
This fight against consumption comes from within the depths of capitalism and does not directly mean stopping consumption, but rather consuming consciously and within what is necessary. German economist Max Weber is one of the founders of this theory.
This way of living, therefore, is nothing more than a matter of expression of art and, mainly, of communication. The ideals became so strong that they began to be considered a way of life.
Time vs Things
In this minimalist philosophy of life, the issue of time is very important for those who follow the ideas. Having time, above all, is much more important than having things, objects. This theory was created so that people would spend more hours dedicating themselves to pleasurable activities that they really enjoy doing.
This dedication to hobbies is a consequence of a simple life. Therefore, if there are not many objects that you would spend more time buying, arranging, cleaning, organizing, the focus becomes another and deeper. In addition to becoming happier, minimalism also saves money.
How to practice minimalism in a balanced way?
1- Recognize your weaknesses
At first, the main advice is to carry out a self-diagnosis and identify, above all, what your weaknesses are. Self-recognition is the starting point for adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Once diagnosed, the next step is to change your habits.
2- Change your habits
Once the first step has been taken, the second is to take the necessary actions to promote life change. The transformation can start from day to day, for example, start reducing unnecessary expenses and repeat this for 84 days in a row.
This process is important to internalize the method and, little by little, adapt to the lifestyle. But for all this to happen you need persistence, perseverance and calm. Everything in its time.
3- Be aware of what you buy
With the actions taken, the consequence is to become more critical every day in relation to wasting money and time. When we are born, we lose control over our lives and start to place this absence on objects, or on extra tasks.
The questions asked every moment you spend are: “Do I really need this?” If there is a doubt about this, the answer will certainly be no.
4- Apply efficient methods
Detachment at this stage is important, because it is from this moment on that you clear out unnecessary things and make room for other, more pleasant things. This is not just in relation to objects, but it also concerns life and activities that harm its results.
After that, enjoy and finally enjoy a lighter and happier life. Start looking at yourself with more attention and affection.
After all, did you like this article? Therefore, read also: Meditation for anxiety – What it is, how to do it and exercises.
Source: bbc, personal evolution, Medium, Happy with Life, Uai, Personal Evolution.
Featured image: power360
