Minimalism as a way to mindfulness
It was a Saturday morning, and I sat down to breakfast and started reading the “Life & Culture” section of The Denver Post. The article “Practical Approach to Minimalizing” by Lindsey M. Roberts caught my eye. After “googling” the term “minimalism,” I found out that this really is not all that “new” of a term or an idea. Here is my take on what Roberts shared.
Minimalism is a catchy term that simply means to simplify your life in whatever way that is meaningful for you. Some authors of this hip term almost sound like it is a fancy word for what is often called spring cleaning. Actually, minimalism can be different things for different people. It is not meant to be complicated but rather liberating in a means to simplifying life or focusing on what truly is important to you and actually enjoying it.
It may mean decluttering your home or office. It may mean being more mindful about what you are spending money on. Minimalism might be completely changing your lifestyle where you downsize your home, change your 60-hour work week with a new career and take up a new hobby, like watercolor painting.
“Minimalism is a tool that you use to uncover what it is you want most in life and to get that space to breathe,” explains organizing experts Cary Telander Gortin and Kyle Loise Quilici, authors of the book “New Minimalism.”
There are some basic recommendations Gortin and Quilici list that may help you get started with your new quest of a simplified, calmer, gentler lifestyle.
1. Identify your why.
Before you make changes to your daily norm, ask yourself what is missing that you wish you had. Not referring to things or stuff but maybe more about who you had more time with or what you have always wanted to try but haven’t had the time. Also, why is now the right time? What might you feel or get from the change? Those who have a clear outcome in mind will be able to stay the course and have long-term benefits.
2. Have someone with you.
Help from an impartial person who has no connection to your stuff will be able to help you stick to your goals by keeping your mindset realistic.
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