TC216: Simplicity - The Joy of Less

In this episode Robin and regular guests Jamie and Gloria discuss the idea of simplicity. Robin shares some ideas from people that live the minimalist lifestyle, and we find out the difference between a “collector” and a “clutter-bug”. Robin also challenges the panel to see if they can learn to stop habitual multi-tasking and learn to give their full attention to one thing at a time.

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There are a growing number of people that are embracing the idea of eliminating the things they don’t need in their life and paring everything down to “just the essentials”. This movement is sometimes referred to as “minimalism”.

“Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves.â€~ Edwin Way Teale

There are numerous examples of how people that were suffering from the stress of managing all of their “stuff” decided to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. Their result? Less stress. Their money problems went away because they spent less. Owning less stuff meant there was less to clean, and no more clutter. Everything has a place.

People also pared their wardrobes down and found that they didn’t need 20 shirts, but they could now concentrate on quality instead of quantity. The whole idea is that you have only the things you actually need. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be expensive or anything, mainly that there isn’t much of the stuff.

Thoreau on Simplicity

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.†~ Henry David Thoreau

Becoming Minimalist

For more on this topic, check out Joshua Becker‘s blog Becoming Minimalist. Joshua makes a good case for why this approach works so well, and has tips for individuals, people with families, and how to teach your kids how to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. You can buy his books in a Kindle version to save space!

How Do I Start?

Here are some good articles from WikiHow - How to Live Like a Minimalist  shows you what to do in 13 easy steps, and How to Create a Minimalist Home in 16 easy Steps.

The Tiny House/Apartment Movement

Some people have decided to live in a really tiny space, but it’s amazing how functional these homes (most under 400 square feet) really are. The tiny house movement continues to gain momentum among those who thirst for a simpler, “greener,” more meaningful life in the face of society’s “more is better” mindset. Take a look at some design examples from Apartment Therapy and Forbes.

For more ideas, check out Tiny House Living: Ideas For Building and Living Well In Less than 400 Square Feet.

Finding Negative Space

In the video below Grant Blakeman gives a very short TED talk about the concept of “Negative Space” in our lives.

What happens when you choose simplicity?

If you want to know what happens to people when they simplify their life, check out Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World to see how over 200 people benefited from choosing simplicity.

Another recommended book is The Simple Living Guide: A Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living

So does the idea of living a life where all you have is the essentials appeal to you? Or downsizing to a smaller space? Or getting rid of all your clutter? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

 

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