The words minimalism and minimalist get thrown around a lot today, but people seem to have very different ideas about what they mean. Here are some of the misconceptions about minimalism that I have come across.
7 myths about minimalism.
Minimalism is…
- A lifestyle for eccentric people who promote living in a tiny house, wearing a capsule wardrobe and otherwise feeling virtuous for living with the bare minimum in every area.
- A sleek, austere style that emphasizes lots of white space, very little adornment, limited colors, and a minimum of (usually uncomfortable) furniture. In other words, cold, impersonal, and un-cozy. Great for photos shoots but lousy for raising a family.
- For fanatics whose main concerns in life are reducing their carbon footprint and avoiding GMOs. The sort of people who make their own laundry detergent from 100% organic ingredients and never use disposable tableware.
- Just another set of rules and expectations to make me feel guilty.
- A lifestyle where I must give up the belongings I love and pretend to be happy while making do with the barest essentials. Basically living like a medieval monk to purge the evils of materialism from my soul.
- The politically correct term for people who take frugality to an extreme. The sort who pretend wearing thrift store clothing is high fashion and who are proud of their rusty dumpster-diving treasures and three-legged yard sale furniture.
- For neat-freaks who think having a tidy house is the most important thing in life. They promote decluttering because it makes keeping things clean and organized so much easier.
What is minimalism really about?
Here are two good definitions:
Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom. From theminimalists.com
Minimalism is intentionality. … At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality. And as a result, it forces improvements in almost all aspects of your life. Joshua Becker at Becomingminimalist.com
There is no one perfect definition for minimalism, because minimalists all have slightly different values and objectives. We do share some basic concepts. Here are a few I can think of:
7 truths about minimalists and their journey to intentional living.
Minimalism is …
- Based on the foundational truth that my worth is not dependent on what I own or on how I look.
- A tool that helps us reduce clutter from any and every area of life—which helps us focus more clearly on what matters most to us.
- Not a competition. Our motto is not “He who has the least toys wins.” Instead, we relish the freedom and joy we discover as we let go of possessions we decide we no longer need.
- An attitude that informs our lifestyle. We strive to be more intentional about how we spend our resources so that we are neither wasteful nor running after things that don’t satisfy.
- Not a goal that can be checked off a list. It is an ongoing way of life, adapting and maturing as we grow and our needs or values change.
- Not defined by a particular style. Minimalists may or may not enjoy the “minimalist” style of décor or art.
- Not about feeling guilty for owning too much, living in a disorganized house, or failing to live up to certain standards. Minimalism is about letting go of onerous expectations as much as it is about letting go of belongings.
Minimalism helps me maintain a lifestyle of contentment, generosity and good stewardship.
What can minimalism do for you?
