Tranquilosophy: Try Minimalism
Week 31 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility
Capsule dressing. Tiny houses. Monotasking. Simplicity. Mindfulness. Digital detoxes. AM and PM rituals. Evaluate commitments. Slow down. Declutter. Less screen time. Less noise. All possessions inventory. Downsize.
You may wonder, what do these possibly have in common?
They are minimalism tools!
During my early commuting days, I’d often have a big fat book on simplicity tucked into my tote. Oh the irony. From Simple Abundance to The Simple Living Guide—these books were 400-500+ pages!
Since my first introductions to simple living in the late 90s, an entire genre of bloggers, books, and consultants have emerged touting minimalism. But what exactly is it?
Well, the Internet is filled with wonderful minimalist lifestyle resources: Into-Mind, The Minimalists, Be More With Less, Zen Habits, and Rowdy Kittens {Courtney and Tammy are former podcast interviewees} to name a few.
Minimalism, as defined by becomingminimalist.com, is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. Seems simple {not easy} and noble, right?
Since reading and rereading The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, I’ve been much more cognizant of my purchasing habits. Rather than shopping or thrifting for the fun of it, before pulling out my credit card I ask myself, do you really need it?! The end of random drop-ins to Target or similar discount stores have left me with more time, money, and space for other things—mainly experiences.
I’ve also been on a mission to own less stuff. As someone drawn to vintage items, home accessories {hello white pug book ends and pink pig watering can}, and sparkles, this has taken a conscious shift. Regular purges of books to offset my book-buying tendencies and donation of outworn or unused clothing and shoes have become a seasonal event.
In addition, using my tea and stationery stashes before purchasing new ones has also helped me pare down.
Think about where you spend your time and money. Is it serving you?
While I may struggle with book-buying, your drug of choice may be TV time or shoe shopping.
Consider for a moment: if you cut that activity in half, what would you gain? More time? Less debt? Less clutter?
This week explore one tiny step toward minimalism. Avoid buying anything unnecessary. Declutter. Wear a few pieces all week. Eat similar things {example, make a big batch of steel cut oats and enjoy it each morning}.
Donate anything you haven’t worn in six months. Be present. Unsubscribe from magazines, emails, blogs, podcasts, and TV that no longer serve you. Monotask. Slow your pace. Stop overcommitting. Meditate.
May you find time and space for what matters most.
Share insights and photos of your minimalism practice in our Facebook group and/or using #52weekstranquility via other social media channels.
Watch for Week 32 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility delivered here next week. Thank you for being here with us. Bisous. x
What is 52 Weeks of Tranquility?
This complimentary program is designed to help us stay motivated and engaged in 2015. Each week I’ll send inspiration to your inbox via Love Notes.
Joining later in the year? No worries, read previous weeks here.
To find support and community, join our private Facebook group and use hashtag #52weekstranquility to create additional online connections.
Connect live by calling in to Seasonal Tranquilosophy podcasts. Next one is happening Monday, September 21. Can’t join us live? Recordings are available.
May we savor deep moments of tranquility. x
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