How do you create a minimalist mindset that supports sustainability and care for the Earth, and how would you encourage others to do the same? Who would be the first outreach?
When the idea of minimalism was first introduced, well when I heard about it first. It seemed to relate mainly to having less things in your life. Creating spaces, homes that held less stuff. Having more empty spaces around you. That was my first impression and I could identify with that desire. The more you have, the more things you own, the more complicated you make your life. Things just weight you down. And I don't like that feeling.
Having less things, means more freedom, more time.
We, have been sold this story, of how things make us happy, how owning more, makes us look more successful. But it comes with a hefty price, in my opinion. One that I don't care for. I have never really wanted to own lots of things. Besides books, books are my weakness. But I don't have that many anymore, less than 60 at the moment, which is real good for me, considering there are I few I would love.
Minimalism, stretches way beyond possessions, beyond things. The real freedom comes, when you are able to make space in your mind. When you have more time to do the things that you love, When you live a fuller life, more round ended. You the one, that makes you feel fulfilled, content. Not all the time of course, we are human after all. But when we choose to really take time to reflect on our lives, sit with ourselves, allow our selves to grow.
Things, swamp us, they can stress us out. Things in our homes, the many thoughts in our head. Life is happening so fast. Everything, is expected to happen now. Everything is so fast paced. We are not meant to be rushing around, with barely anytime to catch our breath. As the pace rises, folk start losing themselves. We become more disconnected from nature. The distance grows and suddenly, we see nature, more as a commodity, than something we are a part of, something that is a huge part of us. This separation, creates so much dis ease in our lives.
When you feel connected to nature, when you understand how we are a part of nature, everything changes. Life takes on more meaning, it brings with it more awareness, more expansiveness. Those things in life that you once held onto, are easier to let go of. Life becomes simpler as your priorities change. We become lighter in body and our footprint becomes lighter. The more connected you are with nature, the more things slip away.
It has been my love of nature, that has me living as I do. My understanding of how we are all connected and what we do to nature, we do to ourselves. If someone were to ask me, what is the best way to begin living minimally, I would tell them to go live in nature for a few weeks., with food and very basic accommodation. Really see what you need in order to live, to really live. Nature is our best teacher.
