I recently watched an intriguing documentary on the popular streaming platform- netflix: Minimalism. It was about two guys, spreading the message of less is more, and to be honest, they had the idea sold. It hit the nail on the head.
Think of it like this, how many times, have you noticed the compulsive ads on television, targeting your vulnerabilities, and your desires, and then seeing them again on your social media feeds- subconsciously urging you to buy them? Till you don’t have no more power over your impulses and give in and buy a product you don’t need, just that, they made you feel that it was something you needed.
The concept of minimalism, is just that, not to acquire things that you don’t need. It is easier said than done though- it requires discipline, and self-control; but these might be the only things that you need, otherwise, minimalism is a hobby or a lifestyle, if you may, that saves money for a change, and that alone, can be a huge driving force for it to gain followers everyday.
How many times, has it happened, that you have a wardrobe full of clothes, and still find it difficult to actually wear something you like? Well, minimalism answers that. Take a half-day, arrange your clothes, give away/sell the clothes that you don’t like or are unlikely to wear. Now you have only the clothes that you like, and will find it easier to decide what to wear. Most people will end up with just 10-12 pair of clothing, and re-wear them again and again, and that’s okay. Don’t give in to the shame that these companies want to make you feel, about not owning enough stuff. You should be recognized from the work that you do, and the good person that you are, and not from some misplaced sense of achievement that comes from having hundreds of clothes, that these companies want you to believe in.
Want to buy a new car? How about trying to evaluate why you really want a new one? What happened to the existing one? Can it function better by correcting it’s flaws- like giving a new engine oil replacement, or maybe changing the oil filter. What? The air-conditioning is not that great? How about refilling the coolant? Tyres burning out? Get new tyres. Basically, only buy new stuff, when it is absolutely necessary. Not only is it, economical, it is ecological as well. You are resisting consumerism, and you, are a living revolution with this lifestyle.
But, with this lifestyle, comes a conscience, that says,” what maybe unnecessary to you, may actually be someone else’s necessity”. So throw away your unnecessary things, but keep this in mind, do you know someone, or is there someone, who might benefit from stuff that you are throwing away, so maybe, don’t throw it away, give it away.
Minimalism, doesn’t mean that you can’t have the collection of watches or books that you always wanted. Minimalism, says, that you can do anything, or acquire anything, that enhances your life, adds value to it. So, if your collection of books, or watches, adds value to your relationship, like when you lend books, and make you develop better bonds, or you like, maybe, aesthetics of the watches that make your day, or maybe you like the smell that comes with flipping the pages of those books- sure, go ahead, get that collection you always wanted. Just make sure, it shall add value to your life, in the coming days and years. Most people, just end up buying stuff, that gives them happiness for a day or two, or maybe a week, and become indifferent to it after sometime. Ask yourself before buying anything, will this matter in the years to come? If your answer is no, I think it is safe to out those green papers back in your pockets.
Like the minimalism lifestyle?
Interested? drop a mail at dr.rajatrawat.public@gmail.com and let me know.