I still collect; now I collect scarves to make my minimal wardrobe more beautiful. I still volunteer; thanks to minimalism I now have more time and money to support other in need. I still eat; I just eat simple foods that taste great yet don't take a long time to make. This, to me, is minimalism in the middle--living a good life that doesn't require excessive consumption.
This resonates so so much. When researching minimalism and anti-consumerism I’m often found wanting more, as you say, it only scratches a very superficial surface. I think this is the platform to have more real content, I really hope it comes! Loved this article about it 🙏🏼
I'm keenly interested in the development of this theme. I've been a lifelong fan (and, not coincidently, beneficiary) of capitalism, but have started to challenge my thinking about the inequities and excesses of it. Should our model be closer to that of continental northern Europe, which doesn't have our growth but outpaces us in many areas of societal wellbeing? What would we lose, what would we gain? These are big questions.
I'm getting down to 1 box from 33 boxes of pictures. My closet is less than a quarter full. The china and collectibles from our family are all but gone. Artwork... well a work in progress.
When it's time to move all I want to carry out is a duffle, laptop, and an overnight. It's a work in progress.
Yesssss! This is awesome! I’m fired up about the third wave. I loved the Minimalists movie and have always wanted to identify as one ever since (bar books), but have always been a bit bemused by the minimalist influencers out there. Why do I need 1000 photos of a spotless, bare interior, when really all the message their imparting over and over again is ‘Buy Less Stuff’. Not overly practical!
As an aside, this concept of SMALL is also what I find about a lot of travel content online (my own niche). Can all the complexities and purpose in travelling the world be summed up in 30 second, heavily filtered, thirst-trap videos on Instagram? No. Do I need to see another listicle about the 6 best types of croissant in Paris? I do not.
Where are my long-form stories of arduous journeys, or remote settlements at the edge of the map? Give me those, x1000.
I am totally in agreement with you. Everything has a natural life cycle and the current version of minimalism is dying. We need a sustainable and intentional way of living in order to make room for everyone. I can’t even say the word minimalist anymore I just live as intentionally as possible and get on with life.
Beautifully expressed. As someone who occasionally helps others declutter and as an aspiring minimalist myself, I'm often frustrated with the superficial advice that seldom asks us to examine our deeper emotional ties to things. And the "bro" approach is such a turnoff. I've never surfed but will happily fling myself into the ocean for your third wave.
Minimalism is often confused on social media with interior design. Clean, white, empty interiors that seem restful but are not practical when you have a normal life, and probably have kids and dogs, who need some stuff, and always leave it lying around.
To me minimalism is about anti-consumerism and reducing inventory, so you can see and use what you have. You don't buy stuff because you don't realise or can't find what you have, you don't buy stuff you don't need, and you don't keep stuff you don't need.
Sooo glad I found you!! 😄 what a perfect read and inspo for a Sunday morning. I have been dabbling with this and working on cutting down things bit-by-bit and it’s reeeeally helping. Looking forward to reading more from you. 🦋
Love this, Charlie. I am seeking minimalism now in terms of the way in which I choose to spend my time. It seems crazy but we are "counterculture" with the amount of activities we (don't) sign our kids up for - instead opting for a slower-paced childhood for them. In turn, it creates a slower-paced life for us as adults, and that is so valuable to me. It goes way beyond stuff, although that is a big part of it for sure. Looking forward to the third wave!
I still collect; now I collect scarves to make my minimal wardrobe more beautiful. I still volunteer; thanks to minimalism I now have more time and money to support other in need. I still eat; I just eat simple foods that taste great yet don't take a long time to make. This, to me, is minimalism in the middle--living a good life that doesn't require excessive consumption.
This resonates so so much. When researching minimalism and anti-consumerism I’m often found wanting more, as you say, it only scratches a very superficial surface. I think this is the platform to have more real content, I really hope it comes! Loved this article about it 🙏🏼
I'm keenly interested in the development of this theme. I've been a lifelong fan (and, not coincidently, beneficiary) of capitalism, but have started to challenge my thinking about the inequities and excesses of it. Should our model be closer to that of continental northern Europe, which doesn't have our growth but outpaces us in many areas of societal wellbeing? What would we lose, what would we gain? These are big questions.
I'm getting down to 1 box from 33 boxes of pictures. My closet is less than a quarter full. The china and collectibles from our family are all but gone. Artwork... well a work in progress.
When it's time to move all I want to carry out is a duffle, laptop, and an overnight. It's a work in progress.
Yesssss! This is awesome! I’m fired up about the third wave. I loved the Minimalists movie and have always wanted to identify as one ever since (bar books), but have always been a bit bemused by the minimalist influencers out there. Why do I need 1000 photos of a spotless, bare interior, when really all the message their imparting over and over again is ‘Buy Less Stuff’. Not overly practical!
As an aside, this concept of SMALL is also what I find about a lot of travel content online (my own niche). Can all the complexities and purpose in travelling the world be summed up in 30 second, heavily filtered, thirst-trap videos on Instagram? No. Do I need to see another listicle about the 6 best types of croissant in Paris? I do not.
Where are my long-form stories of arduous journeys, or remote settlements at the edge of the map? Give me those, x1000.
I am totally in agreement with you. Everything has a natural life cycle and the current version of minimalism is dying. We need a sustainable and intentional way of living in order to make room for everyone. I can’t even say the word minimalist anymore I just live as intentionally as possible and get on with life.
Beautifully expressed. As someone who occasionally helps others declutter and as an aspiring minimalist myself, I'm often frustrated with the superficial advice that seldom asks us to examine our deeper emotional ties to things. And the "bro" approach is such a turnoff. I've never surfed but will happily fling myself into the ocean for your third wave.
Loved the article. Am ready for this third wave to ride along with you. KOKO
Minimalism is often confused on social media with interior design. Clean, white, empty interiors that seem restful but are not practical when you have a normal life, and probably have kids and dogs, who need some stuff, and always leave it lying around.
To me minimalism is about anti-consumerism and reducing inventory, so you can see and use what you have. You don't buy stuff because you don't realise or can't find what you have, you don't buy stuff you don't need, and you don't keep stuff you don't need.
Sooo glad I found you!! 😄 what a perfect read and inspo for a Sunday morning. I have been dabbling with this and working on cutting down things bit-by-bit and it’s reeeeally helping. Looking forward to reading more from you. 🦋
Love this, Charlie. I am seeking minimalism now in terms of the way in which I choose to spend my time. It seems crazy but we are "counterculture" with the amount of activities we (don't) sign our kids up for - instead opting for a slower-paced childhood for them. In turn, it creates a slower-paced life for us as adults, and that is so valuable to me. It goes way beyond stuff, although that is a big part of it for sure. Looking forward to the third wave!