Practising minimalism is not only about having a few stuff around you as most people thought it to be, but it is also a lifestyle that portrays three major principles; being intentional, simple and mindful in all spheres of life. In general, minimalism encourages individuals to prioritize what truly is important and what matters as they remove distractions that hinder their ability to live purposefully and with authenticity.
It is about embracing space in their physical and mental environment.
In this post, I shall be taking you through 5 rules of minimalism that, if practised, would bring happiness and peace in an individual while enjoying more space for what matters most to them. Also, it would create a balanced and fulfilling life that one can control.
The First Rule: Get Rid of Items Easily and Efficiently
It is very difficult to get rid of some items in your home, especially ones you feel are still useful to you or might be needed later. Having piles of socks, trousers and items that have been locked for a long time needs to be discarded, but because one is obsessed with them, they are left hoarding up space in the room when you could easily give them out or throw them away. In this regard, it is simple to finalize your decision and throw it out.
This is done by asking yourself these questions:
- Have I used these items in the last two months?
- Will I use these items in the next two months?
If your answer to both questions is no, then it's time to let those items go. You can always ask yourself these questions (free to change the time) if you are having a hard time deciding what to toss and what to keep while cleaning.
The Second Rule: Prioritize More of Experiences Than Possessions
While some people believe in buying and stacking more stuff/items, thinking that would give them joy seeing them around, it only brings problems to them when they find themselves thinking of where to add more to what they have already. Instead, a minimalist would rather invest and focus on experiences that will enrich their lives and create memories that last. Experiences like travelling to new places, spending time with loved ones or engaging in what they like and have an interest in. Minimalists only focus on things that bring genuine happiness while taking their focus away from material possessions. By doing this, they build and appreciate lasting moments that matter.
The Third Rule: Be Mindful of What You Consume or Purchase
Minimalism equates to mindful living. Approaching consumption with intentionality is the key to living a minimalist lifestyle. Instead of spending lavishly on purchases that do not bring an advantage to one's life or environment, it is important to carefully consider this question: what impact would this item bring to my life, environment and society as a whole?
It is better to be conscious in approaching consumption and focusing on quality rather than quantity while looking out for products and services that align with your values and beliefs.
The Fourth Rule: Purge Regularly
This can be done either weekly or monthly. There is stuff in the home that an individual wouldn't make use of which has become a burden or is not welcomed anymore as it creates distraction in one's life, it is best to evaluate regularly these stuff to find which one should go away. This purge process can come in different forms depending on one's lifestyle. Every month, I try to check my wardrobe and kitchen, combing through these places and eliminating stuff I do not want, either give it out or throw away just to free space in my closet.
The Fifth Rule: Practice Gratitude
Why did I put this as the last of the 5 rules? It's simple! Gratitude helps us to appreciate even the little things in our possessions. When we practice more gratitude, we won't have to worry about things we do not have but embrace the few stuff and experiences in our lives while creating the path to genuine happiness and fulfilment.
Gratitude might seem like a buzzword but I feel it is an excellent way to lighten your mental load as it can help to reduce stress and bring some self-reflection to you.
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Thanks for your time reading. Looking forward to your interaction.
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