Some days back, I read somebody's post and she talked about people getting the minimalist practice all wrong or taking the practice overboard which I agree with. I agree with that because I feel like they do not understand the essence or purpose of minimalism. Some do not even know what it means. In my opinion, I don't think there's something like being ‘too minimalist’ now that I'm practicing it and have understood it. For me, people that might take problem with somebody practicing minimalism are those who are not minimalists yet or don’t understand what it is about.
Years back, there was one of my friends in high school who hated clutter in her environment. She loved her bed being neatly laid, her laundry washed and folded and her little corner neat. She never had excessive luggage and was always quick to trash dirt if she saw one. Of course, some people took offense with that. They would intentionally sit on her bed and roughen it while she was not around and they would say, “She’s always doing like a neat freak. Pretender.” For her, it might not have been a compulsion to just be neat and orderly. It might have just been her practicing decluttering in order to keep healthy. She might not even have found out that there was a word for her practices. But looking back now, I can see that she was gradually practicing minimalism. We just didn't understand it yet.
Minimalism teaches us to be frugal in spending but it also teaches us to enjoy the simple little pleasures in life. Like I said earlier, there are people who do not really understand the purpose or essence of minimalism and that means, they take it overboard. For example, people who refuse to spend on themselves or on their families, all in the name of being minimalists. For me, that's not minimalism. That's just stinginess in disguise. Yes, we have to be frugal in spending, that means spending with purpose. It means not spending money lavishly or on things that has no value.
If you like a clothing very much, you should get it if you know it will have value even after months or years has passed. That's how I select my clothing. I look at the durability and lifespan of it. I don't buy clothing that are expensive because I want to brag about it to people. If I should get an expensive clothing, it is because I know it will serve me in following years and prevent me from spending too much on clothes in those following years. The same goes for my shoes, bags and other items that I have. One thing I also treasure most is my family being happy. If I see something that my mother, father or siblings like and I know it has value and they would just be happy to have it, I will get it for them. Minimalism is basically learning how to identify value and quality over quantity.
Minimalism doesn't mean self-deprivation or purging one’s self of pleasures. That's probably for those people who want to live ascetic lives or are practicing to be monks, nuns or priests. Minimalism instead teaches us to be conscious, indulge in slow-living and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. When you deserve it, give yourself a reward. That's my principle. So, if I have done well or worked hard, I can get myself snacks I enjoy or something I have been longing for. These are parts of the moments I enjoy when living slowly.
I also understand that there are times when our lifestyles might clash with those who do not practice it. I do not like parties, especially night parties full of booze and loud music, but one of my close friends does. Sometimes, she invites me to these parties and I tell her an outright no. Most of the time, I know she just wants to spend time with me outside school. So, I look at other things she likes. Movies and plays, for instance. And I organize a movie night for me and her with lots of snacks. Recently, I invited her to go see some stage plays at our school theatre with me. And she's so stoked for it. I recently even introduced her to the beauty that is evening strolls. This is me making efforts to maintain ties with my maximalist friends in ways that benefits all of us and makes us happy.
Minimalism is just like art. Learning to layer well, declutter, mix colors well and dress nicely and presentably. It has a beauty and attraction in it. The peace of mind that comes with it is unmatched. When you practice minimalism in all it's beauty, people tend to ask, “What's the secret?” And then you subtly show them.
Thanks for reading.✨
