1 minute read

Minimalist!

by Margaret DeStefano

A community of monks and nuns in India, the Jains completely detach from social and secular activities (e.g. no contact with family, no use of electricity, etc.) to purify and discipline themselves and gain self-realization.

One of the most important parts of minimalism is cutting down on things you don’t need. To start decluttering, identify what serves a purpose in your life and what doesn’t. Consider what products could be reused. Take time to assess your current spending habits and then consistently review them. Always cut out things that take up space or events that drain your energy. Letting go of things you can’t control may seem easier said than done. To find that balance, start by focusing on things you love to do or have. Once you have narrowed down what’s most important to you, focus your energy on that. Being thankful for what you do have may even cut down on your budget. You may find yourself reusing what you do have rather than wanting more. You may even swap a vacation across the county for a staycation in the comfort of your backyard.

Make a list of all the things that make you happy (that you can easily do without much money, time, or energy). Then commit to only doing what’s on that list. This exercise will teach you that happiness is always within your reach. Check out the Pareto Principle because its application can be lifechanging. In terms of minimalism, you can view the rule as: of all the things you have and do only a few contribute significant value and meaning. Focus on those things over all others. Rumi sums it up beautifully: “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

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