Minimalism

[JosephsDreams]

I think it is really an issue of the heart.
Jesus doesn't have a problem with wealth, or us living comfortably, and yes, we can be comfortable living in a minimal manner.
As long as we keep out eyes on helping others, not spending to the point of greed and gluttony, where it is all about us, then we are fine, minimalism lifestyle or something else.

 

[laura_charlotte]

Minimalism - a code I live my life by. I love coming home after a long stressful day at work and unwinding. I can't unwind under copious amounts of furniture, clothes, papers, unfinished affairs, unprocessed situations and goodness knows what else hoarders gather, surrounding me.

I like coming home to a clean, organised, light, open, fresh space and knowing there's no physical or emotional issues of garbage piled up all around me. It amazes me how people live that way, but to each their own.

For me to keep anything, It has to be extremely sentimental and or legal. I have a bed a desk and a chair in my room and that's it. Everything else I can fit into the built in cupboard with ample room to spare. Just to be sure I have nothing I don't need, that i've missed in my daily cleaning/tidying, every six months I do another clean out - it could be a few pencils or some cords found but they'll get tossed.

I try to do everything electronically so I have almost no paper. I never buy any books or movies for myself unless they're electronic and I can read them on my ipad. I don't buy any cd's just download the music and it goes on my ipod. As soon as the mail arrives I'll process it in the driveway - no envelopes, no papers are kept, goes in the trash on the spot - I pay all my bills online too.

If I have absolutely have to keep something temporarily I'll make use of the scanner and pop it on my mac book and get rid of it once the circumstance has passed and I no longer need it. I'm the same electronically as well, i'll constantly clean my mac and get rid of files I don't need to clear up the space.

Being a minimalist allows me to enjoy life in the present moment. Not have constant amount of stress and random messes piled up all around me of "to do lists" and "things put on the back burner" and to have processed all things of the past and put them away where they belong. It's a brilliant lifestyle and I'd recommend it to anyone.

 

[JosephsDreams]

Emotionally and psychologically I think a minimalist lifestyle is a indication of a healthier mind and spirit then the hoarders, that's for sure.

 

[1LonelyKnight]

The feast of tabernacle / booths was set up as a reminder to be minimalist - or at least today, to not be a material Zionist.
Nothing like a week camping in a tent to make you appreciate a humble abode.
Nothing like a 3 day juice or vegetarian fast to make one thankful for food.
... One need not be a vegetarian, but skipping meat once a week is good
... One need not be a vegetarian, but skipping fast and takeout food is good
These times of fasting, and periodic "retreats" from our worldly rituals can give us a new perspective on food, shelter, clothing and transportation. Still we cannot identify or have pride in new found humility, but rather with a new awareness a greater ability to "be content in whatever state we are in".

 

[renewed_hope]

Less is actually more.....using a minimal amount of words ha!

 

[BruceWayne]

It's not for me, but to each their own

If someone can do without certain things and that's how they want to be, then great. If someone has lots of stuff, then great. I don't think anyone should feel bad for enjoying what they have if they've done the work to be able to have what they want.

 

[laura_charlotte]

Emotionally and psychologically I think a minimalist lifestyle is a indication of a healthier mind and spirit then the hoarders, that's for sure.

Too true. Sadly they're too ill to realize. Hopefully threads like these will help them come to realize that it's no way to live a full and fruitful live.

 

[Grace-Like-Rain]

I definitely love the minimalist lifestyle. Four years ago I moved from a 2700 ft home into an 800 ft home, and left most of my possessions behind. I was surprised at how freeing that was, and how much we loved living in a small house with only what we absolutely had to have. I've since moved into a somewhat larger home, but have tried to keep possessions to a minimum and not "crowd" the house with things that aren't purposeful. I'd love to live in a small home again, when it's just me here. My only hesitation is that I enjoy having people over for Bible studies and other events, and that's hard to do in a tiny house with no furniture.

 

[laura_charlotte]

I definitely love the minimalist lifestyle. Four years ago I moved from a 2700 ft home into an 800 ft home, and left most of my possessions behind. I was surprised at how freeing that was, and how much we loved living in a small house with only what we absolutely had to have.

Precisely! Who needs those extra burdens when life is challenging enough.

 

[MollyConnor]

It's not for me, but to each their own

If someone can do without certain things and that's how they want to be, then great. If someone has lots of stuff, then great. I don't think anyone should feel bad for enjoying what they have if they've done the work to be able to have what they want.

Yeah I hope no one is feeling bad because of this thread. If someone has a lot of stuff and it brings them joy, that's great!

I personally feel a little upset with myself b/c I tend to buy things like clothes, shoes, books, games, movies etc. and I hardly use them. I also collect way too many things and it's getting annoying for me. I think I'm just done.

I am in the process of moving, for those that don't know. So this is why I was thinking about this topic. Grace, I too feel like leaving everything behind. haha
But thankfully I'm going from a small apartment to a larger house.
Still, I'll probably throw some stuff away or donate it.

 

[Eternallife]

I really like the minimalist life. I find it very interesting and Biblical too. I'm thinking of getting rid of my bed and getting a loft instead (with drawers and a desk underneath). This way it wouldn't take up so much room. I'm also thinking about getting rid of my tv and PS3.

I just think that I buy too many things that I don't need. And I think this is a huge American problem, especially with women. Not all American women are like this of course. But a good chunk are. I could be using that money for my savings or helping others less fortunate. I don't know...I guess I just feel wrong.

And I don't go out shopping everyday either. I barely go actually. But when I do buy things, I notice that I hardly use them.

What do you think of the minimalist lifestyle?
What are some things you feel that you don't need, but others would go crazy without? Any thoughts on the topic are welcome.

I feel the same way. I would like to get into the habit of eating a lot less meat and using a lot less plastic bags and paper receipts. Also i have been trying to figure out the reason for the stuff i already have and putting it to full use. Such as old books I didn't really like after I bought them. Perhaps there is a reason i bought them and still have them in the first place that I'm not yet aware of.

 

[laura_charlotte]

Yeah I hope no one is feeling bad because of this thread. Still, I'll probably throw some stuff away or donate it.

It's a fantastic thread, good work in putting on the table, you'll help a lot of people not just by what readers can learn but what you donate for those in need! Keep it up!

 

[MollyConnor]

It's a fantastic thread, good work in putting on the table, you'll help a lot of people not just by what readers can learn but what you donate for those in need! Keep it up!

Thank you! You are so sweet!

 

[Eternallife]

Money is talked about a lot in scripture so no matter what is said here and what sounds good, it is real important to understand completely how we are to handle the money giving to us.

 

[Mooky]

[/QUOTE]

But sometimes it's not even really a choice when you've seen little faces come up to you and look at you like you're a famous celebrity... Just because that child knows you have a family... and that little soul is hoping someday they'll be just like you.[/QUOTE]




This is sad and touching and I was moved to tears.

 

[Lynx]

Some people have mentioned the price of things, and buying used versus new. I think it should be mentioned that "minimalism" doesn't depend on the cost of stuff. It is reducing the stuff you have and the stuff you intend to buy, regardless of price.

And if you cut out all the stuff you rarely use it's a lot easier to afford good quality for the stuff you really do need.

 

[laura_charlotte]

Some people have mentioned the price of things, and buying used versus new. I think it should be mentioned that "minimalism" doesn't depend on the cost of stuff. It is reducing the stuff you have and the stuff you intend to buy, regardless of price.

And if you cut out all the stuff you rarely use it's a lot easier to afford good quality for the stuff you really do need.

oh so true.

 

[Born_Again]

I'm working on being a minimalist. Gotta have my books, coffee, and coffee cups though!

Exactly!!!! LOL Those are very important items! I have a lot of books. I have a vast coffee cup collection as well. These are essentials. lol

 

[Pipp]

I need to minimize. Also cake decorating takes alot of equipment and alot of space for pans,decorations, tips, colors and all kinds of stuff..... it's very hard to minimize baking equiptmemt ... I stI'll need to though. Lol

 

[renewed_hope]

Exactly!!!! LOL Those are very important items! I have a lot of books. I have a vast coffee cup collection as well. These are essentials. lol

Well one can't forget the most important kitchen appliance of all, the coffeemaker. Otherwise the coffee cups become quite useless in the morning