Less Stuff, More Life

“If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, then this is the best season of your life.” - Wu-Men

I am intrigued by minimalist principles. I even practice modified minimalism in some areas, at least part of the time. Do I aspire to be a radical minimalist? No. What I seek is serenity. And serenity is impossible in the midst of clutter. Whether it’s too many possessions or too much too do or too much to think about, it’s all clutter and clutter kills serenity.

I just got The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life, an eBook by Leo Babauta, and would like to share some of his wonderful wisdom. First we have the Minimalist Principles, Babauta-style:

1. Omit needless things.
2. Identify the essential.
3. Make everything count.
4. Fill your life with joy.
5. Edit, edit. (In other words, it’s a journey, not a destination.)

Then we have How to Become a Minimalist:

• Realize you already have enough.
• Cut back on clutter and possessions.
• Simplify your schedule.
• Slowly edit everything you do with minimalist principles in mind.

On the how-to areas, I’m pretty good in the first and third but really need to pick up the pace in the second. Area four? I’m working on it.

So, how about you? Have you been on the minimalist path for a while? Are you a frustrated minimalist at heart? Do you fail to even see the point?