Exploring Minimalism

Have you been drawn to creating spacious, clear, simple spaces in your home? Or clearing out excess clutter from your schedule, so you can focus only on what you truly love?

You are not alone in this. There’s a fascinating movement towards minimalism happening in many cultures today – spurred, I assume, by the empty promises out-of-control consumerism. Enough of us have acquired all our hearts could ever possibly desire, more than maybe whole villages had a couple of hundred years ago – and still found that we’re not happy.

Many people have started moving in the opposite direction. I love seeing Pinterest boards of families in 700 sq-ft cottages, having no-buy years, making their own soap.

If you are completely new to minimalism, Merriam-Webster online defines it as, “a style or technique (as in design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.”

Many of us – myself included – have a knee-jerk reaction that minimalism means bare white walls, no art, no color, little furniture, one fork, etc. Possibly a Zen rock for decoration in the living room (in which all furniture and walls are white.)

I know there are people who find this soothing and wonderful; I am not one of them. This sounds almost like a sensory deprivation chamber – instead of soothing me, it makes me nervous. However, to each his own. For the people who love these setting, this type of minimalism is perfect.

For the rest of us, we get to define our own versions of minimalism. To help you explore how some other people have embraced this way of life, I’ve collected a series of blogs that might interest or inspire you. Even if you have zero desire to become minimalist, there is a wealth of tips and ideas for simplification.

Becoming Minimalist
Joshua Becker, husband and father of two, writes the journey of his family moving from typical American consumers to minimalist authors.  This links you to his start here page, from which you can explore an extensive number of resources.

Make Room for Greatness
Tico & Tina have a great series of posts on exploring minimalism.  Notably, they have a great post of personal stories full of videos from a number of different people exploring minimalism, and one of my favorites, a list of minimalist podcasts, so you can explore minimalism while driving, running, cleaning, etc.

Be More With Less
Courtney Carver has excellent, practical resources on her blog. This lists you to her “best of” page, but there is plenty more to explore.

Zen Habits 
Leo Babuata’s incredible collection of posts on simplifying your home, habits, life, etc. This links to his ‘start here’ page, with links to days worth of reading.

The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus are the Minimalists. This links to their most popular articles.

Miss Minimalist
Francine Jay is a delightful writer. The link above goes to one of my favorite pieces on decluttering your fantasy self, but there are again days of reading here.

The Everyday Minimalist
“Living with less, but only with the best” – a very interesting twentysomething minimalist who lives out of several suitcases.

Additional Minimalist Resources
There are several excellent posts already written compiling minimalism blogs. Check them out here:

Exhaustive list from Rethinking the Dream

Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist offers these three posts:

9 New Simple Living Blogs I Highly Recommend
8 Simple Living Blogs You Will Enjoy Discovering
7 New Blogs on Minimalism/Simplicity You May Enjoy

Courtney Carver of Be More With Less offers 6 Blogs to Inspire Simplicity and Minimalism

Planet Naveen offers their take on the 20 Best Blogs on Simplicity And Minimalism

What step can you take towards minimalism? Leave a comment and share it with us.