Minimalism: Adding More Meaning and Less Stuff to Life

“Honey, would you like an iPhone or a flagship smartphone on your birthday?” asked my wife at the dinner table.

“Umm..but what’s the need? My phone is functioning decent. The battery is a tad deteriorated, but I can replace it from the store for a nominal cost. ” I said while continuing to eat.

“But you have already been using it for over three years..isn’t it? New variants are available in the market and we can get some good deals with the ongoing sale on Amazon.

Anyway, I need to gift you something on your birthday,” insisted my wife.

“Okay, if you are so keen on spending on my birthday….why not plan an outing to a nearby resort? It has been a while and will be a good retreat for the family.

Plus, you can still save some money here which we can utilize for future expenses.” I suggested after finishing the meals.

Reflecting on the above conversation, we did go to a holiday resort for an overnight stay. While the stay was decent, the kids still remember having a good time at the resort pool.

I got my phone replaced after fifteen months of the above conversation.

Less is more

As humans, we tend to be possessive.

Even if a kid has a treasure box of toys, he/she will invariably demand the cute teddy spreading arms from the corner pedestal of the store.

We keep piling our wardrobe during the festive season or driven by FOMO on attractive sales. We prefer buying a book, instead of borrowing it from a friend or a library.

By attaching our happiness to material possessions, we become enslaved by them. When these possessions are gone, we feel the pang.

However, true joy comes from within. We can find contentment even without material objects, as evident in our daily affairs to enjoy deep sleep.

The celebrated opening verse from Isavasya Upanishad:

īśā vāsyamidaṃ sarvaṃ yatkiñca jagatyāṃ jagat
tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasyasviddhanam

roughly translates to — “Everything in this universe is enveloped by God. Enjoyment comes to those who renounce possessiveness. Do not covet anyone’s wealth.”

Life has to be enjoyed, but without seeking, without coveting, and without struggling to get things done or get things for oneself. The renunciation of seeking and desiring things constitutes the core of a minimalist lifestyle.

A minimalist lifestyle is not about seeking temporary pleasure but ever-lasting pleasure. It is the principle of delayed happiness, in favor of a greater good.

The 80/20 principle is applicable here as well. We can do away with 80 percent of our possessions and still be leading a normal life.

Embracing life over stuff

Focusing only on pleasure makes us ignore the problems it creates. We often live an imprisoned life, caught behind the iron cage of bad habits. Most of these pleasure are short-lived.

The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed — Mahatama Gandhi

Stop comparing your life with others. Your storyline is different and unique. Let your character evolve out of your struggles. You are not here to compete with others, but to carve your niche!

Life presents us with choices. But often we get ourselves entangled in those choices.

The solution?

Question the requirement and look for alternatives. Prioritize and make prudent choices. Do what is good for you, avoiding any peer pressure, compulsions, or external influences.

It is important to be aware of our digital consumption habits. Nowadays, people attending concerts are more concerned with capturing the perfect video from the best angle than actually enjoying the performance.

Couples visiting botanical gardens are more focused on taking selfies than exploring the beauty of the natural paradise around them.

Don’t just create a digital graveyard of memories — look for an immersive experience. What stays with you forever is the experience savored in those fleeting moments!

Declutter and get rid of unnecessary or irrelevant stuff.

Practice mindful eating. Mindful eating involves making a conscious effort to be aware of the amount of intake, and eating what is good for your health.

Spending quality time with nature also helps us unplug from consumerism and connect with our inner selves. This allows us to focus on the things that truly matter to us.

Declutter your life, declutter your mind

Next time you plan on making a mindful purchase, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it worth spending?
• Do I need it now or soon?
• Am I considering it out of any compulsion?
• How does it impact me if I don’t purchase?
• Are there other alternatives that I can consider?

If the answers to the above convince you to back your decision, please go ahead by all means.

Let’s try to live our experiences, without clinging to them.

As a seeker of spiritual life, one need not live the life of a monk. The art is to strike a balance between our materialistic desires and spiritual quest.

Let’s conquer ourselves in the first place before we venture to conquer the world.