Minimalism is just the start
minimalism.com
“Distractions are the weeds that grow out of boredom.” – The Minimalists
Minimalism is just the start
Must we only pursue solutions that will be adopted by everyone all at once? If we believe a course of action is better for us as individual people and for society as a whole, but we doubt whether society as a whole will adopt it, should we shun that course of action?
I don’t believe so. I think that if a way of living is right, you should live that way. If it makes your life better, then good. If it’s adopted by the world, even better. We can’t let the problem of getting widespread adoption stop us from starting.
That’s what minimalism as practiced by individual people is, at its heart: just a start. Socrates said, “Let he that would move the world, first move himself.” Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I say, let’s start with ourselves. If we cannot walk the path, how can we ask the world to walk it?
Once we have shown that a minimalist life is not only possible, but a good thing, it will become a shining example to others. We can move others with our very lives. As Gandhi also said, “My life is my message.” Let your life be your message to the world, your example for a better life, and let that be the start.
From such small beginnings, great things can be born.
Words by Leo Babauta
01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
A beginner's guide to minimalism – Part II: More tips to keep on your way to your best self (by Nate Grant)
Spiritual reset: When minimalism leads to clarity in unexpected areas of life
(by Sekulaer)
Goals are nothing without habits: Without habits, goals are just abstract aspirations (by Shawn Mihalik)
Share your story
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share on minimalism.com? We want to read about it. You have the opportunity write about your experience of how minimalism has impacted your life and get your words published in our community journal.
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
Reflection journal + pen by Walden (tool/hardware)
Miles: Run without distraction (tool/software)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Perfect days (book/video)
Meditation styles by Walden (article)
Why we crave healthier computing by Arun Venkatesan (article)
05 – Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06 – Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can be about frugality and owning less, but it can also be about supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here’s several that you might be interested learning more about:
Pini: Italian clothing for the modern man
Luca Faloni: Luxury Italian men's clothing
ASKET: ending fast fashion by making covetable everyday essentials
CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
ODA: The modular everyday bag and essentials
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
Crown Northampton: High quality minimal footwear
Vaultskin: Minimalist wallets
CDLP: Luxury essentials
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
North-89: Shoemakers designing for Scandinavian weather conditions
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight bags
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Neem: Menswear made from recycled materials
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com