Sipping silence
minimalism.com
“Objects that contribute the best atmosphere tend to be less immediately noticeable; it may take some time before you appreciate them for their practicality and more subtle, discreet presence. That’s because the balance of how they look and how they perform is correct.” – Jasper Morrison
Sipping silence
The value of quiet moments
Picture your busiest day.
The kind of day when you struggle for clarity and peace of mind. When you don’t seem to have time to stop at all.
What if you could transform it with a simple tool?
You don’t need a special device. There’s nothing to buy or to carry. You already have all that you need to reconfigure this moment—your life.
By sipping silence, as you would sip a healing medicine.
Right here within you lies a vast lake of peace. The best tool you’ll ever use—it will empower you.
You don’t need another app to teach you how to be silent, how to rest, how to breathe, or how to sit in meditation.
Simply stop, be silent, and still.
Be deviceless for a minute.
Be goalless. Take a moment to pause and do nothing at all.
Don’t try to meditate, or to breathe in a particular way.
Drop your attention away from the world of actions and things. Drop away from your inner world of thoughts and emotions. Ride your inbreath down to the bottom, and rest your attention there, relaxed and open.
Continue breathing, but leave your attention there.
As your attention shifts from focused, to soft and open, trust it and let go.
For a moment.
Even for just a single round of breath.
Leave alone memories of the past and concerns for the future. Give yourself permission to take a break from all the outer and inner craziness. The over-fullness. The notifications. The requests. The demands on your time. On you.
Don’t tell yourself you don’t have time. It's a myth.
If you have time to worry, you have time. If you have time to daydream, you have time. If you have time to check your phone for messages, you have time. If you have time to check social media, you have time.
Give yourself time to be silent and still.
Your life will thank you for it.
Words by Andō for Inside Minimalism Vol.1
01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
Blot blogging platform (tool, software)
Slow design (article)
Make something wonderful (book)
Dieter Rams on logo sizes (video)
Naoto Fukasawa: Embodiment (book)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Greg McKeown: How to master essentialism (podcast)
Why less stuff is better by Leo Babauta (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:
Pedestal: Minimal stands for your screens
Form&Thread: Mindfully sourced garments
CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA
Pini: Italian clothing for the modern man
ASKET: Ending fast fashion by making covetable everyday essentials
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
OMNES: Sustainable and affordable fashion
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
Crown Northampton: High quality minimal footwear
Cariuma: Sustainable sneakers
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com