A place to let go
What a river taught us about moving on
“If we decide to create more, and consume less, the world around us will transform through a tidal wave of purpose.” — The Minimalists
Take it to the river
My friends and I used to have this saying, “take it to the river.” We all lived together in an apartment on 11th Street.
Whenever something went wrong or broke—lamps, typewriters, coffee mugs—we’d get drunk on the Hudson and end up throwing it all in the water. Sometimes, even if our things weren’t broken—like a shirt we didn’t like anymore or a book that wasn’t very good—we would say “take it to the river.”
And somewhere along our years of friendships we started applying that little phrase to life itself. Your girlfriend dumped you? Take it to the river. Job not working out? Take it to the river. Feeling stuck, useless, or broken? Take it to the river.
Editor’s note: The river in this essay is a metaphor. Please don’t throw your microwave in the Hudson. “Take it to the river” by recycling it.
Words by Markus Almond
00: The essence of less
Minimalism Life’s premium edition continues to peel back the layers of minimalism—not just as an aesthetic, but as a lens for living and creating. Through original essays, thoughtful reflections, and in-depth case studies, we explore where minimalism meets creativity, culture, consumerism, and intentional growth.
Not yet subscribed? Join us for $5/month or $50/year to unlock every essay—including our latest. The next edition arrives on 7 May, exploring how the idea of “less” takes shape across cultures—revealing contrasts, common ground, and quiet beauty around the world.
01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
My ikigai: finding peace in climbing
Words by Carl Barenbrug
Awakening to life: what Thoreau discovered at Walden Pond
Words by Ben Cohen
The power of play: how play is a powerful antidote to mental clutter
Words by Jayashree Chenglath
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
A conversation with Oliver Grabes (interview)
Blok (tool/hardware)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Under the ice: Johanna Nordblad (video)
05: Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06: Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can mean frugality and owning less, but it can also mean supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here are a few you might find interesting—just remember, clothes are not an investment.
CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Escuyer: Accessories designed in Brussels
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Meller: Minimal shades
Mismo: Bags and accessories from natural materials
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com