Let go to grow
Release the need, the noise, the weight
“Your community is strengthened by your ears and weakened by your mouth.” —The Minimalists
Stop clinging
Letting go does not require a trip to Goodwill
or a purchase from The Container Store.
Because…
Letting go is not something you do.
It is something you stop doing.
You stop pretending every thing is precious or sentimental.
You stop holding on to unworn clothes and jewelry and makeup.
You stop sheltering crusty camping gear and worn-out workout equipment.
You stop cherishing musty stacks of unread books and magazines.
You stop storing dusty home decorations in clutter coffins.
You stop buying new things that will soon turn into old clutter.
You stop fantasizing that more square footage will lead to more fulfillment.
You stop tethering your identity to your car and house and bank balance.
Like carrying an oversized suitcase for a great distance,
you would benefit greatly by setting down
any possession that weighs you down.
However…
Letting go extends beyond your material clutter.
If you truly want to let go…
You stop binding yourself to toxic relationships.
You stop acting like busyness is a good thing.
You stop trying to “fix” every imaginary problem.
You stop turning to breaking news for information.
You stop mistaking information for wisdom.
You stop posturing as if achievements make you, you.
You stop assuming that success equals satisfaction.
You stop chasing happiness because you finally realize that externalities will never satiate your insatiable desire for more.
You see, letting go is not something you do.
It happens naturally when you stop clinging.
Like clutching a hot coal in your hand,
you must stop holding on
to stop the pain.
No matter the fixation—
be it possessions or people or prosperity—
clinging always leads to suffering.
Always.
Yet when you let go of the clinging,
you pick up freedom, peace, equanimity.
But if you hold on,
you will get dragged.
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
00: The shape of healing
Minimalism Life’s premium edition returns with an essay about grief—not the stages or strategies, but the space it quietly demands. What if minimalism isn’t just about clearing clutter, but about making room for what hurts? In our upcoming issue, we explore how stillness, simplicity, and softness can shape a more compassionate response to pain—one that honours both the weight and the lightness of healing.
Subscribe for $5/month or $50/year to read the full essay when it lands on July 2. Plus, unlock our growing archive of reflections on simplicity, intention, and what it means to live with less.
01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
The power of play: how play is a powerful antidote to mental clutter
Words by Jayashree Chenglath
Unlearning habits through minimalism: finding abundance without all the stuff
Words by Tayler Bailey
Noise cancellation: embracing the sound of the present moment
Words by Omar KH
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
Minimal index (industrial design/architecture)
Brick (tool/hardware/software)
Audio guestbook by FFF (social experiment)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
The 100 item challenge (article)
Wabi sabi in the workplace (article)
The things you can see only when you slow down by Haemin Sunim (book)
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
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Meller: Minimal shades
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Mismo: Bags and accessories from natural materials
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com