“What possessions have lost their relevance to you? What would it take to let go?”
Inside Minimalism
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On Finding Contentedness
Simple things you can do today to learn to find that contentedness
By Leo Babauta
Almost everyone I know is looking for something better, all the time.
They want a better life, better clothes, a better car, a better job, a better place to live. And I understand this, because I’ve been there, most of my life.
It wasn’t until I learned to find contentedness, slowly, that I was actually able to improve my life:
By realizing that spending time with my wife, my kids, and myself was all I needed, I no longer needed entertainment or shopping. I spent less, and got out of debt.
By learning to be content with food I made myself, I stopped needing to eat out all the time (although I still do on a semi-regular basis). I lost weight.
By learning to explore and be amazed by all that was around me, I stopped needing to drive so much, and now am ready to ditch my car. I contribute less to global warming, and am getting pretty fit from all the walking and biking.
Most of all, I stopped the endless cycle of wanting more, of wanting better, and realized I already had everything. I’m so much happier now.
Finding contentment isn’t something that usually happens overnight, but rather comes in small doses. Some things you can do today to learn to find that contentedness:
Look around you right now, or perhaps when you’re sitting at home. Realize that everything around you is all you need for happiness. What do you need to be happy? Food, shelter, clothing, other people, something meaningful to do, and a mindset of contentedness.
Want something meaningful to do? You don’t need to change jobs—just help others, in any way you can. Help co-workers succeed. Be there for friends when they need you. Spend time with loved ones and be encouraging. Volunteer to help the needy. Improve your community in small ways.
Need others in your life? Find a neighbor, and make a friend. Volunteer and be friendly. Hang out with co-workers. Be considerate, friendly, positive, in all human transactions.
Start counting your blessings—all the things that you have to be grateful for.
When you find yourself thinking about what you want, start appreciating what you have, every day.
Be more mindful in everything you do; eating, showering, walking, working, washing dishes, talking, writing, drinking water.
Compassion for Hypocrites
By Joshua Fields Millburn
The man who protests capitalism using a megaphone he purchased from Walmart. The woman who tweets about income inequality on a device made by underpaid workers. The environmentalist who flies to their next save-the-planet rally. The political pundit who pontificates about censorship on a media platform that reaches millions. The vegan who sprays insecticide on her garden. The minimalist who owns six jackets (me).
We are all hypocrites. And we are all suffering on some level. So, instead of pointing fingers, let’s find compassion for the people who disagree with us, the people who anger us, the people on the “wrong” side of the issue.
Compassion is composed of the Latin preposition com (with) and the verb passus (to suffer). Meaning, to have compassion, we must simply be with someone who’s suffering. We needn’t feel their suffering (that’s empathy), nor must we remove their grief or provide countless solutions; we need only bare witness.
I can hug you, even if I don’t agree with you.
I can listen to you, even if I don’t want to hear you.
I can love you, even if I don’t like every piece of you.
If we can do this—if we can temper our interactions with compassion—then we have a chance to ease our collective suffering.
A Little More of Less
A few other articles we think you might enjoy…
→ Remove Possessions to Remove Visual Noise by Joshua Becker
→ A Blueprint for Believing You Are Enough by Julia Ubbenga
→ Digital Gardens by Tanya Basu
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