“Less content, more contentment.”
Inside Minimalism, Vol. 1
Based on our exclusive subscription series, Inside Minimalism Vol.1 is a collection of 50 short and relatable essays on simple living by a small team of writers from different backgrounds, but who all share a deep appreciation for minimalism as a way of life. Enjoy a curated collection of beautiful writing with a single one-off purchase and support independent creators.
Mental Minimalism and Reducing Opinion Overload
Words by Dr. Egypt Iredia
I'm an avid journaler. I like to reflect on my life, see areas of growth or challenge, and craft some kind of game plan. In one of these journalling sessions, I pondered on the notion of opinions. It seems that, in this digital age, there is an epidemic of opinions. Everyone has something to say. And online, all these voices are ramped up a few notches.
We're blasted with views from others everywhere we look. It seems everyone has an opinion on how best we should conduct our lives, spend our money, and other things.
We're flooded with tips, tricks, and secrets online and off. Life hacks abound. Why does it seem like everyone is ever hacking something? It's all about hacking this or that.
With a little time searching Google or scrolling social media, we'll come across so many opinions daily. There are endless insider guides, reviews, curated content, interviews, and articles. We're exposed to a sea of thousands of opinions every day.
It's no wonder anxiety and depression are on the rise.
We need to disconnect from all the external noise, allowing us space to get in touch with our own inner wisdom. Sometimes, the only opinion we need is our own.
Too many opinions, too little inner direction
I find at times when I'm reading the thoughts of others online, my mind gets cluttered fast. I'm less empowered to make positive changes in my own life. It's like I'm paralyzed by all the noise and mental chatter from others’ views. I'm confused and lack focus or direction. I become a mess. I'm so occupied by consuming the mind nuggets of others that I can hardly focus on my own inner voice.
Are humans designed for all this opinion exposure?
My opinion is no.
It's unnatural to be exposed to a large number of other people's thoughts—for a long period of time anyway. Platforms like social media, instant messaging, email, and twenty-four-hour news are always nearby. This means we're exposed to what others think almost all day. This cannot be a good thing.
In listening to and reading all these opinions, we can lose our own sense of direction. Our thoughts can merged with those of others easily. With all this external input, how can one have a truly innovative thought?
The need for headspace
It's important to stay informed. To seek counsel from others more knowledgeable and wiser than us. As a knowledge enthusiast, I reign supreme in the sphere of learning from others. But it's important to also have the headspace and mental clarity to reflect upon our own thoughts.
Creating moments of mental disconnection from the views of others can be a good thing. It's a form of mental self-care. It's also an important aspect of mental minimalism and intentional living. So I ask you to consider the ways in which you're exposed to the opinions of others. Might you benefit from reducing that exposure? You may be surprised to find a new level of mental clarity you didn't have before. Now that's my honest opinion.
From Individuality to "Us"
Words by Serra İspahani
This is the story of my personal journey. It started by discovering things I find meaningful and creating my road map. There is no final destination. It's an ongoing discovery. This road is not only about me, but also about how I stand in relation to "us," being one with other living things as I share this world with them. Being a plant, an animal, or a human being doesn't change the truth that we are all one on this planet. Accordingly, minimalism is one of the markers I am using to see my possible next steps. I can't describe it, but I can say that it gives me all colors and shapes I will use. It's a simple white pen with the right amount of magic.
What else do I do to use the map and pen?
I ask questions that help me to use them in the best way. There is a reciprocal relationship between the questions and the tools. Asking these questions brings out more ways to use the pen and road map. This relationship is reflected in almost every aspect of my life and I strongly feel that even if the pen may change its shape or color, I will know it is that pen. It's a good friend of mine who will always support me and be with me when I am in need.
In the big picture, my journey may not be seen or felt by others. Its destinations and scenery may change. I believe that we all have one of these stories. Yet they may appear in other forms. Due to my profession, I use road as a metaphor widely. However, I can share some questions that assessed the discovery of my version:
How can I express myself better?
How can we strengthen empathy?
What makes this journey meaningful?
What do I need to become more with less?
These questions are my guide to making decisions.
Minimalism is not just a habit. It's a broad perspective that adds meaning and sincerity to our lives. It will not only improve your life but also help to form better relationships with others.
A Little More of Less
A few other articles we think you might enjoy…
→ The Boundaries of Discontent by Joshua Fields Millburn
→ Holiday Stress Relief by Courtney Carver
→ Everything Is a Practice by Leo Babauta
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