Minimalism refers to the organization, reduction, and reordering of existing clothes, ideas, mindsets, and assets. Anything that clutters your life causes friction. Have you ever felt like you have nothing to wear despite having a lot of clothes? Is your mind at rest when you are at rest? Probably, not. This is a modern day problem that human has been grappling with.
The phenomenon, however, is not new. The desire to hoard things and gobble up food is an old one. You might have, at one point or another in your life, opened and closed the refrigerator multiple times only to find nothing. You might have eaten that cake and ended up with a bad stomach. The need for minimalism arises from the temporary sense of fulfillment achieved by hoarding. Pyramids are an excellent example of it. We see a growing trend in capsule hotels and capsule wardrobes. The 21st century is bombarded with multiple items: poor furniture, fast fashion, and green-washing products. Minimalism is an answer to capitalism.
Why do we need minimalism?
On Society
The social value of a person is derived from his belongings. Skyscrapers are often surrounded by sprawling slums, such as Dharavi in Mumbai. Unless one realizes that while you have all the luxuries in your 5-bedroom apartment, multiple children out there are open to assaults, natural calamities, no school, and cohabiting in the same place as animals. No, the answer is not to adopt all of them but to build temporary shelters, clothing, etc. It will be possible when we end, or at least control, our desire to constantly acquire products. While humans are somewhat programmed to hoard and save for future, the tendency is aggravated by the media.
The middle class is motivated by advertisements; the rich go to fashion shows and buy the latest Viviane Westwood.
On Economy
Minimalism will reduce dumping. The developed nations often target third-world countries to drop their waste, which is then processed by the latter and sold further. India has a huge population, and we have not achieved a 100% recycling rate for domestic waste itself, let alone international waste. Even if India does, foreign waste is not welcomed. Minimalism will lead to high competition in the domestic and international markets. A local firm knows better about its consumer’s taste. Less direct demand for products means better quality.
Instead of spending on multiple collagen-boosting retinoid products, focusing on organic fresh fruits will help farmers, improve logistics and infrastructure, and directly oust foreign players, who can certainly try their hands on other products.
A Minimalist
The most important impact of minimalism will be on an individual scale. We have diluted ourselves with our belongings. Parents do not have time for their blood since they have important calls and meetings. Children have their expensive demands to fulfill. Minimalism also applies to our expectations. Give more, desire less. It is the other way around, now-a-days. Companies have strict deadlines, hospitals have high charges, and rent is soaring. Minimalism has become the need of the hour to ensure we value ourselves. It can be started in fractions, say 30 days or 90 days.
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Have you heard of a van house?
Minimalism is the basis of such moving houses. Use less, own less, and throw less. Minimalism helps to clear the minds of various thoughts, reduce our expectations, be satisfied, and avoid feelings of jealousy or hatred, be it from our peers, partners, or boss. The most important aspect of minimalism is that it values individuals; instead of focusing on material things, you focus on feelings, relationships, and quality time, ultimately leading to an improvement in quality of life. No amount of money is enough, but people are. Minimalism induces conscious living.
The 21st century is a digital world. Let us not forget how much social media we consume daily. Adults are easily swayed by the information they receive on Facebook and Instagram. Delete the application. Go social. Communication has become a skill when it used to be a normal thing.
Practical steps
Calling for revival is not the goal; mindful use of gadgets, valuing experiences over possessions, and work-life balance are the goals. Minimalism can be embraced slowly. Look for items you rarely use: clothes you bought because the trend made you, books you have not read (donate after you do read), shoes you never wear, the food you store, a job that stresses you (yes, quit it, of course after finding a new one), and leave a partner or acquaintance you find toxic. Buy that bohemian hat you always liked, go ask your mother out this Valentine’s, and cook for your neighborhood this weekend.
Live in the moment. Make a budget. You do not need a Kylie lip kit. Your child does not need Doordash every other day.
Minimalism is conscious control over oneself. The desires won’t go; they will subside and take a back seat. Be a third person in your own story and observe your pattern. Minimalism will give you more savings and more fulfillments.
