No, we don’t all have to be monks
Minimalism is attractive. Stemming from art, music, and design, it’s hard not to be pulled in by the simplicity that we see in it. In effect, through minimalism, we can learn to appreciate what is kept and learn that has been lost was not necessary (make sure to thank those possessions as you let go of them). The allure, as it’s portrayed, is that through minimalism, which is mostly focused on material things, we give room for deeper thoughts, and letting our minds work on the “more important” problems, projects, topics. When applied to personal and professional life, the aura it gives is of someone who has their shit together. Minimalism feels intentional, efficient, calculated. Often we see the juxtaposition of a clear desk next to a cluttered desk and think… “Whoa… that would be nice!”. It’s meant to get you to read and believe that if they have the presence of mind to keep a free desk or space then they can do so much more work, and therefore must be doing something right. After all, the rest of us struggle with those post-its, receipts, and piles of paper that we wish had never been printed.
Much of the writing on minimalism seems to center around two benefits of minimalist (I make no claims of having researched all articles, documents, videos, podcast, etc… on the subject):
- Practicing minimalism will help you “be more”. Be more rested, be more…
