#16 All About Minimalism

Have you been familiar with the word called minimalism? Well, the first time I know this was on Youtube. There were so many Youtube channels which the content was about minimalism and it then made me spending my minutes just for watching something on my mobile screen, of course, minimalism.

The term of minimalism also leads me to the book of Fumio Sasaki called “Goodbye, Things”.  Fumio Sasaki is an extreme minimalist from Japan. In his book, he writes that he had thrown a lot of his possessions away and moves out of an old apartment into a small one.

If you have not been familiar with what minimalism is, perhaps this following paragraph will at least make you understand it.

The piece of the paragraph above is taken from Fumio Sasaki’s book so you know what minimalism based on his point. So, minimalism here is unrelated to art or music but it refers to a simple living with fewer possessions around us which means only surrounded by the things that needed. And the person who practices a minimalism lifestyle called minimalist. But minimalism is not merely about reducing things around house but it can be applied to other aspects such as gadget, food/drinks.

I once went to Gramedia (a name of book publisher as well as bookshop) in Bandung with my sister not intentionally for buying a book but for a window shopping, then I found the book like this: 

I didn’t even notice if it was available in Indonesian version.

#So for you, what do you think about minimalism, Warda?

Ehmm... honestly, as a Muslim I had been taught to live a simple living and not materially excessive life... I think the concept of minimalism is more than just a lifestyle but it should be applied to everyone’s life. To be honest, this idea attracts my attention to do it though I have not fully applied it but I am trying. However, I do not claim myself as a minimalist, not at all.

#So when you agree with the idea of minimalism, what have you done so far?

• Nothing much I have done but I no longer spend much money on unnecessary things, such as knickknacks, accessories, souvenirs, clothes (I have been the one who rarely buys things related to fashion since a long time ago even before I know about minimalism) and anything else.
• I look around, finding something to be thrown away. I mean, start to declutter and discard the things I no longer use, particularly the things in my rooms. I usually separate the things I no longer use and sort them out into which one still in good condition and usable. I will put it all if those are still usable and have functions for donation, and in reverse, I will discard it all if no longer have a function or broken. But another option we can also sell or manage it for the auction.
• I have given away some pieces of my hijab.
• I discard so many papers/documents related to the day’s college where I put them randomly.
• I bring a water bottle to wherever I go instead of buying mineral water to save money and reduce plastic use.
• I do not put so many physical (hardcopy) books to read in my room, instead, I read soft file books or just borrow books from the local library.
• Only having a few apps on my smartphone and laptop and uninstall unnecessary ones.
• I do not possess any vehicles. I like to use public transport.

#What’s the benefit?

Based on my experience when trying a minimal approach to be a little bit minimalist (not even minimalist perhaps) I feel more saving on money, time and energy. Why? Because I will only buy something I really need (less consume). I no longer spend much time on decluttering, cleaning or tidying up. I can do all of it briefly when I have fewer belongings. I no longer burdened by every item that makes me uncomfortable, because it distracts me to stay focus and it can also affect the way I think. With fewer items around me at least I feel free from stress. My room has enough space. I have enough time to contemplate what I really want. But the most significant from all of it is I become less comparing myself to what others have.

In a day of my life, especially in a morning, I once tried minimizing the things; it started from what is on my desk after reading “Goodbye, things” even though I had not finished reading that Fumio Sasaki’s book. And I made a little documentation of it.

At the time I had a thought that we would be happier if we had so many possessions because it showed who we were but I was wrong. It happens till today where people tend to collect the things that will be their pride; they do not realize they become consumerist.

As a part of God’s creation I should be aware that I and all of I have will not be eternal, means each those who are alive are going to die, I will not carry my belongings away when the death comes to me. That also makes me more introspective. If we want to live happier and meaningful, simple living that only surrounded by the things we most value and always feeling grateful is a solution. Again, you can make minimalism as a big part of your life if you want to.