Minimalism: a style in art, design, and theatre that uses the smallest range of materials and colors possible, and only very simple shapes or forms. This is the definition that we find in the dictionary, and has gained significant prominence in recent times. Not only in its application to design and art but also in the private sphere. Becoming a minimalist has changed my life.
“We have too many things. Trends, both in fashion and design, change so quickly that we do not even have time to understand or appreciate them”
We can live with less, no doubt. In fact, the desire to always have more is what often keeps us tied to a life that we can change if we put the focus on what is essential. How much money do you spend on eating cheap food out? How much on “cheap” clothes? How much on “cheap” decoration that we end up throwing away or coating with the new trend? These are actions that pursue an immediate “happiness,” but lose sight of the bigger picture. What do we want to achieve, where do we want to go? Do the numbers, and you will be surprised how by changing some badly acquired habits, you can start to give another direction to your life. Have more money available to educate yourself, to explore different options, and maybe get a turnaround in your life.
When we think about becoming minimalists, the general idea is that minimalism consists of throwing things away. I’m afraid I have to disagree, as a consequence of minimalism, we get rid of unnecessary objects, but, it is not so much a matter of throwing away what we already have (although decluttering is a liberating exercise and will help to set the basis). For me, minimalism means resisting to uncontrolled consumption and advocating for quality objects that endure over time. The intention is not so much to renounce comfort or luxury but to redefine the concept itself and be coherent with it.
This minimalist lifestyle can, and should, be applied to other aspects of life as well, prompting us to leave behind harmful habits and relationships to introduce healthy ones, ranging from food to physical and emotional well-being.
If you want to know more about minimalism in architecture and interior design click here, here and here, to see some fine examples. To know more about how to become a minimalist chek this great post by Rocio Espinoza.
This is our selection of books and documentaries that can help you introduce minimalism into your life.
Goodbye things
This book explores why we measure our success by what we own and how the new minimalist movement not only transforms spaces but brings happiness. Its author, Fumio Sasaki, shares his personal experience related to the practice of minimalism and offers specific advice on the most practical ways to get rid of everything that is not necessary.
Minimalism:A Documentary About the Important Things
Can you be happy living with less? How do people who have made that decision live? Would you be able to live, in short, a minimalist life? This is the reflection in which the Netflix documentary delves. Its title, Minimalism: the important things, and as the synopsis of the streaming platform says “shows the benefits of less is more through testimonies of people against the impulsive consumption that reigns in the United States”.
The hour-and-a-half-long documentary features two protagonists, Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, U.S. ideologues of the minimalist movement.
The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up
Marie Kondo’s best-seller on space organization, in general, tells us very simply how we can relate to things better. According to the author and creator of the konmari.co method, it is important to surround oneself only with that which brings beauty and simplicity to life. She explains how each thing fulfills a purpose and when it no longer has a purpose, it is time to let it go.
The true cost
Who makes and how does that five-euro shirt or the 20-euro trousers you wear in the shopping center impact the world? People who sew and work in terrible conditions and for a miserable salary. A reality, that of the fast fashion industry, which damages the environment. This documentary not only helps to free the wardrobe of clothes but to be more conscious when it comes to shopping.
The year of less
After going bankrupt, Canadian Caith Flanders managed not only to pay off her debts but to get her life in order. In the book, he delves into the impact of consumerism and how a person can become detached from it. A book about the ups and downs involved in learning to live with less.
Happy
It is a documentary that takes us on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness; on how to find a balance between the search for money, success and social status. It delves into our needs for constructive relationships, health, and personal fulfillment. The video seeks to find a meeting point between the main desires of every human being and investigates where the priority is according to each idiosyncrasy.
You might be also interested in this selection:
