Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle does not have to imply radical changes. When you start on this path, the changes are subtle and then increase as you perceive your overall well-being.
Some people think that the minimalist lifestyle is selfish since its practitioners renounce many things to reach their balance. The minimalist renounces slavish jobs, and social and family relationships that do not contribute much. They also renounce material possessions. Is it selfish to seek well-being? I invite you to read on to see what this is all about.
If I had to summarize in a few words what a minimalist lifestyle means, I would say that it consists of finding psychological and emotional well-being which will result in physical well-being. It is a way of simplifying everyday life so that the things that deserve it take relevance.
The minimalist abandons many things, even has hermit behaviors, because he needs to focus on the really important things. I recently saw an example that I thought was a wonderful way to explain what is important in life. The example involved placing golf balls in a clear glass jar to their maximum capacity. The person filling it said that the balls represented the important things in life such as health, family, and happiness. But then the person in question began to fill the empty spaces in the jar with dirt until the visibility of the golf balls was completely covered. When asked again if they could see the golf balls, they would answer that they could not. The person ended by saying that many times we try to fill our existence with things that do not allow us to see those things that are valuable. This shocked me! It made me reflect on whether embracing minimalism is a selfish act or not.
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I have always thought that to offer something good to your environment, you must first be well yourself. A person who is clear in their thoughts and focused on the important things is likely to extend that well-being to their community as personal motivation is at its peak. A social conscience begins, and you can see many of the problems of others.
Feeling fulfilled makes you not need much but makes you aware of the needs of others, giving birth to solidarity and generosity for those around us. This is where I think minimalist habits have a social impact.
If you are a nature lover and growing plants fills you with joy, you may be finding a space of your own to focus on. However, when the love of growing plants turns into growing vegetables to help those who have little access to food, your well-being becomes the well-being of others.
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I am a faithful believer that material things fulfill a cycle, and when they are no longer used we should give them other owners. This time of the year, I reorganize the closets in my house. I do it twice a year. I take out all the clothes my son has outgrown and donate them to orphanages. The adult ones to another type of institution. I choose institutions that really have little support because I feel they are the ones that need a helping hand the most. Knowing that there are other children who will be able to wear shoes and be warm like my son makes me happy. Am I selfish for embracing minimalism? I think the pleasure of seeing others with wellness extends beyond my own happiness. On occasion I have gone with my son to orphanages. He asks several questions about why these children are there. When he was young, I explained to him in simple words. Today as a teenager, he is sensitive to help, and he is the one who separates his clothes in good condition to be donated. My son will be a man who will be happy with little? it is possible, but I am sure he will be a man who will dedicate himself to causes that can provide support and well-being to those who need it.
To achieve social impact through the practice of minimalism, you need to involve others. This leads you to practice volunteering in your free time. It is a beautiful manifestation of love for others. Volunteering can be as varied as unimaginable. You can help both people and animals. It's up to you!
If you realize it is no longer just about habits of detachment from material things. If you observe it is about investing your time in activities that make you grow as a human being and at the same time help others.
The minimalist, is only looking for tranquility and happiness? I don't think it's that simple. Minimalists need to find their true meaning in life and then find their social purpose and develop a sense of relevance with their community so that together with others they can bring about changes for a kinder society. The minimalist is not the only philosophy of life but it allows you to be focused, and conscious and helps you find your life purpose.
