“Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something.”
Nicholas Burroughs said it all— focus on what you need rather than what you could have; what could be useful out of plenty. And certainly, it's a courage to go beyond your surroundings, not to be influenced by the foolish lavishness individuals indulge in.
How many of us have the courage to reject the trend, avoiding the temptation of becoming an easy object of social celebration?
Not easy. But doable.
Environment matters, of course. It influences the way you are and who you want to be. And by environment, I don’t mean natural elements but what you are surrounded with. Although spending time in nature can have a profound impact on the mood, how many of us are privileged enough to take a break every now and then and spend time in serenity, in the abyss of heavenly abundance?
But when we get the chance, why not make the most out of it.
Talking of which, a few years back I went on a trip to a distant island with little to no modern amenities available. But that was optional whether you want to spend time in a less ‘modern’ way or not and I chose to be rather ‘primitive’ with no electricity, less crowded after certain hours than burning my eyes with the vibrance of luxury and polluting the fundamentals of isolation.
I listened to the wind whistling in the distance, waves washing the shores, and stars warming up the chilly nights— an unforgettable moment indeed. Later I realised it requires very little to be happy, only if you are receptive to nature’s calling.
Being surrounded by scenic and calm nature, minimalism comes to us easily.
But what about the modern world where we are surrounded by flamboyance?
That too may come easily if you pay attention to the details.
Ever wonder why many brands use grey packaging instead of colourful ones? Noticed how companies around us are ditching sophisticated materials for packing their items? Why do they use shabby papers to give you the receipts? What message are Lidl, Tesco, ASDA, or most other retail giants trying to convey through their shopping bags?
They have one theme in common— to reduce carbon footprints and encourage recycling. Cost cutting is another issue and we may not get inspiration from that subject but every time you go shopping with your existing bags should change your mood— knowing that your little contribution is making a huge difference, slowly but eventually.
Remember Apple has to ditch their ‘unique’ charger for some reason and we all know it. If you and I could focus on these tiny and sometimes not-so-highlighted details, the minimalist practice would take over most of our actions— by focusing on what we need rather than what we could possess. It may take time but it’s late than never.
That’s how things work for me. What’s yours?
Taken from the highest peak of Snowdonia Mountain
