Do we need everything that we possess? Is what are striving for really going to be useful?
Even before I mindfully transitioned to a minimalist lifestyle, I always loved sorting out my belongings. What I have not used in the last year or so, most probably I don’t need it (be it clothes, shoes, cosmetics or jewellery) and it goes to my friends and relatives. I just have one closet – on one side there are winter clothes, on the other – summer ones. I do not need to put things away seasonally into attic or somewhere in the boxes; everything is visible as there are few items. Same applies to the bathroom – there are never two items of the same purpose (for example, shampoo – a new one appears only when one is emptied). Just as it is necessary to cleanse the body and feel lightness, so is with our surroundings – it is necessary to alleviate it and cleanse from unnecessary things. To avoid lots of sorting, from the very beginning we need to make sure not to accumulate unnecessary stuff. Buy less, choose well – said Vivienne Westwood very wisely.
Minimalism does not apply only to things – it is also applicable for our activities. Is everything that we do important? Is it a good idea to multitask so much? I have a diary where I keep my to do list and I start the day by going through the list and I cross out those activities, that won’t cause much harm in case I skip them.
It is also important to be mindful with wasting emotions – by minimising contact with those who waste our energy, we reserve more for those who really matter to us.
Minimalism applies to eating. We do not need to eat three or more times a day, once or twice is quite enough. We can use the energy saved up from not processing extra food for other activities.
I find mental and physical minimalism vital for happiness. When we urge something, it creates a feeling of dissatisfaction. Happiness is beyond the desire. By freeing ourselves from desire we avoid attachments and this gives us freedom. By cleaning stuff around us or in our minds, we create emptiness that naturally asks for replenishment.
Today I share my minimalist/zero waste coffee scrub:
- 1 cup of coffee
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon muscat
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut oil
Stir in the jar dry grounded ingredients and add the coconut oil. Store in airtight container.