“The last ‘normal’ I want to be a part of is being lost in a crowded place.”
– Brad Dennen, from his Instagram bio.
The detrimental effects of rapid and over consumed consumption have been apparent for a long time. Psychological studies and navy diver lifestyle have shown that people who live an hectic lifestyle are more prone to anxiety and stress than those who lead quiet lives. And the less we spend on life’s essentials, like food, shelter, clothing and health care, the shorter life expectancy becomes for us all.
1. MINIMALISM IN A BUSY WORLD
This is especially true when society’s most wealthy members have the greatest influence and power over the mass media. They commonly promote materialistic lifestyles in order to keep up with the latest trends. And because of this, we see well-known designers constantly producing new clothing lines, artists designing new furniture pieces, musicians producing new electronic albums and other artists continually releasing new songs. All of this material is produced with the sole purpose to fuel our current consumerism so that people will purchase it.
2. MINIMALISM IS A LIBERATION
In our current society, many people have become bogged down in their jobs and unable to live the life they truly desire. The lives of individuals like this can be changed with a simple change in lifestyle. By cutting back on their consumption and purchasing less in general, they can have more time to pursue other activities, meeting new people and spending time with family.
3. THE MINIMALISM EXAMPLE
As a minimalist, I lead a much more relaxed lifestyle than most people. Doing so has allowed me to spend more time on the things that I enjoy, with the people I love and on my personal growth. In my mind, nothing can be better than this.
4. IN THE END..
Minimalism is not another fad philosophy or self-help trend that will soon fade out of existence. It is a lifestyle that can be adapted by anyone and one that will prove to be beneficial to them in almost every way imaginable. Once the idea is firmly in one’s head, it can be practiced and integrated into every aspect of life.
5. MINIMALISM IN 2018
As a society, we are currently caught up in a whirlwind of overconsumption that is spreading across the globe at an alarming rate. People constantly find themselves feeling empty and unable to find meaning behind what they do with their lives. But by simplifying your life to a minimal level, you’ll be able to live your daily life much more freely and with a lot more personal satisfaction.
By no means intended to be considered “work-related”, this illustration has been shared by various other artists, so I will not attribute them specifically for the idea behind it.
6. MINIMALISM IS A PART OF US ALL
There is no better way to improve ourselves, our communities and the world we all live in than to lead a minimalist lifestyle. There are countless benefits that can be gained from such a change and when success, happiness and freedom are all achieved through such actions, it simply becomes clear why it’s important.
7. MINIMALISM IS NOT JUST FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
Although minimalism has been used to improve how people live within their everyday lives, it can also be successfully applied to other aspects of life. Minimalism is commonly associated with philosophical companies and lifestyles like Stoicism and Buddhism. These pursuits are great to follow as well because they’ll allow you to experience more happiness and tranquility during your life.
8. MINIMALISM IS A VOCATION
Minimalism is not just a philosophy or a lifestyle that people create for themselves on their own time or effort. It’s a career path, one reserved for those who desire the lifestyle of other minimalist entrepreneurs like Benjamin Franklin or Gary Vaynerchuk. Consider yours to be an opportunity to make money by starting your own business, developing marketing campaigns and enhancing brand value.
9. MINIMALISM IN 2018
As a society that is so dependent on the excessive consumption of our fellow men and women, we’ve become disconnected from one another and no longer understand the value of life. We’re so used to living a life of excess that we’ve forgotten what it is we really need. Minimalism can bring us back together and help us live much more wholesome lives. – Brad Dennen, on instagram
10. REMEMBER….
Minimalism can be a very powerful tool, but like any tool, the power it provides depends on how it’s utilized. Remember that excessive consumerism is dangerous and there are people who can’t afford to consume as much as others do. A minimalist lifestyle reduces your overall waste and you’ll be using less materials to do everything that you need to do.
Summary:
I hope that this article has provided food for thought and has shown you how a minimalist lifestyle offers a great alternative for those stuck in the current state of mass consumerism. There are many great benefits to adopting this type of lifestyle and I urge you to try it out. Minimalism is a guide for how we can live our lives in an environment dominated by technology and excessive consumption.
