What minimalism is (and isn't)

An explanation and invitation

As I’ve taken the name Manifesting Minimalism, it makes sense for me to explain what minimalism is early on. So this post is dedicated to just that.

Perhaps the best way to explain what minimalism is, is to clarify what it isn’t. Minimalism isn’t about having nothing or self-deprivation. It’s not about soulless interiors, glacial forms, or ascetic living. Quite the opposite:

Minimalism is about having everything – everything that is deeply meaningful and nourishing to you.

And more often than not, that extends well beyond the material realm: love, community, friendship, trust, unscheduled time, a slow pace of life, peace of mind, self-worth, fulfillment, and purpose.

Minimalism is the practice of freeing yourself from the clutter and distractions – physical and otherwise (think habits, responsibilities, beliefs, apps, people, to name just a few) that hinder you from living a life of purpose, intention, fulfillment, and alignment. In the ever increasing consumerism and bombardment of today’s modern world, minimalism has to be an active choice, one that requires patience and endurance, if not courage. It requires thoughtfulness and intention, clarity and internal auditing to tap into personal direction and sense of self. It requires developing the art of the gracious no, guarding the white space of life, which is where all meaning emerges – from the space in between.

Other popular definitions include those from The Minimalists and Joshua Becker through his blog Becoming Minimalist:

• The Minimalists define minimalism as “a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”¹

• Becker offers a similar refrain, explaining that minimalism is “the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing everything that distracts us from it.”²

Minimalism is the practice of shedding, editing, and letting go that which does not serve you so you can discover and embrace that which does.

Minimalism often starts with the physical – getting rid of “stuff”, decluttering, and simplifying. But what makes minimalism so powerful is that it can quickly take you to the deeper realms of self-reflection and contemplation of life’s eternal questions: Am I living with purpose? Do my actions reflect my values? What are my values? What legacy do I want to leave? How do I want to contribute? How do I want to interact with others? How do I want to interact with myself? How do I want to spend my time? How do I want to live my life?

I recently had the thought that Minimalism could be viewed as a modern flavor of Stoicism, adapted to address the unique materialism of our age. Both give value to self-awareness, discipline, and reflection. But I would be truly saddened if minimalism were ever accused of being appropriated to glorify hustle culture.³ That is certainly not its intent. In fact, one of the focuses of minimalism is to create more space – space to slow down, to live offline, to be quiet, to rest, to let the unplanned and the unforeseen give birth to their mysterious magic, to respond to and measure against an internal barometer vs. external goalposts. In this way, I think minimalism has Taoist undertones - seeking the mystical path of the Tao (the way) and the simplicity and mystery of Pu (the uncarved block). I am by no means a philosopher, but thought I’d share these perceived connections as I’ve traversed various readings.⁴

While minimalism requires a certain element of discipline, it is a discipline that brings deep satisfaction and personal fulfillment. More than that, I believe minimalism to be gentle, generous, forgiving, earnest, and kind. It is honest and courageous. It calls us to focus on all that makes us human and invites us to connect with the deepest essence of the human experience.

And so what can start as a simple, delimited exercise can quickly become a lifestyle, a philosophy, and spiritual practice. More than anything, minimalism is a powerful medium for self growth and self care.

I made a prior career of editing away the unessential from products and businesses, to simplify and distill value. Minimalism fits wonderfully into my personal philosophy, and now I seek to bring it to individuals, helping them clear their spaces to bring clarity to their lives. If you ever want to geek out on minimalism, to learn more or share your own journey, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

1. https://www.theminimalists.com/minimalism/

2. https://www.becomingminimalist.com/minimalism-means/

3. See Benjamin C. Knight’s compelling essay “On the Second Death of Stoicism”

4. I highly recommend The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.