Category: Essays

So many of us suffer the consequences of a consumer lifestyle. Even for those of us that are not living in excess (those of us who are already minimalists), so many of us still suffer a major consequence of this consumerist society in that we have the drive to be constantly “on the move.” Always in a hurry. We try so hard to fit as much as we can into a single day. We make lots and lots of plans, booking one task/event after another, after another. Often packing our schedules so tightly that we cannot enjoy any of these activities. We are so deep in thought about “what’s next on the agenda” that we are not living in the moment RIGHT NOW. Our minds are so focused on making sure that we complete all our tasks by the end of the day/week/month/whatever  that our senses are closed off to letting us experience life.

Here is a sample day:

• While we are getting ready for the day we are thinking “I gotta hurry and make it to the gym.”
• While we are exercising at the gym we are thinking: “I hope I can make my massage appointment.”
• While we are getting a massage we are putting together our grocery list in our minds: “OOO, I can’t forget to get the avocados.”
• While we are grocery shopping we are contemplating how much food to prepare when we get home.
• While we are preparing and then eating our dinner back at home we are going over our agenda for the next day.

And the results:

• While we were getting ready for the day we missed the beautiful sunrise out of our window.
• Our minds were so removed from our workout that we didn’t quite give it our all.
• We missed out on the wonderful pleasure of a good massage because once again we were removed from the moment.
• We were so focused on what we were going to make for dinner that we forgot the avocados anyway. We also didn’t notice that our favorite beer is finally back on the market.
• We were unable to enjoy the wonderful tacos we made because while we were eating we were stressing about tomorrows chores. Oh, and we missed the sunset.

(Does any of this sound familiar?)

SLOW DOWN people. Don’t plan so much in one day. Leave room every day to let life happen. We miss out on too much in life when we are in a hurry all the time. So much beauty, so much opportunity. When we are always focused on the narrow path by which we planned out our day we are putting blinders on to everything going on in our peripherals. And there are so many wonderful things going on around us. We need merely let ourselves be open to it.

“Life moves by pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around every once and awhile, you could miss it.”

Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

It seems that no matter where we go outside our own homes, there is always merchandising. We can’t go anywhere without their being as small stand or shop where somebody is selling something. This is just the way capitalism works, and we gotta get used to it. A very difficult thing for an aspiring minimalist. Does that mean that we shouldn’t go out much? Of course not; minimalists are the most out going people I know. But we minimalists are human animals too, and just like other animals we tend to be attracted to all the wonderful flashy things that are being offered to us (depending on what interests us). It is for this reason that we must put on our “minimalist thinking cap” when we are in certain situations so we do not get caught up in making impulse purchase decisions. As no doubt we will encounter many situations where the temptation to consume is high, and we must realize that these things that attract us are just trinkets, do-dads, knickknacks, and dust collectors.

 

I recently encountered a situation where I had to use my “minimalist restraint.” And looking back, I am so glad I did.

 

I am very much a Sci-Fi Fantasy buff. Having been born into generation “X” I naturally became a Star Wars enthusiast. I also love Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, cosplay, Battlestar Galactica, BladeRunner, and a whole mess of other nerdy things. Heck, I meet with a group of friends of mine on a regular basis to play a fantasy role-play card game (Magic: The Gathering).

Last month I attended a ComiCon (Comic and Sci-Fi Convention), and like most conventions there were stands and tables set up everywhere selling toys, original signed art work, games, decorative pieces, costume accessories, and all kinds of interesting things. Temptation was high for me. But instead of giving in, I took a moment to remember my values. I took a step back and realized that almost all the stuff at this place that was being sold had one thing in common. IT WAS ALL USELESS. If I were to purchase any of these things, the most excitement I would have with them is at the time of purchase. Past that, I would take it home and let it collect dust somewhere; seldom would I gaze upon it again.

In the end I ended up having a really good time there because I was enjoying the show. I enjoyed LOOKING at all the cool and wonderful merchandise. I enjoyed seeing and listening to the special guests they had there. I enjoyed seeing all the costumes people were wearing. I had a really good time, and the only thing I purchased was an upstarting card game called “Ambyria”, which I intend to play frequently with my wife. I love playing games, and I feel better about giving my money to a kid trying get his game off the ground, then giving it to big business.

 

There are many common places where the merchandise is mostly knickknacks and dust collectors, but the temptation and/or sales pressure is high. These places are:

• Conventions
• Fares (County Fares and whatnot)
• Garage Sales
• Flea Markets
• Online Subscription services for monthly box delivery (Lootcrate, 1up, Geek Fuel, etc)

The last one I would just suggest avoiding altogether. For the rest I would just suggest that we always keep one thing in mind for any potential purchase: “What am I gonna do with this once I get it home, and how often will I really use it?”

 

A minimalist makes purchases always with their long-term values and goals/passions in mind.

Everybody knows that having a positive attitude (a positive mindset) leads to positive action. But what amazes me still, is that this works in reverse too. Positive action leads to a positive attitude. Every single time. Don’t believe me? Just try it out.

No matter how bad you happen to feel at any particular moment, no matter how low and useless you may feel, make it a point to do something good for someone else. For no reason at all. It could be something as small as paying them a compliment. Or something bigger like helping them move furniture. When you take a positive action, and make someone else’s day a little better, you instantly feel a little better yourself. The reason for this is simple: You have a renewed sense of purpose. You realize that no matter how bad things are going for you, you still serve a purpose in being useful and valuable to others. We ALL always have a valuable purpose to each other as long as we are taking positive action toward each other.

I know it can be hard. Sometimes we can be so upset, that we can’t even bring ourselves to smile. Can’t even fake it. But I am gonna ask you to try though. Fake that smile. Be nice to people. Karma smiles upon you, and if you are nice to people, you will feel better, and life will improve.