Minimalism, a concept that has evolved from an art movement to a lifestyle choice, encourages living with only what is essential and finding beauty in simplicity. The philosophy of “less is more” underpins this movement, which is about reducing excess in all aspects of life, be it material possessions, mental clutter, or even digital noise.
But what exactly is minimalism, and where did it begin? To understand minimalism, it’s essential to explore its roots, its evolution over time, and its influence on individuals, including my own unexpected journey into a minimalist lifestyle.
The Historical Roots of Minimalism
The term “minimalism” first emerged in the context of art and design in the early 20th century, with significant contributions from the Bauhaus School of Art in Germany. Founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus School operated until 1933, when it was disbanded under pressure from the Nazi regime. The Bauhaus was revolutionary in its approach, aiming to unify art, craft, and technology, and emphasizing functionality combined with aesthetics.
The school’s philosophy can be summed up in the phrase “form follows function,” which suggests that the design of an object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.
Bauhaus artists and designers believed in stripping away the superfluous and focusing on the essential, a principle that laid the foundation for what would later be recognized as minimalism. Their work had a profound impact on architecture and design, influencing not only Europe but also North America and Israel.
The minimalist ethos promoted by Bauhaus—functional, clean lines, and an absence of decorative embellishments—became a cornerstone of modern architecture and design.
Minimalism as a Lifestyle
Fast forward to the 21st century, minimalism has transcended its origins in art and design to become a popular lifestyle choice. This modern interpretation of minimalism encourages people to declutter their lives, focusing on what truly adds value and letting go of what doesn’t.
The minimalist lifestyle isn’t about deprivation but about intentional living—making conscious choices about what you own, how you spend your time, and where you focus your energy.
Minimalism as a lifestyle often draws parallels with asceticism, a practice found in many religious traditions that involves a simple, disciplined life. However, unlike asceticism, which may involve the abstention from sensual pleasures for spiritual goals, minimalism is more about reducing excess to enhance one’s quality of life. It’s about creating space—both physical and mental—for more meaningful experiences.
A Personal Journey into Minimalism
My journey into minimalism began quite unintentionally about 14 years ago. I had never consciously decided to adopt a minimalist lifestyle or even heard the term used outside of the context of art. At that time, I was moving frequently and realized that owning fewer possessions would make the process much easier. Thus, my journey toward minimalism began as a practical solution rather than a philosophical commitment.
I started by giving away most of my clothes—I had accumulated more than I needed over the years. Next, I parted with furniture and other items that wouldn’t fit in my car. At one point, I even contemplated living in my car, although I ultimately decided against it. Despite this, the decision to own only what could fit in my vehicle marked the beginning of a profound shift in my perspective.
Living with fewer possessions forced me to appreciate the small things in life. I began to notice and be grateful for what I had: warmth on a cold winter day, shelter from the rain, and food when I was hungry. With fewer distractions, I became more present, savoring each moment fully. My single blanket became the best blanket because it was the only one I had; a simple loaf of bread tasted better because there was no more food left. Everything gained a new sense of value and purpose.
The Role of Money and Gratitude in Minimalism
An essential aspect of my minimalist journey was learning to live with less money. Without a steady job or a fixed career, I had to be mindful of every dollar I spent. This financial uncertainty fostered a deep sense of gratitude for everything I had. Life became unpredictable, and I found myself relying on faith that whatever I needed would eventually come to me—and it often did.
This experience of gratitude brought about a curious realization: I felt as though I didn’t truly own anything. Instead, I was merely a caretaker, temporarily holding on to whatever resources came my way. This mindset made everything feel less tangible and more like a fleeting dream. Possessions became less important, and the focus shifted to experiences and relationships.
The Reality of Transitioning Back
However, like all dreams, this one eventually came to an end. My savings dwindled, and I had to find stable work. After returning from a yoga teacher training course in India, I decided to become a real estate broker in 2013, a far cry from the spiritual path I had imagined. This marked a return to what many consider “reality”—the reality of bills, deadlines, and societal expectations.
Suddenly, I found myself entangled in a world that demanded more than just minimal possessions. I had to engage fully with societal structures, which included responsibilities that felt at odds with the freedom I had experienced during my minimalist years. This shift brought with it a complicated relationship with money—an essential tool for living but also a source of worry and anxiety. There seemed to be no middle ground: either you are fully in society, with all its rules and obligations, or you are entirely outside it, living on your terms.
Reflecting on the Minimalist Experience
Looking back, I see that my minimalist lifestyle was about more than just reducing possessions; it was about shifting my mindset. It taught me to value what I had, to live in the moment, and to be grateful for the simplest of things. It’s a lesson that still resonates with me today, even though I now find myself more entrenched in the conventional demands of society.
The Dalai Lama’s words come to mind when I reflect on this journey: “What surprises me most is man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then, he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present; The result is that he doesn’t live in the present or the future; He lives as if he’s never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.”
This quote encapsulates the paradox many of us face in modern society. We strive to accumulate wealth and security, often at the expense of our health and happiness, forgetting that the essence of life lies in the here and now.
Conclusion
Minimalism, whether as an art movement or a lifestyle, is fundamentally about stripping away the unnecessary to reveal what is essential. It’s about creating space—both physically and mentally—to focus on what truly matters.
My journey into minimalism was unplanned but profoundly transformative, teaching me to appreciate the small things and live in the moment. While I may no longer live as a minimalist in the strictest sense, the principles of minimalism continue to influence how I view possessions, money, and the meaning of life. It is a reminder that, in a world full of excess and distraction, sometimes less truly is more.
References:
Dalai Lana Quotes
Bauhaus Wikipedia
Ascesticism Wikipedia
History of Minimalism
