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Minimalism and Religion

I’ve always been fascinated by the philosophical aspects of world religions. As I mentioned in a previous post, I see many more commonalities among different doctrines than I see differences—and one of those happens to be their emphasis on simple living.

Across the board, the great spiritual leaders were not known for their riches or worldly possessions; rather, they led simple and humble lives, rejecting material goods in favor of teaching and service.

Jesus, usually depicted as owning little more than his robe and sandals, is quoted as saying, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Sandi

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today, we have a great contribution from Sandi. She first experienced the joys of minimalism two decades ago, and has recently rediscovered the peace and serenity of a pared-down lifestyle.

Sandi writes:

I’m ashamed to admit that it took me almost twenty years to learn my minimalist lesson but it all started when I was on active duty in the military and stationed overseas. I was in my thirties and a single mother of a one month old son.… {Read more}

No Regrets

I’ve been decluttering for a long time now, and have pared down my possessions to quite a minimal level. Consequently, people often ask me if I’ve ever regretted getting rid of certain items. Surely, in over ten years, there must be something I wish I hadn’t purged.

It may seem unbelievable, but to be perfectly honest, I have no regrets. I can’t think of a single thing that I long to have back in my life. I don’t miss any of the clothes, the books, the heirlooms, the tchotchkes, the shoes, the handbags, or the kitchen gadgets I decided I could live without.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Shell

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week, I’m happy to share this contribution from Shell. She explains how decluttering has made her home more spacious and enjoyable, and has had a positive impact on her family’s life. To hear more about her experiences, be sure to visit her blog.

Shell writes:

I’ve always enjoyed the look of minimalism, but grew up acquiring items. Partly because I once lost almost everything as a child, and partly because I thought that collecting was a part of life.… {Read more}

The Joy of Less: 20,000 Copies Sold!

Update, Monday 5pm EDT: The giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and suggestions; I’m so grateful to have you as readers! Stay tuned—I’ll announce the winner in the next day or so. :)

A Milestone

I have some exciting news to share with you today: in the first year of publication, my book, The Joy of Less, has sold 20,000 copies! And I want to celebrate with you, my wonderful readers, because you made it happen.

You were the ones who bought my book, requested it from your library, and recommended it to your friends.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Melanie in California

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today, Melanie in California tells us about her progress on the road to minimalism. I think we can all relate to the fact that it can be a slow process; but what we learn along the way makes it all the more rewarding!

Melanie writes:

I am not a minimalist but I believe I am one in the makings—not the all-bare-walls-and-one-pair-of-chopsticks-kind, but the one that has only stuff that they truly love, care about and will care for.… {Read more}

The Thread of Connection

I spent last New Year’s Day in Bangkok, participating in the Thai tradition of visiting Buddhist temples and making donations to the resident monks. At one of the temples, a monk blessed me with a sprinkle of holy water and tied a simple white cord around my wrist. Eight months later, I’m still wearing it.

I’ve since googled this Thai tradition to find out its meaning. Apparently, the white thread is called sai sin, and is meant to represent the Buddhist Sutras (the word sutra is Sanskrit for “thread”). As such, it’s a constant reminder to act according to Buddhist principles—treating every living thing with respect, kindness, and compassion.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: LM

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to LM. She gave up her high-stress, 80-hour week job at a top law firm to pursue her career on her own terms, and tells us how minimalism helped her make the transition.

LM writes:

I am a lawyer. I graduated from a top-10 law school and got a job at a top-10 law firm – the kind that most new grads only dream about.… {Read more}

100 Possessions: Glass Plates and Bowls

After I graduated from college, I inherited a beautiful set of china from my grandmother. My fantasy self—the one who planned to throw fabulous dinner parties in her English manor house—was elated to own twelve place settings of vintage tableware. My real self, however—the one who carefully wrapped every dinner plate, salad plate, dessert plate, bowl, cup, and saucer during each move—became decidedly less enthusiastic about it over time.

After going through the painstaking process of packing and unpacking it at least four times (and constantly worrying about breaking an irreplaceable piece), I’d had enough. I finally gave the whole set to a less nomadic family member, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.… {Read more}

Real Life Minimalists: Paige Guthrie Hodges

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today, we have an inspiring story from Paige Guthrie Hodges. I’m sure many of you will appreciate her insights on living with a non-minimalist spouse! To read more of her thoughts on simple living, please visit her blog or check out her wonderful book, Redefining the Meaning of Wealth: Discovering Prosperity and Fortune in the Unemployment Line.

Paige writes:

I discovered minimalism in the late 90s when I stumbled across a book titled Simplify Your Life by Elaine St James.… {Read more}