Minimalism vs Consumerism: The Benefits of Choosing a Simple Life
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Minimalism allows us to reclaim our time, our finances, our spaces, and our peace of mind. But minimalism isn't just about personal gain. By stepping off the consumer treadmill, we are better able to contribute to our communities and the world.
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My son introduced me to minimalism when he was 17 - eleven years ago. He started refusing random 'gifts', so instead I sent pictures of the things that I wanted to get him. He appreciated that I was thinking of him & replied with smiley faces - but was happier still that they were only pictures which he could easily delete. He's continued to live his life in an essentialst way and next week he's making one of his aspirations a reality - flying to Geneva and climbing three peaks in the Alps with a good buddy. I'm so excited for him❤and so proud.
Wow!
There are numerous RUclips videos on Minimalism, but yours is uniquely grounded on using our saved time and money to serve others. Perhaps your perspective as a Pastor makes your contribution to this platform such a treasure. Peace be with you.
Perhaps indeed.
Agree❤
Yes. This one is a keeper, and will be saved to favorites.
I don’t know how Gary knows you are a pastor but I feel cheated. You come on week to week talking eloquently and confidently but unless I have missed something, you have not been open about who you are. I have felt ambivalent about your views, or should I say doctrine. I felt an attraction to you but at the same time some of what you say or suggest leaves me feeling I am being taken in. I am surprised I didn’t realise what your driving force is about.
You will not be surprised when I tell you that I am agnostic and therefore do not share your undoubted faith. Whether you should be contributing from a minimalist viewpoint I’m not sure. There are lot of minimalists out there making honest videos based purely on making your life easier and freeing up time. They don’t have the slick delivery you have cultivated. but they are more realistic and relevant in today’s world and they don’t have another agenda.
I don’t like to criticise because a lot of what you say does make sense whatever your true beliefs underpin it. You are very compelling to the degree that you are likely to inspire viewers to take action on what you suggest; no doubt a skill someone in your calling should have. What troubles me is that the audience these videos reach may make bad (for them) decisions without knowing exactly where you are coming from. I mainly watched you because I found your voice relaxing and your demeanour pleasing but wasn’t really persuaded to change my lifestyle because of it.
I am now wondering whether to send this or delete it. Will I watch you again? Probably. I shan’t be taken in anymore so I will take from you whatever resonates with me. If I haven’t totally alienated you I would be pleased with your reply.
@@juliemaitland1176 He has told that before in other vids. 🙂
Minimalism has been so good for my soul...and wallet!
Hey, a familiar name:)
And yes, definitely!
@@AutisMinasClearingClutter 🥰🥰🥰
@@AutisMinasClearingClutter Joshua Becker and The Minimalists are my original influences from years ago ☺️
I love this. I'm moving out of a $3500 apartment and have given away most of my furniture. Chairs worth hundreds of dollars. Big screen tv and Apple TV. I'm taking my books, my couch l, 1 chair, my bed and my 3 kittens. I feel like my eyes have been opened and I'm finally stepping into the person I was meant to be. A compassionate minimalist focussed on giving.
🐈❤️
Compassionate Minimalist- I will be looking for your channel if you create one. How much joy those kittens give! ❤
I recently treated myself to season tickets to the theatre near me. I told myself that rather than buying things, this was something I will enjoy with a friend, without, cluttering my home.
Minimalism makes life less manic. More calm.
You don't know how much your videos inspire me,,you completely changed my life...from a hoarder to "almost" now a minimalist.
I spend less time cleaning and organizing,I no longer hire someone to clean my house..God bless you,much love from Kenya 🇰🇪 🇰🇪
The message of making room for more is so spot on. I recently realised I no longer want material gifts for birthdays & Christmas, i want shared experiences with the people I care about. Minimalism really is life-affirming.
This is what my family has started doing.I as a nana don't buy my grandchildren things but I do purchase passes to the zoo,amusement parks,movie theater things like that.I know they have enough stuff but would they have experiences.
I have reached the point in minimalism, that stuff annoys me. I no longer need or use shopping as retail therapy. Its a trap. Shopping gives an illusion of having so much abundance. Because there is so much to look at. But when you realize that more than half of food in grocery store is toxic, and the items in goods are fantasy makers, you don't even realize your off the track and caught in a trap. Its bizarre!
Truth😊❤
I agree. And even walking into a clutter place I get anxiety. Even if it’s not my space.
Even having a couple dozen games on my steam account gives me decision paralysis. I can't imagine having dozens of options to entertain myself with in my own home. I got my computer, books, board games, and cat. That's really all I need.
Thanks, Joshua! This week I challenged a friend at work to let go of ten things per day. She lost her husband two years ago, and he was a bit of a hoarder. She’s had a hard time getting started. I printed her a list of Dawn’s decluttering questions, and I typed up a list of goals/directions for her. I hope she can enjoy a peaceful home.
What a kind thing to do for your work friend! I like how you’ve tried to give her the correct tools to get her started.I’m sure she’ll appreciate it!
Apologies for interfering here, but . ...the other day I watched a video about de-cluttering in these situations. Sort of REVERSE: choosing FIRST the items we absolutely cannot part with. Once those are put safely aside one can proceed in more relaxed way
not necessarily… but yes, sometimes
She may need to grieve for her husband before being concerned about a house clean out
I spent my Saturday morning playing with my son in the garden instead of organising my stuff. I've followed your work for 1.5yrs and it's been a rewarding journey.
Today reminds me of your Minimalism Origin Story. Thanks for showing us the value of focusing on what happens in life!
I appreciate how when I watch your videos I never feel the desire to buy anything to further my journey into minimalism. But instead appreciate what I do have and live with less things so I have more time for people who do matter
Love it how you stay on topic and keep the message short but meaningful. Great job.
It takes time to get stuff out of the house after accumulating it. When you start decluttering, you start to see how much you have accumulated.
It was incredible how much was in 1 small closet. It’s mind blowing.
I hate clutter , I love just what I need .my husband and I moved into a senior apartment with 1 drawer in the kitchen 2 coat closets.and we still have space in the closets 😀we do have just enough dishes no extra .we donated all holiday dishes and decorations we have one Christmas tree and a few decorations to go on it we donated all xtra Knick Nacks. Etc. etc. it’s wonderful and we still have a cozy home .
I love this why for having less. It’s a refining thing for me too. It’s not that I want less but I only want to live with meaningful things. So… less naturally happens. I volunteer at my local thrift shop each week. It’s a win-win. I drop things off that no longer serve and I see the joy they bring people who actually need them.
The more stuff we have, the more time and money to attain and maintain it. Stuff is active, not passive. Cheap thrills don’t fill(other than our closets), they actually drain you.
I really liked seeing videos regarding minimalism.i have been practicing this in my life and it is such a great feeling with no clutter around.
Conditioning, since childhood, to be junk collectors is how I view it; finding delight thru material means. You can't explain this - they have to feel it themselves that liberation of living contrary to dominant thought.
Your videos are so inspiring, Joshua! Keep them coming! God Bless You! 🙏
Thank you for the warm words! Will do!
I am presently enjoying the beginning of my minimalism journey. Some days I make it so overwhelming I have to step back and tell myself why I am doing this before continuing.
As someone who has done this - 98% of the way - it will be entirely worth it on so many levels. Good luck to you!
Keep up the good work! 💕💪🌟
If you haven't yet, I'd really advise you to write down your 'why'. As I started reading Marie Kondo's first book, she mentioned this and I started to really think about it. I wrote my 'why' down in detail. Like every aspect of my 'why'. It is SO motivating to reread that, because apparently I tend to forget all of the reasons I have. So if you haven't yet, then maybe that would be a good thing for you as well? Good luck either way!🩷
Been following for 3 years and trying and failing the whole time. Now we are listing our house for sale so we packed absolutely everything that was non essential.... I only remember what is in one single box. I finally get it. This feels great!
Minimalism forces me to be more creative. If I need something, I try to make it, or adapt something I already have. Tina, Al's wife
Ive been de-cluttering all week. I feel lighter, like I can breathe, and less stressed.
I have been truly inspired
Since watching your channel, my life has totally changed
I'm so much happier than before
Getting up earlier, going to the gym
Clearing out the clutter it's endless
Returned to church regularly
Thank you so much for all the inspiration
It's appreciated x
I was too attached to stuff at one point in life. Got into mindfulness meditation and it changed everything. There are mindfulness books like "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels that teach nice basic mindfulness exercises to detach from consumerism. Less truly is more...peace.
Perfect video for this time! As an educator coming back into the classroom for the new year this happens again and again. I have to fight this daily. I am so glad I am not alone. Thank you Joshua!
My dad sent me an article the other day, from the Washington Post, 'decluttering will not solve our problems'. It is an interesting read and while I do agree with some points, the majority of the article doesn't make sense to me. Yes, I know we all got into decluttering after Marie Kondo's show came out, but a lot of us were decluttering and embracing minimalism in some form before that. I also do realize that not everything can be donated, and some things are actually just thrown away, so it is good to reuse all that you can and try to find homes for the stuff you can't reuse (sheets and blankets will always be needed at animal shelters and won't always need to be donated and seasonal decor can go to a local thrift store close to that holiday).
I was curious enough to find that article. What a mish-mash of nonsense ideas and the weirdest take on the subject - making it about women. I was going to comment on it directly to him but where do you even start? Guess the WAPO is going with a second-class of writing talent these days. It does take some thought to divest yourself of stuff - like you did. Most valuable things take effort - and they're worth doing.
@@giennefarcais6834 I agree there, they seem to be reaching for ideas 🙂 They are worth doing if it is valuable to you and decluttering and minimalism is very personal.
It’s always the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy and they are always things you cannot buy. It’s true… the dopamine e fix you get from shopping fades away in a matter of minutes… the black hole that can never be filled by outside things. Living a meaningful, joyful life will be what provides the positive ripple effect for all surrounded in our lives.
Choose minimalism over consumerism for a simpler, more fulfilling life. It liberates from materialism, fosters gratitude, and promotes meaningful contributions.
Thank you for churning out such amazingly structured concise content. Just like your ideology it is minimal yet powerful.
Bhagavad-Gita📖
Chapter 2, Verse 62 & 63-
ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंस: सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते |
सङ्गात्सञ्जायते काम: कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते ||
क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: |
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ||
Meaning:
"When one's mind dwells on the objects of Senses, fondness for them grows on him, from fondness comes desire, from desire anger. Anger leads to bewilderment, bewilderment to loss of memory of true Self, and by that intelligence is destroyed, and with the destruction of intelligence he perishes." 0:54
Joshua - I so appreciate your videos, blog and books, and have found so much inspiration in them. I love that, in this video, you talk about minimalism allowing you to “take time to appreciate the blessings already in our lives” while showing a clip of your family playing Catan! Our family also loves to play that game, and maybe it’s our decluttering/minimalism journey that has made it possible for us to play more often! Please keep up the videos… we all benefit from the inspiration!
Really enjoyed this video. I like that your content has in my opinion very little distraction. It is your message on minimalism and it's direct and I think that's good. Thanks for sharing 👍
I'm finding it hard to Give stuff away! Seems others may have already discovered owing less is advantageous. Since the same ones are seeing me so often I have started asking thrift store person to come shop my trunk for best choices for their store! I appreciate their honesty when they have too much of something. Eating this clutter elephant one bag at a time!
I've found several different places that can use my stuff:
Savers
Goodwill
Clothes donation bins
Outreach center for low income/unhoused
The reward of seeing the looks on others faces when donating directly is addicting!
You might ask churches in your area if they need anything for families they might support. Teachers often need supplies that they can't afford. Libraries usually have a "friends of the library" group that would love your books and DVDs. Or if you have a "Nextdoor" group in your neighborhood, you could offer up things that way for free or a small price. Good luck!
Sounds like a good way to show kindness and love to the world around us which is really all that matters eternally 🤗
U r contributing tremendously to mankind
I love love your definition of minimalism. I’m definitely pursuing it and it is very freeing.
When our society finally chooses Minimalism over Consumerism, we will truly take the road to happiness and simplicity.
I am definitely a minimalist. I have watched your videos for years. I love to watch them first thing in the morning as a calming and centring thing to do. Keep doing what you do. Blessimgs from Australia. 😀
Thank you Joshua for being who you are and sharing your knowledge with us❤
Sometimes I think you are psychic Joshua...always the perfect reminders right exactly when I need to hear them! Thank you!
Boa noite Joshua!
Sua mensagem sempre nos levando a abandonar a idéia do ter mais e viver endividado é muito importante. Sua simplicidade e sinceridade nos mostra como a caminhada MINIMALISTA é libertadora e intencional.
Gratidão pela maravilhosa reflexão!
Grande abraço Joshua aqui do Brasil!
Minas Gerais
Boa noite para o pessoal minimalista mineiro, menos é mais ✌️
@@positiveway6534 Boa noite!!!!
Thank you very much, Joshua, for another inspirational video that helps us stay on track and motivates us to continue minimizing, even when all the signs from society are pointing in the opposite direction. It's really important for us to know the exact reasons why we reduce and to be constantly aware of these reasons. Sending a hug from Portugal. 🤗🇵🇹
To each their own but years ago, I was getting close to becoming a hoarder because I attached "sentimentality" to things!! I just couldn't let go of things because I felt that if people found out I gave away the things they gave, or gifted me, they would be unhappy or angry with me!! That's when I realized I was a "people pleaser" or more of, a codependent person!! Once I made a conscious choice to stop attaching MY value and self-worth to others' opinions of me and learned to love myself, my life started changing!!
There's a quote that said "clutter creates chaos!!" One day, I was so overwhelmed with all of the clutter that I started tossing things or giving them away!! The "FREEing" feeling I got from seeing more SPACE in my home made me feel SO light and calm!! I could literally breathe and cleaning has become much easier!!🥰
I LOVE being minimalistic and being at peace with space, plus it gives me an excuse to add more plants!! 🌱🪴❤🥰
Thank you for sharing Joshua! Working towards minimizing!! I am grateful I found you and others like the Minimal Mom along my journey. You are appreciated!
You are like a philosopher,I think you are a good man.
Joshua you are so good at explaining. Your videos are very relaxing and easy to take in what your saying. I really appreciate you. Thankyou for making videos. Your improving my life. Its like im living for the first time. Ive cleared everything in a few weeks and i feel like im in control of my life. Possessions have such a huge negative impact on my life and i had no idea until i let it all go.
i cant believe i had to get to age 63 to see how true this is!!!!
The best thing I found was this page. Great page and information. Before I had to have the newest and best but all that got me was clothes storage racks and dust collectors. I wasted so much money and always changed out all those workout machines (I.e. clothes storage). Lol
Have enjoyed your video and think it is wonderful...thank you!!!xxx
Thank you for inspiring positive change! I always look forward to your videos!
I’ve always been a semi minimalist but in our culture since the recent past, there’s so much consumerism and greed. I’m met with pitiful looks or crass comments about my minimalism. Even solemn/religious occasions turn into massive photo shoots with multiple costume changes, outdoing one another, with ridiculous justifications like “nobody respects you if you don’t dress well or repeat jewelry (!)”.
I’m glad your message resonates with my family. I’ll gladly take a vacation over expensive clothes and jewelry lying in my closet.
Sounds like it's time to find other people to be with that value YOU and not shallow THINGS, and most importantly who are KIND to you.
I walked away from working 60 to 90 hours a week to live easy life and no need to have eveerything. So happy to work 28 hours a week without debt or material things. Just simple and happy life and not stress.
Our church has that exact piece of wall art you're showing in this video!
Dysfunctional families can’t survive without denial and a scapegoat. So, when one person begins to speak up about the dysfunction, those who survive by and benefit from the dysfunction, will eagerly blame that person to keep their survival and security in tact.
Bless you!
This was a good one. I am more of an intentional person
than a minimalist.
As an extra-large, plus-sized family our minimal size must, of necessity House waaay more plates, knives, forks and chairs than most essentialists dream a minimalist approach should embrace!
Yet the words you speak free me to define and scale down to fit “us”- plus sized though we may be: 13 grown kids + spouses & in-laws & friends…+ 23 lovely grandbuddies! 🤣
Yet all 23 are elated with our tiny toy box, Lego’s, or 1 dress-up suitcase. And the 24 place settings of plain white Corelle all fits nicely in one dish cupboard, dressed up or dresses down-making it seamless when all the real blessings come piling home in batches…
Between times, we just use the top three plates on the stack, seek to make any decoratives useful, and strive to gift experiences rather than “Schtuff” to all those va grandbuddies.
Mr Becker, Your wise counsel helps me more than you know!
We are on the road to minimalism, but we have had a few roadblocks along the way. Each week we are slowly getting back at it. Great video! 😊
You can do it!
Keep going! It’s worth it! 💪🌟💕
Thank you Joshua for this great reminder😊
This is the best video yet on this topic. Your delivery and breakdown 🙌🏾
Excellent points!! Words of wisdom by Joshua... love the short insightful videos! Easy to listen to a second or third time...☺
Living more by Owning Less!!👍
We're working on making this a reality for us! Thanks for your help! ❤
💐Thank you💐
Thank you for the inspiration. I continue to de-clutter and buy less for myself and also with the hope it encourages my husband to do the same.
Such poignancy and skill in making a point. Spoken with respect me loving kindness 😊
You are an angel.
Minimalism is so peaceful 😊
Well stated. Thank you.
Becoming a minimalist is such a releif!
sooo true
thank you!
Amazing. I'm also trying to be a minimalist
Thank you with all my heart!! So deeply appreciated and valued!!!♥️
I am listening to this while I am declaring my socks. I'm finally saying enough is enough. I'm getting rid of those long socks that go up to my knees. I hate them and I'm not a school girl anymore and haven't been for quite some time.
I, like many others, look forward to getting a new video each week to help us on our minimalism journey. I know the journey is different for us but I am interested in a) your approach to minimising; a bit at a time or all or nothing and b) how long has it taken for the process to happen? Joshua, I hope you don’t mind me asking these. I am doing mine slowly but I just want to click my fingers and my home is decluttered and done - maybe I am too inpatient .
Beautiful! thank you I needed to hear that today 🙏
I like it. This is great. I am listening from Denmark.
Thank you.
Exactly my friend. Is funny how I feel happy with less. I can't understand, but I guess is how God made us . Most people got it all wrong with thinking more stuff will bring happiness
Your messages are always on point.
One can have values and purchase😊
Well made video❤❤
I love this so much ✨
Relationships, Development and Contribution. Nice!
Thank you for the encouragement
I even purging for years, every 3 months. I call it "life douching". Recently, I've gone into overdrive with it and really craving less. The only thing I don't want to get rid of is my hair- I wish I had yours! 🤣
Thanks for your contents, from an italian follower 😊
I appreciate the wisdom in the video. But don’t think this dichotomy applies to me. I am constantly drowning in clutter not because I am consumeristic. It’s because I hate to waste things. I have worn hand-me-down clothes, driven hand-me-down cars, and basically been saddled with other people’s things that could be useful. I have given away thousands of things, but I care too much about trying to get things to the right person who will find it useful so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. So it’s too slow a process.
I have the same struggle and find it stressful as to where to donate or recycle so it doesn't end up in landfill..
I had the same issues a while ago. I googled "how to get rid of things responsibly" and found a lot of good information - avenues I hadn't thought of on my own. It's worth doing! And having done 99% of the job, I can tell you it's the best thing in the world. @@Sharon-ud4ke
Once manufactured/purchased, everything will eventually end up in a landfill. Things eventually outlive their usefulness to anyone. Don’t sacrifice your life trying to look for perfection in finding new homes for everything. Use buy nothing groups, clothing recyclers and pick one or two places to donate. Make sure you don’t donate trash. Not to be morbid, but when you die it will all most likely end up in a landfill.
I have just found myself browsing through podcasts, looking for your name and was sad to not find it. While I do love listening to your videos, they are short and I would love to have a longer listen to your thoughts and ideas. I do have your latest audiobook but maybe as an idea - would you consider creating podcasts?
Been asked quite a few times. But I’ll stick to this shorter format (plus writing).
You have the best hair of a man over 40 in the world, seriously!!
thank you for this inspiration!
Proud of your dedication 🎉🎉
Great message. Thank you. ❤
Thank you❤
Thank you
Great video
Thank u guruji
I have a question. Is living a minamalist lifestyle help with mental health? Im interested in living a minamalist lifestyle.
Absolutely. You can find lots of studies confirming your suspicions.
Lovely video
💯right to the point, Thanks!
Love this!!