Comments on: friday thoughts: simplicity

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:49:37 +0000

I agree whole-heartedly, Rachel! It’s about non-attachment and mindfulness, really, isn’t it? It’s interesting, I just read your post about living in the UK. America is so different and I am disgusted by the mass consumption and midLESSness all around me. It makes me super sad and I feel that if I am not vigilant in my efforts, then I’m part of the problem instead of the solution. Andy’s response was right-on too! There are so many things to consider and the answers are not simple.

By: Svasti

Svasti — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:22:18 +0000

I get what you’re saying but I have that mindset of wanting less. I wonder how that affects me in other ways? I’m currently clearing my house of things I don’t need/no longer want, and planning on selling others that I can do without. There’s a part of me that always wants to be ready to move if I have to… probably because I’ve lived so many places in my life already.

But if I look around my already relatively meager possessions, there is some stuff I’d keep in storage should I take off somewhere again. But not too much of it. I’d sell most of my things without a second thought!

By: Inca Maia

Inca Maia — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:23:02 +0000

Your thoughts are a very good counter balance to the minimalism trend which seems to have been picking up a lot of momentum. I don’t really see the point of getting rid of stuff just for the sake of having little stuff. Ultimately, it is about what works for us and our lives…
My personal benchmark for clutter is whether it’s tidy and neat and whether it can be kept tidy and neat with little work. If it can’t be neat and tidy, it’s clutter. I also think that there is a big difference between “I can do without” and “I don’t need”.

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:43:16 +0000

just no attachment, right?

By: Misanthropic Yogini

Misanthropic Yogini — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:04:27 +0000

Physical experience facilitates spiritual experience — it’s what yoga is all about. If you can keep your mind and spirit clear with all that stuff around you, then more power to you, but I find that a spare, organized, and clean environment tends to reflect my state of mind, and vice versa.

By: LaGitane

LaGitane — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:36:56 +0000

My partner is at home de-cluttering our house at the moment… I’m glad I’m not there because I’m terrible at throwing things away! Where’re I live it’s practically guaranteed that almost anything I give away will be re-used by someone… People in developing countries are so resourceful!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:35:33 +0000

By: Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:53:55 +0000

I can relate to that post too Rachel, though I am very conscious that decluttering at some point would do me (and my apartment that doesn’t get any bigger) good. I have trouble letting go of my books, because they’re, well, me. The ones I gave away to Oxfam were the ones I didn’t like and I knew I wouldn’t read them again. Simplicity is not found in the number of books or scarves or whatever things you like, it’s more a state of mind I think.

By: Tamara

Tamara — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:25:49 +0000

I can relate, Rachel! Right up to having stuff at my mom’s (and the fiance having stuff at HIS mom/grandma’s). Although I do need to purge some of my belongings (and I am mindful of Andy’s point), I like most of my things. I agree that it’s more an internal question than anything.

By: tanyasDailyProductReviews

tanyasDailyProductReviews — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:14:05 +0000

good post, and I like the quote of the day