Introduction
Minimalism is a spiritual discipline of simplicity. It is not about getting rid of everything you own or squeezing yourself into tiny spaces, though some minimalists do this if they choose to live in small homes or apartments. Rather, it’s about living with less in order to focus our time and attention on what really matters.
Minimalism teaches us that we can bring more happiness into our lives by focusing on the things that are most important to us and letting go of everything else—whether those things are physical objects or relationships that no longer serve us well.
There are numerous benefits of minimalism: improved health, better relationships with others and ourselves, increased productivity at work (or school), more freedom from distractions so we can focus on what really matters most in life…the list goes on!
What is minimalism?
The word minimalism has been thrown around a lot in recent years. It's often used to describe people who have a very small home, only own a few things, or do with less.
But what does it mean to be a minimalist? And how does this lifestyle help us on our journey toward spiritual growth and the practice of simplicity?
What about the messier side of life?
This can be a difficult concept for some people to grasp. It's not just about decluttering your apartment, it's about embracing minimalism as a lifestyle.
If you're still not sure what this means, let me explain:
Minimalism is not about perfection. Minimalism is not even about being a minimalist (i.e., someone who only owns 100 things). It's simply about deciding what's important to you, and then prioritizing that over everything else in life—to the point where less becomes more and more becomes less until there is nothing left but what matters most.
What does minimalism have to do with faith or spirituality?
When you strip away all the cultural noise, it’s easier to see how minimalism is a spiritual discipline.
Minimalism: A spiritual discipline? Really? Yes! Minimalism is a way to practice simplicity, which means living your life with less stuff and more intention. It’s also a way to practice gratitude, which involves taking time out of your day to reflect on what you have and be thankful for it. And finally, it’s an opportunity to practice contentment (a word that feels outdated until you experience the peace of letting go).
The Spiritual Discipline of Simplicity
As I’ve mentioned before, minimalism is just one way to practice the spiritual discipline of simplicity. It may be obvious that there are some similarities between minimalism and the Christian faith, but there is also much room for growth on both sides.
Minimalism can be thought of as having a distinct goal: to live with less so that you can enjoy more in life. This goal isn’t unique to minimalists—it’s also something all Christians should strive for!
But there are many benefits that come from practicing simplicity that go beyond material possessions alone (which is what this post will focus on). For example: When we have less stuff, we feel lighter and more free; when our lives are simplified down into their core values—those things which truly matter most—we find ourselves more focused and able at finding joy in those things which bring us true happiness.
Minimalism can help you live a healthier, more faith-filled life.
Minimalism can help you live a healthier, more faith-filled life.
Minimalism isn't just about clearing out the extra stuff in your home and garage. It's also about clearing out the clutter from your mind. As my friend Mark once said, "Minimalism is mindfulness." I've found this to be true as well—there are numerous ways that minimalism contributes to greater mindfulness in our lives:
Minimalism helps us focus on what matters by stripping away distraction and other things that sap our attention span (i.e., social media). By reducing distractions in our lives, we're able to focus on what really matters—like spending time with loved ones or quieting our minds so we can hear God's voice better.
When you live simply, you're forced not only into simplicity but also into intentionality and mindfulness because there's less room for error when fewer options exist! With less stuff around us all day long (which can be distracting), we begin naturally living more intentionally because there aren't as many things demanding our attention at any given moment; therefore, we're forced into being mindful about those few things in front of us."