“Practice seeking joy in the natural world rather than seeking fulfillment in ownership” Wayne Dyer Living the Tao.

Living simply with less stuff, is quickly becoming the new black.  Why?  I believe our souls are craving simplicity.

We are realizing owning more stuff does not make us any happier in the long term.  In fact, our stuff can be a burden, suck our time and energy, consume our focus and, cause problems for the environment.

 

Enjoy more. Worry less.

My mantra for this year (2009) is to enjoy more worry less. My plan is simple.  Un-complicate and simplify all things in and around me.

So far this year, not only have I cleared the clutter but I am now in the process of eliminating my excess stuff. Do I really need 6 salad bowls, the extra dinner set or coffee tables?

If you are in any doubt as to whether your stuff complicates your life, I have compiled (what I think to be) six excellent reasons to get rid of your excess stuff (in addition to clutter) and become more mindful about your future purchases.

1: Your stuff takes up more of your time than you think:

Your stuff can drain your energy. Your stuff can demand your attention.  Your stuff can cause you to worry. Your stuff can cost you time and money.

The less things you have to store, clean, insure, repair and look after, the more time you have to do what you love doing.

Life was not meant to be spent buying and looking after stuff, as well as keeping it safe and protected.

Less stuff equals less things to worry about. Only keep stuffthat you absolutely love or use often.

2: The freedom of a Zen environment:

  • You most definitely feel lighter
  • Your mind is clearer, as there is less confusion, over crowding and busyness around you
  • It extra easy to keep neat and tidy
  • It is much easier to find thing
  • Saves you loads of time and energy in cleaning and dusting
  • Less time and money needed on repairs, maintenance and insurance
  • You don’t need as much storage space
  • With less stuff you can live in a smaller more affordable home
  • You enjoy and appreciate what you do have
  • You may even prefer better quality stuff now that you have fewer things
  • Your living and work environment is a joy to be in.  It does not drain you nor cause you to worry

3: Your stuff has global consequences:

I encourage you to watch this very simple yet informative presentation called The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. It will teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

4: A satisfying lifestyle becomes your priority rather than your stuff:

“A fish in the water that is thirsty needs serious professional counseling”  An ancient proverb

As your focus shifts, you release your attachment to your stuff and a whole new world begins to open up for you.

You delve deeper into the real you, the bigger picture of life.

You explore what really brings you inner peace and happiness.  You now value your time.

5: The law of diminishing returns:

The more you have of something or the more you experience a pleasure, the less you notice and enjoy it over time.

The initial rush of enjoyment when buying something new gradually declines with frequent exposure. This is certainly true with children who are overwhelmed with excitement at first, only to find the novelty quickly wears off.

Buying more stuff to make you feel better or as quick pick me up does not offer any lasting satisfaction.

6. Conscious consumption:

Switch from mindless or addictive consumption to conscious consumption.

The simpler you live the more conscious you become about your spending choices. You value each purchase. You have a greater awareness as to the consumable items environmental impact and effect on sustainable living.

You buy wisely with the bigger picture in mind. You now consume wisely and consciously.

 

 

Share: