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Is Minimalism a Fad?

12/13/2021

2 Comments

 
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Recently someone asked me if I thought Minimalism is a fad.

First of all, I live simply, consciously, because it matches my values, one of which is living in integrity with my values! To me, the term “Minimalism” smells like embarking on actions that will be prohibitive and draining of life’s colors. That said, as someone who has chosen to live simply for decades, I do feel authorized to respond to the spirit of the question.
So, Is Minimalism A Fad?
Maybe for some, who enter into it for the “wrong” reasons, minimalism is a fad.
Wrong reasons would include: guilt, “shoulds”, following the crowd, coming from a place of lack and poverty thinking, rebellion against parents, authority figures and modern western society.

Do you Have First World Guilt?
I did. When I came to Mexico in 2006 to live in a small traditional community, I was constantly apologizing for “my people.” I wore traditional dress to show respect, to fit and, and with the hope of not being identified as one of “them.” “Them” being those people from el norte who have been ruining the world for centuries through patriarchal, masculine (energy not gender necessarily), left brain, technological, spirituality-denying focus — motivated by the desire to control nature.

I recently wrote an article about the annual Virgin of Guadalupe celebration in Mexico and a conversation I overheard at the pre-dawn procession, naming “us” (the Outsiders) as the culprit for the low attendance. It brings tears to my eyes now, remembering what was said. Because I agree.

Realizing I carried the guilt of my culture on my shoulders as a martyr, I have released that way too heavy load to a large extent. It is akin to modern Germans carrying the “sins” of their ancestors involved with the Holocaust: they are Germans, but they didn’t commit the actions and don’t necessarily agree with them.

I do maintain my awareness and sentiments, however. Many of my life choices come from the painful consciousness regarding the inharmonious, disrespectful behaviours of my western heritage toward (or away from) the earth.

I live as I do because I want to, it brings me peace, joy and connection with myself and nature and the ancient sustainable life ways. Also, I live simply on purpose with a sense of responsability.

It is important to discern and untangle responsibility with guilt and shoulds. This is related to why I bristle at the term, “Minimalism”: I don’t want to live “right” out of a sense of obligation or paying for the sins of my ancestors. I want to live “right for me” out of a desire for self-respect and living the most fulfilling life possible. For myself and for the earth as the unique expression of All that I am.

Are You Secretly Wanting to be Cool, Still?
If you’re wanting to become a Minimalist because others are doing it, I invite you to check in with yourself and ask:
• Do the people I know or read about who are Minimalists seem happy, joyous and free?
• Do I feel from them an intellectual superiority that is appealing, but not what really feeds me?
• Does being accepted and belonging trump listening to my own sensibilities, best impulses and most luscious dreams?
• What is it about Minimalism appeals to me and what parts, if any, will make me feel how I want to feel, moving me toward my most gorgeous, alive life?

Do You Deserve Abundance, Prosperity and Stuff?
This is a big one. In observing the implicit patterns, ruts and behaviors that come with being part of the mainstream, you may naturally feel disgust and repulsion. Maybe what you see and have lived hurt your heart because you know there’s a better, saner, healthier way.

Sometimes, as part of the martyr stance, one can feel material possessions are necessarily bad. I heartily disagree. It is important to recognize what you love, what ignites you, what your talents and gifts are. And in this recognition, you may need “things” to support, help and make possible your development as the best “X” you can be. So, no need to deny certain “stuff” nor to feel guilty for wanting or having them.

Another issue around money and stuff could be anger at your family and society for “what they’ve done.” How they’ve led you astray or didn’t lead you properly or wisely as you deserved. So you reject them. “I’m not playing your game with your rules.” Is this true for you? If so, with time, I invite you to look toward the light and consider: Are you making decisions in order to move toward or away from something?

I have learned something over these decades of living simply: I am physical, living in a physical world. It may all be illusion, but this is the illusion, the game that I’m in. I’m part of it all, and I was created in this Universe, on this planet, with my sensitivities and creative bents. I’m valid just as anyone else is. Even more, I am the only me that will ever exist. So it is my job to follow the breadcrumbs, my heart, and open doors, in order to give to the planet my own unique expression – for my growth, and for the betterment of my home, Earth.
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Living Juicily
There are those who could be entering into minimalistic practices, such as scaling down possessions drastically, that will end up miserable, depressed, and feeling deprived — and who might have thought it was a noble or the “right” act, but in fact might be missing the point by starving their souls.

I believe life is best lived juicily — embracing passionately what brings you joy, fulfillment, a sense of purpose, being on the right track for you at any given time, following your bliss and talents, longings and breadcrumbs.

Respecting the Earth Naturally
At the same time, I believe a life in connection to yourself, the universe and your place in the world, will naturally lead to or include a loving awareness of and respect for the earth — our planet, our mother, our home, sustainer and giver of our life and all we have. With this consciousness, I believe one contacts a natural desire to use resources with care and appreciation, selecting what one uses with care, taking those elements, materials, products and what they provide for your life — as gifts.

Values Enter the Picture
That is why coming into contact with what you believe, your values, how you think life is best lived and having the courage to take steps into that — is a crucial part of an intentional, fulfilling, true-to-you life.

That is part of why I wrote Calling Myself Home: Living Simply, Following Your Heart and What Happens When You Jump, and it is what motivates me to serve the world as I do — through my writing, coaching, courses, and in the works — simple living retreats in Mexico.

Right now, for you, and for a limited time, in order to support you in harnessing the clarity and courage to live your life both simply and abundantly, I'm offering How To Skillfully Managing These Times We're Living In  for only $12.99!  Check it out here and by clicking the image below.

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2 Comments
Trish
12/15/2021 07:02:55 am

hello my friend, I delight in finding these in my email just at the time when I need them. Guilt or mindful living is for me a great question. Being a long past Catholic with guilt in my bones has been and I'm guessing something to keep my eye on for the rest of my days. I too remember what it was like living in Mexico with the knowing of what and where I came from...over the years I have come to find a gentle letting go of the guilt and embracing all..making no judgements and knowing that my birth country holds positive along with negative energy as did my chosen country of Mexico. Now to the question of living simply...I choose it as you say because it fits me. I found it while living in Mexico and brought it back with me to the states. I like the way if feels inside me...the expanse of space it brings...knowing that I am doing my small part in living what I hope is a sustainable life. Always the question could i be doing more....I must be sure that in answering that question it comes from a place of truth for me and not the join the in crowd or guilt. Your writings are always thought provoking and now as we approach the holiday season here where everyone is running out and shopping, it comes just when we can check in and ask the questions for ourselves. Thank you dear one...happy solstice season love you so much, Trish

Reply
Robin
12/20/2021 01:13:32 pm

Hi Trish,
Thanks as always for sharing your own reflections that get stirred and rise to the surface upon reading my sharings.
That you brought your own brand of simple living back with you to the States is a small and subtle way that by living your truth, you are also serving as a model - which we know may or may not ignite someone else's consciousness - and nor is that the purpose - but still, it is the truth as I see it. In this way, you are doing your "small" part for yourself and maybe there will be the added benefit of impacting someone else's way of living as well. Bonus!

I wonder if like me, with more time living in this life, I'm arriving with so much greater ease, that I know my heart is good, my actions regarding how I live from and for love, and in alignment with my values.

With time, my values have expanded to now include the okayness of appropriate and helpful physical comfort, too. I allow myself certain luxuries "even though," and feel okay about it, because I do my part for the planet. Of COURSE it could always be so much more, but I am now comfortable with my choices and ways. It is enough. I love the planet and I believe she knows that.

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    Robin Rainbow Gate

    I help people midlife and beyond to find their inner power, health and well being through slow, conscious living


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  • Home
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