How Did I Discover Minimalism?

My journey into minimalism was initiated by my partner. For years, I had a habit of accumulating items, often with the justification of preserving memories or for future use. Impulse buying was also a frequent habit. My perspective began to shift after watching Marie Kondo's shows and the documentary "Minimalism," which led me to reflect more about my lifestyle choices. Throughout this process, my partner also shared information he had learned about minimalism and I gradually developed my own practice.

What is Minimalism?

According to Joshua Fields Millburn, T.K. Coleman, and Ryan Nicodemus—collectively known as The Minimalists— "Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution." The philosophy is not about living with less than 100 things or giving up your car; rather, it's about making more deliberate decisions about what to keep in your life and why.

The Intersection with Yoga Principles

The concept of minimalism aligns well with the yoga niyama of Saucha, which emphasizes cleanliness. Saucha is not just about physical cleanliness but extends to mental and emotional hygiene as well. For me, this means being mindful of how I care for my body, mind, and living environment. The outward behavior of cleaning and decluttering supports me in turning inward for exploration. The act of decluttering also allows me to reflect on my values and intentions, allowing me to create a more harmonious environment for myself. I used to think that living in a small apartment meant I didn't need to pay much attention to my space. However, I've realized that my "dream home" is a state of mind. By letting go of items that don't serve me, I create a space that nurtures my well-being.

The Ongoing Process

Minimalism to me is a continual cycle of decluttering and intentional purchasing. Here are some practices I've implemented that have helped me:

• Seasonal Wardrobe Checks: At the end of each season, I review my clothes to assess fit, condition, and emotional connection. I let go of clothes that no longer serve a purpose and keep items that I love and that fit my lifestyle. I also make a note of items I want to purchase for the upcoming season. This helps to keep my closet organized and ensure that I'm only buying items I love and need. I've learned to create a capsule wardrobe which really helps me organize my clothes.
• Daily Cleaning: I engage in short cleaning intervals daily to maintain a tidy environment. I realized that having less stuff makes my cleaning times shorter so I can focus on other things I enjoy.
• Periodic Inventory: Periodically, I review my belongings to identify items that haven't been used in over a year and evaluate whether I should keep them or let them go. Recently, I've let go of excess kitchen items that I no longer use.
• Organized Living: Inspired by @thebarthouse on Instagram, I assign a specific place for each item, making it easier to tidy things.

These are just a few examples of how I declutter my space. Intentionally practicing minimalism and saucha has given me the opportunity to expand my time to focus more on my values. These are still practices that I am learning more about and I'll continue to share more. I'd love to hear more about how you practice minimalism or saucha in your life.

Larissa is the founder of Evergroundz. She began Evergroundz for individuals to cultivate their inner wisdom through yoga, meditation, and wellness practices, while navigating life experiences with compassion and confidence. You can find her on Instagram @evergroundz.