mi-a placut azi:
Chopping Wood and Carrying Water
By miss minimalist
I’ve been interviewed countless times over the past year, and frequently asked “What is minimalism?” More often than not, the reporter is looking for something dramatic, something newsworthy, something extreme. And more often than not, my answer disappoints them.
Why? Because in my opinion, minimalism is not about being radical or awesome or extraordinary.
It’s not about reducing your entire life to a hard drive, or interacting with the world through your iPhone.
It’s not about quitting your day job, traveling the world, or selling ebooks from a tropical beach.
It’s not about living in a sleek loft with three pieces of designer furniture.
It’s not daring, nor dramatic, nor even all that difficult.
What is minimalism then?
It’s eliminating the excess.
It’s asking “why” before you buy.
It’s embracing the concept of enough.It’s living lightly and gracefully on the Earth.
It’s uncovering who you are when all of the logos, brand names, and clutter are stripped away.
It’s simple, it’s ordinary, and it’s accessible to everyone – even those whose lives are filled with kids, pets, laundry, and junk mail.
I’m reminded of the saying, “Zen is chopping wood and carrying water.” In other words, the world of enlightenment is none other than our everyday world.
In the same way, minimalism is chopping wood and carrying water. It’s cooking dinner, doing the dishes, paying the bills, and playing with our kids – no radical lifestyle changes necessary.
It’s simply going about our daily lives with a new clarity, and awareness, and appreciation. It’s cherishing the experiences that fill our days, rather than the stuff.
That’s not an answer that makes national headlines or the evening news. But it makes for happier, kinder, and more contented souls.
http://www.missminimalist.com/2011/03/chop...s+minimalist%29