@Denny Regarding the commercialized minimalism espoused by self-appointed gurus, I recently came across a post by blogger Carl Phillips which resonated with me. Phillips advises that we adopt a simple lifestyle, but one that is tailored to our own circumstances.By removing distractions and focussing on what truly matters, we can gradually create our own optimal version of simplicity.
By doing so, we can lead a simpler life that is less influenced by consumerism.
It does not necessarily mean, however, that you desire to lead a more sustainable lifestyle simultaneously, as you recognize the need to halt the burning and depletion of fossil fuels and other resources, environmental contamination, and degradation of the Earth's biodiversity. I guess sustainable living is not just a matter of lifestyle, but also one of economics and politics.
@Denny Really great post, Denny, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of them. This is the problem I’m still struggling with—pursuit of happiness. Perhaps it’s time to start crafting a life I want to live, instead of constantly relying on external factors to be happy. As you rightly point out, those factors are fleeting at best.
@Denny Good thoughts.As you say, nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, but not if that equates to 'more, more, more'. I was just pondering yesterday on how 'recycling' is a current drive, but back in my youth the phrase was actually (my emphasis) 'reduce, reuse, recycle'.
@ovr I'll check the post, thanks for sharing it. And agreed on your point about sustainability. For many it just seems to be a lifestyle or, in some cases, just a consideration of design and decoration. The internet is full of people touting the minimalism of their desk or home decor.
Ha, minimalism as a term is quite sloppy and complicated!
@pimoore I'm looking forward to writing more, already started. A focus on personal happiness seems trivial when compared to a broader understanding of meaningful life. A life not about happiness, but a life about being a part of a larger whole. Belonging in and to the world.
@Denny I love your writing. I just want to come out and say this: it both inspires and sometimes shames me in a good way and keeps me honest with a lot of my decision making. and I agree with this undue focus on happiness that's purely a product of consumerism with very little to do with actual quality of life. I'm happy to have found a partner who shares my worldview of, maybe not minimalism, but of being (mostly) satisfied with the little things in life instead of being shackled to the "American dream"