Finding Inner Harmony: The Self-Evident Reality of Minimalism

Posted on October 3, 2010, 12:03 am, by Nina, under Minimalism.

Minimalism is not about deprivation or discomfort. Rather, it is about bringing to light nature’s inner essence through grasping the self-evident reality that all we ever need in this world, we already have.

When one thinks of minimalism, what comes to mind?

Is it an empty, white room with nothing in it at all, much less a spot of dirt?

Is it owning less than 100 things? The number in which we strive to be under?

Is it about finding balance and peace within our lives? Of committing to less?

It can be all of these things or none of these things. You define it as you see fit in your life.

Minimalism is not about deprivation or discomfort. Rather, it is about bringing to light nature’s inner essence through grasping the self-evident reality that all we ever need in this world, we already have.

A stone is a stone, a tree a tree. Likewise, you are you and I am me.

Your findings in what allows you to be at peace with yourself and your surroundings will be much different than my findings. This is perfectly natural.

While one person reveres the simple beauty and elegance that various flowers and plants have, another may not find as enlightening. And while one person finds a sense of calmness sitting still and looking out into the vast ocean, another can find calmness amidst a busy and crowded train station in New York City.

Everyone’s definition is different. What is yours?

There is an art to minimalism. A great resource is Everett Bogue’s . Or the ever popular guide to a minimalist life by Leo Babauta, . However you define minimalism in your life, make it your self-evident reality.

This is the beginning of a series of posts entitled Finding Inner Harmony leading up to the launch of my new ebook, The Radical Minimalist: Taking Your Thinking and Life to the Extreme! on 10.10.10. I hope you enjoy this and will come back on the 10th to check out the new ebook.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share with others. Follow me on . See you soon, my friends. :)

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  • http://twitter.com/BLWMedia BLW Media

    looking forward to reading your ebook! Nice post Nina!nn

  • Paige of Redefining Wealth

    I like it that you don’t push a particular definition of minimalism on your readers. Everyone is on a different path and everyone will find their own way and your blog is a great inspiration to those on the path. My definition of minimalism is clearing away all the excess so I can enjoy doing the things I truly love. One example is yoga. I practice almost everyday and I find the time to do it because I’ve given up a lot of material possessions that demanded way too much upkeep. I’m not still not where I would like to be but I’m a work in progress! :)

  • Jerome

    I find that minimalism to me is really just focusing and deciding on what is important to living a fulfilling life, and leaving out the excess. For example, not having a car in Los Angeles is doable, but riding a bike to the mountains to go snowboarding for the day, not so much. I’ve stumbled upon minimalism recently almost by accident, so I’m still implementing it into my day to day life.

  • https://castlesintheair.org Nina | Castles in the Air

    Aren’t we all, Paige? A work in progress? Great way to view our lives as we define the paths we’ve chosen for our lifestyle! Glad to hear Yoga is balancing you, in way of clearing away the clutter in order to leave room for the extraordinary. :) Keep up the great work!!

  • https://castlesintheair.org Nina | Castles in the Air

    Awesome, thanks!!

  • https://castlesintheair.org Nina | Castles in the Air

    Hey Jerome! Whether it’s accidental or with purpose, minimalism as a lifestyle is a great choice for one to discover for him/herself. Continue focusing on what you love to do; forget the rest!

  • mike

    Hey Nina,nI have (very) recently quit a high paying ‘career’ job to follow my passion. nTo me, minimalism means not having to worry about ‘stuff’ and ‘things’ and having the freedom to move at a moments notice. nI have donated and sold most of my unwanted things but am finding getting rid of hobby/sports stuff (snowboards), that I used to love but no longer use, is the hardest thing as they were once the most important thing to me and not cheap!. nI find that donating to charity/giving away things to people who can reuse them gives me that ‘warm feeling’ but I am feeling under pressure deciding the ‘best’ way to pass them on. (I hope this makes some sense?).nnKeep up the great work and good luck with your plans.nnMike

  • http://www.Lifestyleignition.com Mark

    Nina, you described this awesome! You dispel that stereotype that minimalism means being uncomfortable. Because of the methodical marketing and consumerism consumption indoctrination, the first thought is that less things means less happiness. SO NOT TRUE!!!nnAlso, Mike you said this perfect, “not having to worry about ‘stuff’ and ‘things’ and having the freedom to move at a moments notice.” To me that freedom is pure bliss.

  • https://castlesintheair.org/blog/2010/10/08/finding-inner-harmony-5-starbursts-of-minimalist-zen-wisdom/ Castles in the Air » Blog Archive » Finding Inner Harmony: 5 Starbursts of Minimalist Zen Wisdom

    [...] is the third and final post in a series entitled Finding Inner Harmony. Read the first post The Self-Evident Reality of Minimalism and the second post The Tranquility of Zen. I hope you enjoyed this series and do come back on [...]

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