#120 - Minimalism revisited
Via the Simple Happy Zen podcast I discovered a book called ‘Goodbye Things’ by Fumio Sasaki.
I thought it would be a revisit of things I already knew but wanted to read it anyway.
I was refreshingly surprised. Yes, it did have a lot of things I already knew. But not only did it remind me about what I already knew, but it gave me fresh insights about minimalism as a lifestyle.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone. I don’t necessarily agree with 100% of what he says but that’s ok. We are after all, two very different people and lives.
He is a 35-year-old Japanese bachelor. I am a 60-year-old world nomad with a relatively lifestyle and upbringing. 😊.
As many may know about me, I am not one who likes to proselytize. Having said that, I believe strongly in the concept of minimalism and essentialism, both from a material aspect and from a mental point of view. The reason I write about it is because I see so many benefits from adopting these paradigms that I just want to share and hope it will help other people.
It is clear that the book was originally written in Japanese then translated. Don’t let that bother you. It is perfectly readable.
The point about minimalism that runs through the book, and that is worth repeating here, is that minimalism is LIBERATING.
The less one owns, the less you have to worry about. I have certainly found that to be true. And it is not just true of physical objects, but mental clutter and relationships.
The other thing? Don’t be sent on any guilt trip by the plethora of pristine minimalist inspired images that abound on the web. Including the one for this blog article 😊. Execute in your own way and as best you can. And be happy with that.
“But whether or not someone is actually living with us, we all have a roommate. We call them “Our Things.” And the space they need is far beyond that half or full tatami mat I just described. We all would like to live in a nice, spacious home. But when you really think about it, we just want to allow Our Things to live in a comfortable environment. And what do we get in return? Our Things aren’t going to pitch in with the rent, and they aren’t going to help us take care of the household chores. Instead, they create extra work for us. Do we really want to continue to pay the rent for them? It’s wiser to kick them out.”
The quote at the right resonates with something my close friend said to me recently. I have been discussing my house plan with him and he remarked that “Everybody always overestimates the space they need when building a house.” And I must agree. Living here with him in Nevada has been a real learning experience. My bedroom is only 156 ft2 and the attached bathroom about 45 ft2. And I spend 80% of my time in that space. Not being some weird hermit or anything, it is just a very comfortable space.
Back when I first started planning a house for myself 10-15 years ago, [and I have the records to prove it 😊], I was looking at 3500 – 5000 ft2. Wow! I guess minimalism wasn’t a strong factor for me in those days.
Over the last few months I had been looking at about 1400ft2. Why? Not sure. I just always seem to round up.
In the last few weeks, living in this very small space, I see no reason that 700ft2 wouldn’t be just fine. A large rectangular shell, with 2 bathrooms, and the rest open space for sleeping, office, kitchen and sitting area. And … If I do have guests, build a front porch with glass for entertaining 😊.
Just to show how my size requirements have change - the squares are to scale
However – to clarify, I have tried to design with flexibility in mind. If I do decide that I will have a fair amount of people visiting, easy solution; put up a nice guest yurt in the back yard. Want a large sauna? Buy a self-contained sauna and put it close to the house. Really need a garage? Again – put up a small separate building.
**Worth noting – I had originally thought I would have a house in Asia somewhere and that I would have a partner and household staff. In addition, I did somewhat think I might entertain and have possible house guests. Plus, I used to cook a lot. Over the last 5 – 10 years that has changed to living alone, not cooking very much, and being pretty sure that I will spend more time in North America.
All my urging on minimalism not withstanding I have decided to purchase a standing desk to see if it will help with my back. Only in the states for 2 months and I have acquired 6 pieces of furniture. Mattress, standing desk, office chair, wire frame shelves, TV, desk lamp. Ah well … I’m doing the best I can.
Have a great day and try that book! 😊