I don’t intentionally practice minimalism. I do not hold much sentiment towards “things”. Most of the things in my house could disappear and I would probably be happy about it. In fact, we got rid of most of our belongings to live “van life” style for a few years when our kids were younger. We had to abide by a strict “one thing in one thing out” rule when it came to buying anything new and chose to use our dollars on experiences rather than things. But whether we lived in an RV, a tiny apartment, or a house, we still seem to use every square inch. So no, I do not think I am a minimalist. But I am striving to create a slow living lifestyle.
Minimalism vs Slow Living
The way I see it, is minimalism and slow living are the same in that they both are about being intentional. They are both about learning to recognize what in your life brings you joy and what is just noise. It’s a mindset shift either way to push past the consumerist ideology and question what really matters.
With minimalism, the focus is on design and what you bring into your life. Less is better. It is about finding the pleasure in the negative space. And, once you do, you won’t want to cutter it up.
Slow living on the other hand, is more about how you live your life. Yes, you will naturally become more minimalist in that you will choose how you spend your money more wisely. With the extra thought behind your dollar you will choose quality over quantity and thus end up with less. And, by questioning the role your stuff plays in your quest for simplicity, the choice to have less out of the need to spend less time cleaning and organizing will follow. Read more about the slow movement here.
My thought is the difference between slow living and minimalism is the INTENTION behind the INTENTIONALITY. With minimalism, less is the starting point. You have a clear goal of just having less – less stuff, less stress, a less cluttered life. With slow living, simplicity is your starting point – simple to do list, simple routines, simple ingredients. Yes, you will likely end up with less “stuff” but that isn’t exactly the intention behind creating a slow living lifestyle. Perhaps having more of something in fact makes YOUR life simpler or happier – think holding on to your collection of antique Christmas ornaments passed down through the generations or having two slow-cookers so you can cook extra for leftovers.
Does it Matter?
At the end of the day, what minimalism and slow living has taught us is to be intentional. Stop listening to all the “should’s” society tries to inundate us with. Listen to what your heart is telling you. Sure, having a plush set of guest towels might be nice but is it worth the space in your linen closet. And yes, a stark white kitchen with empty countertops is beautiful in a magazine but if that is not the way you live, go ahead and leave the toaster on the counter.
I wouldn’t call my life slow or minimal yet but I am on the slow journey towards it. I am starting to appreciate how being intentional can relieve stress. Choosing to say no to things that don’t fit into our life at the moment and not feeling guilty about it. Conforming to society’s idea of what a successful life looks like on the outside never sat right with me. I am through striving for perfection and ready to stop to appreciate what is, flaws and all. Striving authenticity over perfection.
Ready to start living more intentionally? Take the Slow Living Challenge.
Is there some part of your life you naturally strive to be slower? When do you try to be most intentional?
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