I know the idea of minimalism can be daunting to many of my followers and fans who struggle with clutter and find their home and space to be so far from minimalist. This poem by current minimalism star Joshua Fields Milburn takes it to a zen place. One that I hope will give you ease and inspiration. The heart of clearing clutter and living minimal is the same. It’s about letting go, being with your inner strength, releasing attachments. Here’s how he puts it down:
Minimalism Is Not
By Joshua Fields Millburn
Minimalism is not interested in what you have.
You can buy the “best” bag, bookcase, boots,
but none of that will fill the void.
And minimalism is not concerned with what you don’t have.
“Look, ma—no things!”
Because owning nothing doesn’t remove the void.
Minimalism is not busy with doing something.
Decluttering, organizing, and paring down don’t work
unless you first find peace in doing without.
And minimalism is not focused on becoming something—
job titles and achievements merely generate a thirst for more.
Instead, a minimalist focuses on being—
being someone who returns to the natural order,
to the default state of thriving with less.
This does not involve simplifying “tips” or “how-to” guides.
It requires a deep understanding that you were born simple.
Society, culture, and media have dragged you away from your nature.
You’ve been told to improve that which doesn’t need improvement.
You’ve been convinced that you are lacking.
You’ve been hypnotized into believing that you are incomplete.
These are lies told to exploit you.
To sell you something.
But the Truth won’t be found in any store.
It is unearthed in less.
The Truth awaits in the pause between stillness and awareness,
in surrendering to the absence of wanting more.
It cannot be conjured with the swipe of a credit card.
Simplicity is not a task—
minimalism is not a destination—
it’s everything that remains when you
let go of the attachment to every thing.