NRM Our Brains Are Wired For Minimalism
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today we will talk just a little about the mental implications of minimalism and how our brains are wired to seek it out in a world of chaos. I hope you will join me for the process!
A couple of Instagram accounts I follow that feature square format, monochrome, minimalist images are these:
AOWS: / aows
Incredible Minimal: / incredible_minimal
Find me everywhere I am on the Internet here: timchilders.bio.link.
I started this channel in order to document life as it gets lived. It's about where I live, how I live, where I travel, why I travel, and so much more. Eclectic is a good word for the content to be found here. I hope you will come along for the ride!
Thanks. This must be why I feel more relaxed in a hotel room. I thought it was because I was on vacation but maybe it’s because of the lack of “stuff”.
Could be! I hadn’t thought of that. :)
A thought-provoking video. As you spoke, I thought of a giant wall clock in my living area that has always made the room feel a bit “off.” I also thought about one or two people in my life who disturb my serenity with all their drama. The minimalist mindset can have many applications. I am an introvert by nature and only recently began noticing the effects these outside distractions can have.
It is a process for me. Not easy, but worth it.
Agreee with you and feel the same.
I'm having the same issues. I like my peace and quiet.
Get rid of the clock...maybe sell it?
nope...retirement gift....@@rhodatuckey7119
I'm an introverted person. All my life I've wanted to be alone and live in very empty spaces. It most likely stems from being in a family of 9 other individuals. NOT a very relaxing life.
I enjoy your very laid-back style.
Cheers
I once read, clutter is often a response to some sort of trauma. That’s a great motivation to have a clear out. My enemy is dust! 😂
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I'm a big believer in negative space in my home. I love the uncluttered look.
Tim, I think your term essentialism is what drew me to your channel initially. I wouldn't click on a minimalist video. I agree less is more however curating your space with what is essential in mind - is very motivating to me.
The two terms can work side by side. At least in my mind. Essentialism is a much more life involved term. Minimalism helps us focus. I plan to do more with both terms along the way. Thank you for your comment!
As a non native English speaker I really appreciate that you speak slow and I don't care about the "ahmm" "ehmmm" it just makes it more real, love the video Tim!
A unique way to consider a minimalist way of living through the lens of monochrome photography.
I loved the effect of your presentation.
Thank you.
I’m not a photographer but I am an artist. It was interesting how many of your photography comments apply to art. It was great to notice how much of this applies to stream lining our home environment. I have never connected the art and my home in this same way. Loved this! Also enjoy your voice and pace. Thank you!❤
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I so appreciate you talking slowly. I feel calm when listening to your precious content. While some TH-camrs have valuable content, the fact they speak so fast in attempt to get more content in, I get a headache and ultimately leave the video. I wish more you tubers will take your approach of giving viewers a more peaceful and relaxing experience. Thank you again.
So true. Now I get why I feel so much better in an emptier room. But some people are hard wired to fill a space, don't you think? Thats our struggle.
It’s abundance vs. simplicity. Some people crave visual abundance. It makes them feel secure and calm when they can have, and see all of their stuff. Some people crave visual simplicity. They like having less stuff. It makes them feel focused, and therefore calm.
I used to like having a bunch of my things around me because it made me feel secure and now I feel the opposite. I’ve been on a decluttering journey because having a lot of “stuff” around makes me feel like I can’t breathe. Funny how that happens 😂
I am not sure I agree. I am a visual clutterbug (butterfly), so if stuff is behind closed doors, it disappears. I am also a recovering hoarder that very much fills space to make it caccoon-like when my mental state isn't great. Hoarding definitely, but I think in some ways filling space with lots of stuff is almost always a trauma response. Whether it is something like my Grandma who had gone through the Great Depression, or me who had sexual abuse trauma as a kid. Mom had a lot of stuff, but it was manageable and possibly more a learned thing from growing up with Grandma. Even aesthetic choices that are naturally more filled (bohemian or boho comes to mind) still have continuity and movement so you move through it like his minimalistic square pictures.
As a side note, when I realized I got anxious in rooms that were very open, I started filling space by painting walls darker colors (plums and brick and blues) and using larger furniture to visually create the cozy caccoon feel without the debt or backsliding on decluttering.
@@GoingGreenMom I get what you mean, for some its a learned thing. Both my parents lived thru the Depression. I had to unlearn their attachment to things that I was taught to appreciate. My aunt became one of those hoarders like you see on those shows. That fear of losing things and, for example, that a small piece of string is worth keeping, or keeping every pair of worn out shoes....just in case you lose all the others.
Wow your video brought to my attention why two pieces of furniture in my living room are giving me anxiety. A very large couch no one sits on and a large TV unit with a broken TV in it. I told my daughter I have to get it out of the house it's bringing me anxiety. She couldn't understand why and I couldn't explain. I wanted a room that made me feel calm. And not focused on the two pieces that served no purpose. Thank you I enjoy your videos.
I am a photographer living in the countryside where we have created a hillside garden which is very much green all year, landscaped with stone walls, stream and ponds, seats made from tree trunks and slate. Features of black iron, huge stones, small stones, anythng natural which appeals to us. We love it, but a visitor remarked "Too green"😊 We love our stuff indoors, plenty of colour, no clutter, but definitely not minimalist. Having said all this, the most beautiful birds in our British garden are greys and browns, set against a backdrop of ever changing hues.
Sounds lovely! I can almost visualize it 😊
Too green??? Not possible in the garden or landscape. Your hillside garden sounds absolutely delightful.
Slice of paradise!
Strange thing is, I suppose it's a kind of essentialism, which I hadn't thought about before. My husband is 79 this month, and has suffered lifelong health issues, but this is what keeps us going, keeping things manageable on a shoestring. With the world as it is, we need to make our own paradise, and for us it is love of nature as well as looking out for the good around us, including a smile and chat with a very occasional meeting with someone on the same path in life. Tools out today to do some serious hedging, no sittin' around in paradise!
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Thanks Tim for your thoughts. Definitely uplifting! In today's world, it's nice to walk into a home that welcomes calm in the space. No signs to read, no distractions to muddle through, just space between the lines.
My earliest memory of being attracted to minimalism was when I was around 8 years old and reading the series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I just loved the thought of living in a little log cabin home and having few possessions. Thinking about it made me feel very peaceful. Then when I was older I had the opportunity to visit some historic colonial homes, and then later still, to visit the home of an old order Amish family. All three experiences gave me that same warm, peaceful feeling. I’ve embraced that as an adult. Being a minimalist is part of the very fibre of my being.
Thanks for a thoughtful video!
As a retired educator who taught art related subjects to many people from different cultures, I found that much like written languages are printed and read in different directions on the page, cultures can have different senses of balance, light/dark and color. With this in mind, I don't think that everyone is hardwired to respond the same way to specific environments, colors or light and even smell. I believe that these responses are learned through experience from as young as pre-language and stays to direct choices the individual makes though out their life. Selecting color, tonality, visual formats (square/landscape/portrait) to produce tranquility is a very personal preference. Childhood and life experiences can create the foundation for what an individual appreciates. At a cultural level, it's amazing to see how much Occidental principles guide western culture, however not everyone globally thinks and feels the same way as western cultures do (thankfully!).
Same in western countries. In interior design we moved from the grey decade to the off-white phase and everything was black and white.
Now colours and warmth is coming back. I dread the time, when there will be everywhere flower prints like 150 years ago. Peoples living in the desert have many colours. But in humid countries too. In the western world the trends come and go and we don't understand, how people could love their dated furniture.
I agree with you. I have found that the less clutter and build up of stuff is pleasing to my eye and my mind.
I do like black and white photos - but for me, shades of green are calming. I need color to feel happy - greys and blacks and blues leave me feeling melancholy, which I am prone to. I am working on decluttering and reducing “stuff with no purpose”, but for me, calm and serenity is in nature - trees and grasses and flowers. Which makes me think - that is really where I should go with home decor.
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Thank you Tim for the analogy, the explanation behind photography and its psychology. Now, i will be able to look at a picture with a different eye. Yes, i agree 💯 less is better, soothing and relaxing colors are better. This video helped me relax from all the bad news going around the media. Thank you.
Our grandparents didn’t have much stuff…but…subsequent generations have had many more inexpensive retail opportunities. The result is that most of us have acquired a lot of stuff over the years. In our grandparents day, having more things was a luxury. In the current times of overstuffed houses and schedules, having less is a luxury. I love the open spaces in my house…and you’re right…negative space is calming…and committing to less unnecessary distractions gives back precious time.
This video hit home. A few months ago I moved away from an unhealthy, chaotic living situation. My theme for my new place is minimize, simplify, do without. I have given away and donated 20+ boxes and bags of things that I do not need - and I am not quite done yet. I have always been tidy, yet have had too much “stuff” around me. I am retired, and I need calm in my life. Thank you for sharing such an important message with the world.
I just thought I would write and tell you how much I enjoy your videos. You have a very relatable and calming presence. After watching your latest video, I think part of that may be intentional by the way you construct them, but I think there is also more to it than that. I seem to be drawn to Vlogs where they talk about themselves and what’s happening in their life. (Kara and Nate, The Frey Life, Eamon & Bec to name a few). Even though since they are all much younger and doing activities that I would never EVER consider, I am drawn to their Vlogs because they also let their guard down and talk about themselves and what they are thinking about what they’re doing. They don’t just present facts, they talk about how the facts affect them personally. They talk to their viewers like they are talking to a friend. So even though I will never do what they are doing or talk to them personally, I get to glimpse into the life of someone I consider a friend; if only for 5-10 minutes a week.
You also have a very easy style, a kind laugh and I can also appreciate the new stage of life you are now enjoying. I also hope you will continue to make videos that focus on subjects that you think are important and fun for you and perhaps the story behind them. For example why did you choose to go to that particular park or what happened when you stopped somewhere on your way to have lunch. I know making videos is very time consuming, and I just want to express my appreciation for all that effort and hope that you will continue to enjoy doing it.
Thank you very much for these kind words!
Totally agree. Your comment gives language to what I’ve felt.
Same. Really have been enjoying Tim’s content!
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👍 Your channel is set to ZOOM, Tim. You're really a great communicator, even though you don't think so, but your education and creative photography experience has you thinking outside the box. In fact? In reality, you are saying that THERE IS NO BOX. This is very helpful for those of us out here who were taught to color between the lines in Life. As a collective, we're looking for answers, to connect the dots. You help us with that - not in our faces, but you're generous with things our own dads didn't know, didn't share. We thank you, sir. RESPECT.
So true!
Part of the reason your videos are so likable is that you know how to speak and teach to draw us all in 🧲and you deliver some unique material. Thank you! 💯 A+
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Thank you for that thought provoking video. I am in never-ending dance between minimalism, essentialism and just be me! Love a calm environment for most of the time and then I just throw a colour party like never before, sometimes for a reason, Christmas sometimes it is because it is a rainy cold Tuesday. Both of these styles can co-exist, cabinets have doors for a reason...Admittedly takes a very sensitive balance to get there but once I got ruthless with decluttering I can do me.
I never gave any thought as to why I was attracted to black & white photos. I think you explained it very well.
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I talk slower because I’m country and southern and that is in my blood😂 This is an interesting discussion and I will be honest, I have never paid attention to this before but now you have me looking at it.
Thank you Tim, this is what I needed today to remind me why I started looking into and participating in minimalism.
The soul does need to relax, and listening to your voice is calming. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I heard somewhere that leaving good sized space between pictures give the person viewing them a place to rest their eyes. Personally I have found a large collection of pictures in multiple sized frames jammed together is not calming/relaxing - for me anyways. Thank you for this post.
Great topic. I love color but I agree a monochromatic scheme makes a space much more peaceful. I've been aiming for a blue/green french country twist on that with the occasional pink room. You can apply this to just about any style you like in your clothing, home, anywhere.
This makes a lot of sense. The sitting room with less stuff in became a quieter place. I wish the rest was as easy, but then thoseare linked to an unwell soul.
I've started my minimalist journey. I find that I don't need that much, but I still don't like white walls. Even in hospitals they've given up white walls, because it makes you sick. So I will keep my color but I try to make it more linear with everything else.
Turning the lights off removes everything in my place. Very calming.
Not the most relevant comment to your vlog …. But was working in Cleveland last week and took some time to “cruise” through Chattanooga at the end of my work …. What a GORGEOUS part of the country ….. lovely weather, spectacular views and just lovely!!!! You’ve chosen a gorgeous destination for your retirement - and - thanks tor the sense of calm!!!!!!! Breathing
Great video, Tim. I am constantly purging items from our home in my desire to create more streamlined, peaceful environment. But I still look around and feel like there is just TOO MUCH STUFF. It is definitely a work in progress.
Love this video .I got rid of the doily’s ,the ( stuff) and I have just what we need no more no less. And we love the new uncluttered look .
Finished the video - to the end - had to go back and like it. Mission accomplished. Great podcast. Stuff becomes noise to my spirit. Still looking to overcome being a surface abuser. Those horizontal spaces tend to invite coverage …
Black and white makes more sense now. Thanks.
Less is more…. Nice calming video… especially after my mug of #dark roast coffee!!!
Nope.
I'll never be a minimalist. I love and need color in my life. Not to say I don't appreciate black and white but I am not able to relax in a monochrome room.
I am, however, endeavoring to become an essentialist while incorporating minimalism into the mix.
If I ever lose my sight I will not remember shapes. I will remember colors.
Minimalism itself isn't about removing colour from your home. The "neutral homes" you're thinking of are following a "minimalism aesthetic" not minimalism.
That’s a great distinction I failed to make clear in my video. Thank you!
@@TheNewRetiredMeI see where you're coming from with the calm colour palate. I think there are many that gravitate to it - myself included (I hate red, yellow, orange). There are still some that like splashes of colour in their home who end up believing that they can't also own less/be a minimalist if they enjoy colour. They get caught up on "what's allowed" rather than making the concept of minimalism work for them. Another thoughtful video. Thanks Tim!
Thank you.
I found this extremely interesting. Thank you. 😊
Thank you, Tim. I would enjoy seeing additional videos regarding black and white photography.
here some more of his work: th-cam.com/video/X7iLCvGMDFU/w-d-xo.html you will find some in black and white.
Thank you Tim for this! It has made me rethink the photos and art I have on my walls.
Very interesting. When I first encountered the works of Bernd and Hilla Becher, my thoughts were: oh, no colour, just some old industrial buildings, very "frontal." But then you look closer and then you don't want to stop looking.
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Interesting video - I like how you articulate the relationship between mental calm and a simple, well-composed scene. I think this can be achieved even with a more complex colour palette and scene, provided the elements of composition are respected and (to continue your photography analogy) the visual 'noise' is edited - e.g. limit the range of textures, and choose colours and shapes that are harmonious. I live in a very colourful home that is nevertheless calming because it is not cluttered and there are satisfying visual focal points. I have been weeding my stuff lately, and find that getting rid of knick knacks, things associated with sad memories, and things that jar the eye, help to make one's home a happier place.
Nature stuff is relaxing. Pictures in nature, houseplants, etc. People’s respiratory rate and BP go down when in a room decorated those things rather than cars, abstracts, modern art, etc. And of course, not too much. But almost nothing is too stark and not as relaxing either.
I studied with an internationally renowned photographer. Of all the work we did, my favorite was B&W film; tri-X pan. Did my own darkroom work. I’ve taught photoshop, but nothing can match the old fashioned darkroom for truly understanding photographic process and creativity.
Tim, has some beautiful black and white images here: th-cam.com/video/X7iLCvGMDFU/w-d-xo.html
I think human nature leans toward hoarding. You really see it as folks get older and with the elderly. Holds on to things “just in case”. Good video
After the wars it was necessary to prepare for what remained of the future, including retirement. My grandparents were born 1882 and lived well into their nineties, having only that which they could put by for themselves. Unfortunately they were not aware that they were entitled to a govt. pension for most of their retirement because money was not discussed in those days. Older generations I knew of were never in a position to waste.
I have been attracted to B&W photography because I see the world in color and the photos give a different image I can’t see naturally.
wow! love that!
This I love. We get many more people to want to listen when we do talk slower. yes keep it up Tim!
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Being an artist and minimalist I am routinely getting rid of color and things to have more calm in my life. It works perfectly for me and I truly feel I could live with only a few belongings and be happier than I am now so…that is my goal for my future. Love photography also and especially capturing historic barns and log cabins built by those who walked here before us💕
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Enjoyed the video!
Tim - I'm grateful to have stumbled upon your channel. I'm now a subscriber. I love how genuinely surprised you appear that your channel, videos, and content are gaining momentum. Your success has inspired me to start a channel of my own. I'm a 56 year-old healthcare IT professional with a small photography business that my teenage son enjoys helping me with. You've opened my eyes that I too have a lot of life experience that I can share to inspire others and hopefully develop my own following. Thanks for being brave and fighting those internal thoughts that keep all of us from taking chances - and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. I'll send you a link if or when I actually follow thru and create my 1st video. Thanks Tim... Steve in NJ
th-cam.com/video/Jn0f9WPhcbk/w-d-xo.html , his other channel
Thank you for being authentic and interesting!
Educational (I have learned something about photography!), helpful, calming and encouraging - I am inspired to find some decluttering time today. 😊
What a fascinating perspective! Thank you!
Great video as always!
I'm working on it! I'm taking it slow but getting there. Thx for this confirmation of the "why" I decided to take the minimalistic approach even before I found your channel. Thank you!
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Tim, it will be interesting when you go back to look at the analytics next month on this video, to see how it faired. Another TH-camr who greatly expanded his channel recently posted a video on Minimalism...and that video now has 1.2 million views. So, Minimalism is definitely on people's minds now. Maybe as a way to slow down the pace of all of the distractions that are vying for our attention. Very nice video!
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Great video. Helps to explain why fewer things around us brings peace, beyond the obvious cleaning ease gained from no clutter. Thank you for this.
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Thanks a very relaxing watch!
Love the tree pictures on Instagram.
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Always good info for us thank you look forward to
Your next video 😊
Interesting and thought provoking. Thanks for the video.
Wow, what a great subject! Thank you Tim. So glad I discovered your channel 🙂
Another good video.
Thank you! Enjoyed your perspective!
This makes so much sense to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Tim, I absolutely love your description and reasoning behind how we're naturally drawn to certain types of art and photography. Your examples included in the video show how much they are related to creating your/our own personal peaceful space. The examples and illustrations will really help me as I work on my own spaces. So funny that you mentioned your mantle. I am struggling with this, however improving as time goes on. Thanks!
interesting take and thank you for these photos!
This video really was a teaching moment and you made me think and examine my surroundings, very interesting.
Brilliant use of brilliant photographs!
You put my thoughts into words thankyou
I really learned from this video! I can see why you made a great teacher! Thank you, and may the Lord continue to bless your efforts! ❤
I've been following your channel because I have been interested in your perspective, but now that I know you are a fellow photographer I am stoked! Your photographs are beautiful :)
Thank you!
I'm planning on moving and decided to store a lot of personal possessions at another location to make moving day easier on me. The lack of visual cues like books on a shelf create a pretty cool sense of PeaCe. I'm looking down a long empty hallway right now and its depth seems to pop out. I think you're right, I believe we're wired to respond to less. Hmmm
Hmm, guess my wiring is mixed up or just missing entirely! 😂 Great & informative video as always. Thank you for sharing your time & knowledge.
May God bless you in everything that you do.
Thanks for sharing!
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Learning new things everyday! Thanks! 😊
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Such an interesting discussion..thanks
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thank you Tim 🌷
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I am struggling with the neutral pallete for decorating the home .Its no problem for me to get rid of stuff , but I am afraid that the calming grays could be too cold.I want a minimalistic home but at the same time, I want it cozy...how dificult!Thank you for this very interesting video
maybe add a colour?
@@extrememinimalism yes, perhaps a warm calm color like ochre, where I live daylight is mostly cool, it makes everything grayish.Thank you!
Great information to take in and do some reflection. I am an empath and introvert. Although I occasionally enjoy people once in a while, or maybe I should say tolerate, I prefer my alone space and time. At the moment, I am experiencing empath burnout. Too much negativity happening in this world and too many people hurting and suffering. Whew...need calm so will be working on this aspect for myself. Thank you!
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IF whatnots or photos on the mantel make you feel happy keep them. There are levels to minimalism. I read some of your blog posts. Well written. Well explained. Enjoyed your thoughts.
Excellent content! Thank you.
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Tim, for me, your Ruth 1:16 photo fit the lesson of this chat today. Am thinking about where/ how to place it in my home.
Friends of Tim, I encourage you to take a peak at Tim's art and see that it embodies what it is he is sharing with us today. Thank you, Tim for taking the time to share your life experiences with us.
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This is one of my favorite videos you have made. Thank you.
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I have been watching your channel from Paraguay. I love your content!😊
Amazing! From all the world people are coming to this channel! I love it!🙂
I'm not used to commenting that you had some really nice images in videos on this channel, but you had some really nice images in this one, Tim! :)
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Loved how you explained it all!
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I just found your channel last night. I absolutely love your introduction video. Trees, road , car and the music. What a perfect intro for you channel. Well done.
I am a subscriber now and will each all of your videos.
You are a very well spoken with great power presence. ( your background while recording , your precisely pressed shirts , talented , intelligent and your looks ).
I enjoy every second of your videos. The contents are flawless!!!
You have everything to keep rolling and growing with your channel. I wish you nothing but good luck Tim.
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Thank you Tim for this explanation. It has made me think much more about my spaces.
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Very interesting Thank You
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Very interesting! I am going to look at photography differently now.
As far as calming colors go, I've found that nature colors--blue, green, sandy (beige), soft brown--are calm, peaceful colors. I like a soft gray wall here & there, but I'm not a fan of it for all the walls, and especially not for flooring. It makes a home start to look like the Pleasantville movie lol. But it makes total sense for a peaceful video 😊
Love the topic! Soul food for your brain, abstract amazing!
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Very good video. Yes! Leave somewhere for the eye to rest. That being said, I do like photos of bohemian interiors but wouldn’t like living in them, just too busy.
When I used to work as a drafter, I’d have to clean my desk of all the stuff used for a completed project before starting on the next one.
I don’t like collections of knickknacks for knickknacks sake. I do like things displayed that mean something to me.
On a different note. I’m older now and don’t have the energy to repaint a room, so I really don’t like putting holes in my walls. “Command” products work in some instances, but mostly I just don’t hang anything.
I do like black and white photography, I’m not a photographer. In college I took a photography course and we took the photos and developed them in a darkroom. It’s amazing the things you can do in a darkroom. Have you done that? I can see one of your storage closets/rooms as a darkroom. But the equipment and chemicals can be a bit pricey. It is fun manipulate a photo in the darkroom
Yes, this. Thank you for putting into words what I've been feeling since I downsized and moved and feel extreme need to downsize, simplify, let go of a whole lot more! Even things I love...too many books...too much art...
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Hi Tim, congrats on this early success. Saw a comment on another channel and click over to check you out. Our wife, Jo Barnes literally started sending out a newsletter called 'Unretirement' to her list of 5000 subscribers. I think we may have to mention your channel in the near future.
Awesome! Thank you!