The Truth About Minimalism - From an OG Minimalist
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ส.ค. 2024
- Leo Babauta is an OG minimalist from the early days of the modern minimalist movement. In this video, he shares how the minimalism movement got started, what it's really about, what it isn't about, and different experiments you could try to practice minimalism.
00:00 Introduction
00:37 An OG minimalist
2:31 What is minimalism about?
4:52 Minimalism questions our norms
7:00 It isn't about extremes
7:53 It isn't about perfection
9:05 It's about experimenting
12:34 Ways to practice minimalism
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Minimalism was a way of life for almost everyone before the industrial revolution. Then I think of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Helen and Scott Nearing as the minimalist promoters. I buy only needs, not wants, because it gives me piece of mind, helps our poor planet, and saves an incredible amount of money. As you declutter, consider who you know who might want your items so they can be reused. Give to charities or have them recycled. Do anything you can to keep them out of landfills.
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You were THE minimalist inspiration for so many of us 40+. Great to see you taking some YT space up. We need to hear from more people that have done it with families for a long time.
Thank you! I really appreciate this beautiful comment ❤️
You are definetly a grandfather of the recnt minimalist movement. I followed you since the beginning on your blog and you inspired me to live with less, question my values and live a simple life.I have a small wardrobe, live in a tiny house and live simply. I am happy to see you recording videos now. Thank you Leo.
I really appreciate that! I love what you're modeling in the world
Oh wauw! The same for me! I also follow Leo from te beginning and he totally changed my life! I never needed other writers to understand minimalism, his blog was enough 🤍
It seems like a lot of people who read your blog back in the day are only just realizing you’re on YT now. Myself included. Instant like and subscribe. Looking forward to seeing your content in this format.
I just started TH-cam last year, and have really picked it up lately, so it's understandable that people are just finding me here :)
Hey Leo,
Your blog was one of the first things to get me into minimalism way back in the day.
I remember your posts helping me simplify my use of tech back then.
In fact, I was able to eliminate technology completely for a few years.
Today, that just doesn't seem possible. I need to use Zoom to talk to people, I need to use Uber to get around, and I just can't get away from technology.
I'd love to hear your tips on how to be a digital minimalist in today's world.
Especially in a world where everybody has to have a personal brand in order to get on!
Thanks a lot,
Shalim
Beautiful topic, thank you!
You definitely were the first person that I ever heard mention living simply or minimalism. I have definitely been on the quest ever since, thank you.
Wow, amazing to hear that! Thank you, Sarah
Great to see you on YT! I read your blog for years and took a class from you a long time ago. You were very influential in my life journey with minimalism and veganism.
Amazing to hear!
I’ve followed the minimalist space for at least 7-9 years now. A lot of good things I’ve picked up from it, from you, Josh & Ryan, Becker, Matt, and a plethora of others. I’m not a full blown minimalist, home like a museum, all black clothes, minimal possessions etc. it’s changed by perspective and way of living. I’m more intentional on what I buy. If I do buy something it’s an upgrade or something I know I’m going to use. I moved recently and am decluttering around 2 boxes per day. This consist or sorting, keeping, selling, donating and trashing. So minimalism, essentialism, and intentionality, I’ve kind of combined in a hybrid sort of way that fits me right now and not restrictive.
Beautiful to hear that!
Glad you are talking about this subject again.
Thank you :)
I remember reading your blogs and early books. They were so inspiring to me. It took a few cycles of acquisition and letting go, but I feel I've finally settled into a minimalism that works for me.
I'm so glad to hear that! Nice work finding what works for you ✨
Leo, your blog started me on minimalism! You are def an og
Amazing to hear that! Thank you 🙏🏽
I have followed you for YEARS and one of the many things I liked about the zen habits blog was your sharing of your vegan recipes and ideas. Thank you for all content.
Thanks for following me for so long!
Hey Leo, just wanted to say Thank You!. You are the OG I still have your blog in my feed all these years later!
Dang, I really appreciate that!
Thank you SO much of all this minimalism stuff. It really helps. ❤
I'm glad it helps!
I found your blog when you first started it and it changed my life! I got a bit off when I started a family and the hedonic treadmill took me on a ride for a few years but i’m on my way back to minimalism! It’s such a better way to live, especially if you have any trauma or other causes of overwhelm. Thank you OG!!
What a beautiful comment to receive! Thank you, I appreciate you 🌸
Oh cool! You were one of the original minimalist people! Glad to know you're still making videos. I'll subscribe.
Thank you! I'm still having fun :)
I was raised in a minimalist home in the 1950s. It was all blonde furniture and very aesthetic but it was still homey and comfortable. I raised 5 kids who didn't have too many toys and only one turned out to be a messy maximalist. I am now in a small apartment with two kitties and am pretty extreme, having only the essentials. Findings ohers here on youtube has been lots of fun watching younger people embracing what i have done for over 70 years. I have never understood overcomsumerism. I did have a full closet when i worked because i was required to dress well for my profession but now i dont have 20 things total in ,y wardrobe. It works for me.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for making this clear again. I first learned about minimalism from your blog back in the day. Like many, I have an inclination to complicate, but it's getting better. The best things in life are not things, and we can't own them.
Love this!
I have explored minimalism for twenty years. (Largely thanks to you!) None of my friends are minimalists, and they have absolutely no interest in simplicity. At 62, I just don't want to socialize with them anymore which in a small midwest town would be a bit radical. Any advice?
I hope you aren’t saying that because your friends don’t have a desire to live the way you do, that this is causing you to want to end relationships. Of course there are reasons to back away from people but please don’t end friendships over something like minimalism. If I’m misunderstanding you, I apologize.
@@KA2HRO Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I didn't explain myself very well. I do treasure these lifelong friendships, but minimalism has changed our values and how we like to spend our time. We don't want to change anyone, but we would like to bow out gracefully. I was hoping this feeling might be familiar to others in our situation.
This is an important topic, thank you. Short answer: if you don't want to socialize with them, then you don't have to! But it's an interesting practice to see if you can find something about them to connect with, be curious about, even if they aren't very much like you. I think it's a good practice for all of us, tbh.
@@zenhabitsofficial Thanks, Leo. I tend to be all or nothing. Staying home all the time is probably taking the easy way out and not very realistic. I will practice this at a gathering this evening. :)
I still read mnmlist as well as zen habits😊
That's amazing! I didn't think anyone still read that old dusty minimalist blog 😁
@@zenhabitsofficial yes! It's still so inspiring!:)
You might be the first person that introduced me into minimalism with your zen habits website, then reading your books. All the time I’ve wondered how did you manage to live a minimalist life having all your kids. I would love to listen you talking about family life as a minimalist, and introducing minimalism into kids life.. how did you inspire them? If you did that of course 🤓 all the best with this channel.
Amazing, thanks for sharing that! Great questions, I've saved this topic for a future video 🙏🏽
Really enjoyed thjs video. Been trying to find more vids from the angle of rejecting consumerism rather than focusing on getting rid or keeping THINGS
I appreciate that 🌺
Glad to see you on you tube!
So glad to hear that!
I would love to hear your thoughts on Minimalist Travel and maybe a separate video about Unschooling. We are currently unschooling but feel a bit lost and confused about it. Thanks! So happy you're on TH-cam!
Such great topics, thank you!
Hi Leo.
It's great to see you producing content.
I met you through a Matt Davella video.
As you know, he recently had a son and so did I.
I would like you to talk about minimalism as a couple and with children.
Thanks.
Love this comment, thank you! Great topic - what are the biggest challenges for you as a couple and with children, when it comes to minimalism?
OG Minimalist❤ So nice to see your video.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching :)
I came to minimalism through Miss Minimalist several years ago. I've never had much stuff, but 3 of us live in a 2BR apartment . One person shops and has ADHD. Tina, Al's wife
Thanks for sharing, Tina!
Great indo, starting today
Helpful tips! Why did you stop updating the minimalist website? I really enjoyed reading the articles there :)
Thank you! I stopped posting on mnmlist.com because I didn't have more to say at the time.
The discussion of phones is interesting. I have a Tracfone, which for me is a great deal. I bought a new phone (after 7 years) for $100 with unlimited text and calling with a cap for internet. The service if I pay annually is $16mo. I have a good internet service for a decent price at home so I only use my phone for calls and texting. I have a fairly long commute in rural Texas so my phone is my security in case of car trouble.
Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
I like space in the place where I live so don’t keep buying stuff. I do have stuff that I keep because they belonged to my parents but just a few things that meant a lot me.
That makes sense :)
I named my middle son after you! LOL
Oh my gosh! What a huge honor!! ❤️
I'm so moved.
@@zenhabitsofficial thank you, I was a lifelong minimalist, and when I found your blog and then books it brought me so much joy.
Leo.
I'm also a content creator (not about minimalism).
In order to help your channel, I would also like to say that it is important to create a description for your videos with some key words about the topics covered.
It's also important to create "chapters" within the video.
This helps TH-cam create a greater reach for your videos.
Thanks for the tips! I'm still learning, and I am glad to hear this 🙏🏽
I note almost all minimalist advocates on TH-cam wear black. While this may reduce dirt washing and worn out colour, this may attract negative vibration of darkness. This in turn gloomily adversely affects the mind and spirit in a subtle way. May I suggest instead wear white or light colour which may light up yourself and your audience？ You may note Simon Chau {Chow Siu Cheung} of Hong Kong, minimalist vegan who for 40+ years advocates eating raw with little or no cooking, always wears white or light colour so that his shirt looks yellow over the years.
Thanks for this observation and suggestion. I'm a fan of leaning into darkness, tbh
I don’t think Leo cares about looking or acting any way other than the way he enjoys looking or acting. Minimalists and vegans are non conformists to start with and that’s why people always argue with them. It seems people just can’t handle those who are strong enough to do their own thing regardless of what others think. It makes the general population of followers uncomfortable. Have a nice day.
Thank you 🙏
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dude i love buying stuffs to temporarily escape from my sad reality for the past 8 years what should i do
Good awareness! I would ask you a few questions:
1. Is buying stuff to escape your sad reality helping? Sometimes it actually has the opposite effect, in making the reality worse, and it's good to reflect on that.
2. What small things can you do to improve your reality?
3. What can you do when you're feeling sad or overwhelmed other than buy things, that's more helpful?
@@zenhabitsofficial thanks for replying, I usually love to be with people's but after certain rejections and disappointment from childhood to now , I started spending time with toys and I started buying it, then it moved to tech now as a 20 year old kid,it makes me happy but when I was sad to the extreme I also felt that I am wasting money,so spending money on my favourite things brings me some escape somehow but it's not permanent and I can't stop this too,I can't convey good in comments if possible we can talk about in your free time on other platforms.
@@zenhabitsofficial if I try other things ,it's also temporary.i want to buy stuffs etc.. but if have all my problems solved I don't need any stuffs , like that
What is “OG” minimalist?