Recently, I wrote about why instant gratification is a recipe for disaster. I mentioned in that post that I love stuff, and I’m definitely not a minimalist. Although this is still true, I’ve always been fascinated by minimalism as a way of life. There is something alluring in owning less. I don’t think I could ever reach a minimalist lifestyle, but the concept still holds my interest. Something about it is attractive to me.

I recently reread a book I own called Goodbye things by Fumio Sasaki, and I found myself being pulled into the author’s story, even though I’ve read the book several times before. 

Sasaki is a Japanese minimalist who transformed his life by getting rid of the majority of his stuff. He explains how our self worth isn’t tied to our belongings, and how possessions can weigh us down. The writing is fresh and honest and humble, and reading it, I can’t help feeling equal parts curious and envious. 

I find his analogy about travel especially powerful:

“Think for example, of going away on a trip. Before you head out, you’re probably busy packing at the last minute. You go through your checklist of items to take with you and although everything looks fine, you can’t help feeling that there’s something you’ve forgotten.

 But the clock is ticking, and it’s time to go. You give up, get up, lock the door behind you, and start rolling your suitcase. Maybe you’ve forgotten to bring something along, but hey, you can always get whatever you need wherever you’re going.

You arrive at your destination and lie down on the freshly made bed. It feels good. The room is clean and uncluttered. You aren’t surrounded by all the things that usually distract you, the stuff that takes up so much of your attention. That’s why travel accommodations often feel so comfortable. 

You set down your bag and step out for a walk around the neighbourhood. You feel light on your feet like you could keep walking forever. You have the freedom to go wherever you want. Time is on your side, and you don’t have the usual chores or work responsibilities weighing you down. 

This is a minimalist state, and most of us have experienced it at one time or another.”

I absolutely love this example, because it couldn’t be more true. When we travel, we do feel lighter. I’m craving a lighter life, one where the only important things are left behind. I never leave any new email notifications, but my wardrobe is bursting with things waiting to be worn. 

A wardrobe with zero pop up notifications? It sounds like utopia to me. 

What about you?