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“OMG! This Zara Fuschia jacket is at 50% discount, I NEED to buy it!”
“But I know that I already have a blue Linen Mango jacket and a grey Next jacket, and oh, well, it’s so hot in Bombay, I might never end up wearing this new one at all.”
“Well, it’ll be vintage in a few years and it’s not that I am going to be in Bombay all my life.”
Hit ‘Buy Now’. Pay. Viola! It’s mine!
Even though you’re slyly snickering, perhaps thinking of how wasteful it was of the writer to buy something they didn’t even need, or even slightly perplexed about why are you even reading the musings of what looks like a compulsive shopper, a certain note of this story does feel a little familiar, doesn’t it? And yes, just like the writer here, we’ve all been there. Generations of people bickering, crying for and negotiating, sometimes citing their own great taste, sometimes quoting a certain commercial that made them believe that this is their one and only chance at securing the best ever jacket in the world and if they could buy this one jacket, the world would be theirs! This is temptation. It was listed as one of the ‘Seven deadly sins’, but thanks to capitalism (well actually, let’s be honest, people did commit the ‘sin’ even before that), this has become a way of life.
The consumerist culture has become so ingrained in our lifestyle that we don’t even consider thinking about buying. It has had distracted us from being intentional and careful about the things we possess. Instead of purposing and being confident of what we already own, we give in to the temptation of acquiring more and more, and even more. Quite honestly, somewhere in the back of our heads, we all know that we own a lot more than we need and yes, we are all to blame for the global disparity.
Solution?
We suggest Minimalism.
Minimalism, with an effortless mindset of sustainability, has the potential of creating a decluttered space. Be it wardrobe choices, home décor or a simple way of life, minimalism has proven its benefits. In fact, it not only clears up space but also creates more room for creativity and sensitivity to seep in. Think about it: If I could tell myself and believe that I have enough before clicking ‘buy now’ on the e-commerce website, I wouldn’t be hoarding more and more stuff. I would probably have one less jacket but I would know the value of each of the jackets I own. Each of those would have a purpose.
We know that our readers always stay one step ahead and so, we went around asking what some of our readers had to say about Minimalism and how they suit it to their lives.
I. Alisha Kaisar, 31
Why is minimalism important to you?
Minimalism breaks the clutter and helps me calm the chaos in my head. I buy more consciously and don’t overspend on things I really don’t require.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
I use clean skincare, have more home-cooked meals and try to buy as much organic produce as possible. I’m also trying to incorporate sustainable fashion and use more natural materials for home décor.
Would you recommend it? If so, why?
I would recommend it because when we can spend money to help somebody who needs it more, then we should definitely do that. Also, buying something as an investment that you could use more often and for a longer period of time helps reduce wastage and pollution.
II. Bhawna Saharan, 23
Why is minimalism important to you?
It’s important because it helps me focus on other important issues in my life. And excess is an old concept and being able to live without many needs and wants is the way to be!
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
Removed all unnecessary things from my life to live a life that is simple and meaningful.
Would you recommend it? If so, why?
I recommend it cause it opens up so many other perspectives in lives that we didn’t know existed. It adds value to what we are doing and makes us more focused on what is really important.
III. Mrudula Joshi, 24
Why is minimalism important to you?
For the peace of mind and frugal living.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
Stopped shopping, only swap second hand. I don’t buy anything unless I can’t live without it. I clear out what I don’t need by giving it away. I tell people to not gift me anything.
Would you recommend it? If so, why?
Definitely! Buying and consuming has become an addiction in the name of momentary satisfaction, trying minimalism definitely gives perspective on what really matters in the end. We all need that grounding peace of mind in the end. And minimalism can get us there.
IV. Hrithik Uppala, 19
Why is minimalism important to you?
It is not only important to me but also to the environment. Minimalism helps to develop our mind into a conscious lifestyle. We start to think more about our resources and their existence. Earth is a resourceful planet bit finite.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
Many changes like fewer clothes, only one pair of footwear, minimum use of water while using the bathroom, etc.
Would you recommend it, if so why?
Yes, of course. It is a must because it helps to think and care for our finite resources.
V. Pooja, 32
Why is minimalism important to you?
I think minimalism helped me realise that I was trying to fill a void with material things. It has allowed me to make mindful choices and pay close attention to what really brings me happiness (hint: it’s not stuff). I love the fact that I know why I own a certain product as opposed to indulging in frivolous expenditures that hold no great value beyond the date of purchase. It has also taught me to live within my means and that happiness cannot be bought, it is rather found in the experiences one goes through. It has also made me respect my belongings more.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
While my wardrobe is evidence of the change I have undergone, I have also learnt to buy less. I am more mindful about what I buy. I always ask myself the question if I can live without buying a certain thing. In most cases, I can. Today, I pride myself on owning five amazing, unique things instead of 50 mediocre, mundane impulse purchases that I don’t value. When we travel, we buy something to remember the place by and not just useless things that are a product of a shopping spree gone wild.
Would you recommend it, if so why?
I think commercial industries are all trying to get us to buy stuff. E-commerce giants compete with each other with big sales and what we don’t realise is that we’re victims of a much bigger strategy. There is more than enough stuff in this world. Apart from the obvious social or environmental angle and the role we should be worried about playing in it, there is also a need for individual introspection. I believe we always have more than enough. We have what we need. We don’t need more. This generation and those to follow have to deal with the epidemic of the excess which is far far worse than having less of something. Because we have lost the ability to value what we have.
VI. Rohit K Jakhu, 28
Why is minimalism important to you?
I believe no ‘-isms’ are ideal but having less definitely makes sense as there are tonnes of other things that require attention and that are more important than adding things to your house/wardrobe/life.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
I’m certainly making sure that I don’t do small things like trashing when I’m out of home, walk long distances instead of using public transport, rotate about a dozen clothes throughout so there’s less to wash saving water, time and energy. I’m trying to eliminate plastic from my life but that gets tricky at times.
Would you recommend it, if so why?
For all the reasons mentioned above and, of course, the generation that’s about to take precedence, need to create a sustainable environment for themselves. Keeping things minimal will ensure that. And collectively if you look at it, if most of us swear by minimalism, it will have a greater impact on the overall face of our planet.
VII. Rajashree Nagaraj, 33
Why is minimalism important to you?
For order and peace of mind.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
Conscious consumerism, gratefulness, mindfulness, and responsible discarding.
Would you recommend it, if so why?
This is a completely new zone, there’s no one size fits all. Figure out what suits your lifestyle, circumstances and financial situation.
VIII. Vinanti Kothari, 28
Why is minimalism important to you?
It reduces a lot of stress involved in choosing and accumulating. Coming from a family of hoarders, it was hard for me to not see so many things around me. I suffer from OCD and for me, that can mean having to reset everything to its place every morning and evening. So, now I only buy things that are extremely needed and have a place to go.
What changes have you made in your lifestyle?
I do not buy plastic water bottles; I carry cloth bags with me all the time. I gave away most of the things I had accumulated while moving out of my house and had my new house set up in a way that everything had its place and made no extra storage for the future urges. I am a maker of things as well professionally, but I keep away from marketing my things like “you really need to get it!!” It’s something I make with my hands, which is my chosen lifestyle. I will only encourage people who really need it to organise their home to buy and to support my passion. I will never encourage to keep on buying.
Would you recommend it, if so why?
I would so recommend it. Minimalism doesn’t only reduce the things you own but cuts down the urges to keep up with the latest fast fashion trends that the media keeps feeding your brain. It keeps your head clean and lets you see above all of the lies.
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