1500 - 2000 / Henry David Thoreau / Social and Environmental

8 Ways To Embrace Minimalism And Find Independence [Thoreau]

By Effluo | Published April 14, 2023 | No Comments

Have you ever wondered about the ways to embrace minimalism?

Or have you ever wondered if minimalism is the right fit for you?

Minimalism seems to have taken the world by storm.  From Kon Mari to the multitude of books written on it, this concept seems to be taking root.  However, is it truly a new concept.  

At Effluo, we study the teachings of great historical figures to get inspired by the lives of history’s greatest minds.  To learn about minimalism, we turned to the life and work of Henry David Thoreau.  Specifically, we looked at his work Walden for insights.

Who is Henry David Thoreau?

Henry David Thoreau was a 19th-century American philosopher who wrote the seminal book Walden, which advocates for minimalism and self-sufficiency.

He advocated for a life that centered around simplicity, deeply appreciating nature, and one’s own individual and creative potential.  Through his writings, he has inspired countless people to embrace minimalism and discover how rewarding a simple life can be.

Thoreau reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with nature, as well as trusting in our ability to observe the world around us with clarity.  In a way, he’s like a sage teacher, offering us insight into the joys of being just ourselves and peacefully exploring inner satisfaction through personal experimentation.

Reasons To Embrace Minimalism According to Thoreau Overview

Minimalism is about having fewer things but still enjoying life by embracing new experiences that don’t require objects or possessions.  Ultimately, it’s about breaking free from society’s idea of what happiness looks like so we can determine our own definition, reaching success and gratification.

According to Henry David Thoreau, one of the most important reasons to embrace minimalism is that it can lead to a more joyful life.  With every material thing we own, there are expectations and obligations attached, which can cause stress and anxiety.  On the other hand, with simplicity comes freedom from obligations and expectations – and with freedom comes peace.

1.   Free Up Space To Live Life To The Fullest
2.   Find Time To Pursue What Is Important
3.   Obtain Financial Freedom
4.   Increase Flexibility To Make Life Changes
5.   Remove The Dependence On Things
6.   Live More Intentionally In All Areas Of Life
7.   Increase Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
8.   Increase Focus On Contribution To Society

Free Up Space To Live Life To The Fullest

At present, our houses are cluttered and defiled with things, and a good homemaker would sweep out the greater part into the dust hole and not leave her morning’s work undone. – Henry David Thoreau

There is great truth in the words of Henry David Thoreau.  In our desire to acquire, we have cluttered our homes with things that make it difficult for us to embrace a life lived to its fullest potential.

Living life to the fullest is not only about doing exciting activities but also having the space to embrace and appreciate them.  Minimalism offers us an opportunity to create a more intentional lifestyle.

To eliminate the negative impact of clutter in our lives and free up much-needed space, Henry David Thoreau encourages us to embrace minimalism as part of our daily routine.

By taking the time each morning to put away unnecessary items and eliminating them from your home altogether when possible, Thoreau believes we can reclaim our living spaces and enjoy life to its fullest potential.

It’s time to free up space by freeing ourselves from material possessions so we can make room for experiences that will truly bring joy and fulfill our lives.

Find Time To Pursue What Is Important

I had three pieces of limestone on my desk, but I was terrified to find that they required to be dusted daily, when the furniture of my mind was all undusted still, and threw them out the window in disgust.  How, then, could I have a furnished house?  I would rather sit in the open air, for no dust gathers on the grass, unless where man has broken ground. – Henry David Thoreau

We live in a world of constant hustle, where we are loaded with obligations and large responsibilities.  It’s important to remember that all physical things require constant care – like dusting the “pieces of limestone” on your desk.

Take a look at your environment and your routines.  How much time do you spend taking care of things that you own?   Thoreau repeatedly reminded us that we do not own things; it’s the things that own us.  Consider how much you spend dusting and cleaning.

How much of that time truly brings you peace and helps you achieve your goals and dreams.

By eliminating things, you are eliminating the time that it takes to take care of them.  As a result, you free up time for what is important.

If you don’t create the space for yourself to pursue what is important and embrace stillness, where will that leave you?

Obtain Financial Freedom

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. – Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau was a fierce proponent of freedom of thought and of financial freedom.  He argues that being in debt limits your freedom.  His quote captures the essence of true financial freedom.  In essence, he is saying we should embrace minimalism and living comfortably rather than buying things we don’t need, to look impressive to others.

Living within our means and owning a thing, versus being in debt and letting it own you, is essential to have this financial freedom.

Start by examining your spending habits, cut back where necessary,  and build an emergency fund.  These are great first steps to financial freedom.  If you change your mindset and embrace minimalism, you will find it that much easier to obtain this elusive financial freedom.

Increase Flexibility To Make Life Changes

The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages imply this advantage, at least, that they left him still but a sojourner in nature. – Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau believed that if we embrace the basics and cut out the clutter in our lives, we will have more opportunities to embrace life changes.

To make life transformations as we move forward, we need freedom from obligations and increased flexibility.

Minimalism opens up doors for embracing life changes and growth where newfound meaning awaits.

Remove The Dependence On Things

But lo!  men have become the tools of their tools. – Henry David Thoreau

People often find themselves depending on material possessions to feel satisfied and appreciated.  But Henry David Thoreau’s words remind us that men have become the tools of their tools – instead of directing them, they let themselves be driven by them.

By breaking away from the cycle of dependency on things, we have the opportunity to liberate ourselves and begin living with resilience and autonomy.

This doesn’t mean you should live as a hermit who has relinquished all demands of the material world.  But rather being mindful of your purchases and developing habits that encourage self-sufficiency without having to purchase items to achieve it.

Live More Intentionally In All Areas Of Life

The effect of our art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be forgotten. – Henry David Thoreau

Living intentionally isn’t always easy.  We’ve all become accustomed to living in a world that is constantly hectic and fast-paced.  To live intentionally, we must learn to tune out the excess noise in our lives.  In doing so, we can then focus on activities and moments that bring us joy or value.

Excess possessions mean excess noise.  Removing things from your life will help you clear out your mind.

Thoreau states that we are so busy making the low state comfortable that we forget about the higher state.  The higher state is the state above material possessions.  These are your friendships and relationships and your emotional plus spiritual states. 

Strive to find meaning in each day, carve out time for connection with those around us, solitude, and reflection, and ultimately use this intentional way of living to unlock your full potential.

Increase Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.  Before we can adorn our houses with beautiful objects the walls must be stripped, and our lives must be stripped, and beautiful housekeeping and beautiful living be laid for a foundation: now, a taste for the beautiful is most cultivated out of doors, where there is no house and no housekeeper. – Henry David Thoreau

Simplicity is the key to unlocking increased creativity and problem-solving skills.  When you simplify your living condition and spend time out of doors, you allow the natural energy of creativity to flow through you.

Stripping away all the superfluous elements of our lives is a necessary precondition for establishing a foundation that encourages beautiful living that cultivates an appreciation for the beauty of the world.

Minimalism allows room for clarity and focus, allowing us to embrace solutions to those problems that were previously out of reach.  When we embrace minimalism, we make space in our minds and embrace creative solutions to problems.

Increase Focus On Contribution To Society

When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we have apotheosized as messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to man, I do not see in my mind any retinue at their heels, any carload of fashionable furniture. – Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau wonderfully reminds us that in order to contribute to society and make lasting changes, it is not necessary to have “a carload of fashionable furniture.”

Great minds of the past, like many modern-day scientists, artists, activists, and philanthropists, did not need luxury items in order to lead remarkable lives.  Instead, these individuals focused their energy on giving back to the world.

It is, therefore, important for us to channel our energies toward increasing positive change in our society instead of striving for material possessions. Only then can we embrace the fullness of life by dedicating ourselves to service and generosity.

Steps to Simplify Your Life

If you’re ready to embrace minimalism and simplify your life, there are many steps that you can start taking today.

  1.  Shop Less Choosing Quality Over Quantity

First, clear out physical clutter by decluttering your home or workspace.  Challenge yourself to shop less and prioritize quality over quantity when making future purchases.

  2.  Simplify You Schedule

Make a conscious effort to structure your schedule using blocks of time, either hourly or daily; find what works best for you and stick to it.

  3.  Look Into Creating A Capsule Wardrobe

You may also want to look into capsule wardrobes; they take the guesswork out of what to wear!

  4.  Declutter Your Digital Space

Also, don’t forget about your digital space: declutter and organize emails, photos, files, etc.

By taking these small but impactful steps, as well as others, such as tracking expenses and focusing on self-care routines, minimizing distractions become an achievable goal.

Reasons To Embrace Minimalism According to Thoreau Summary

Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing when they are so engaged?  But alas! – Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was an early adopter of what we now call minimalism.  As we have reviewed his classic work “Walden,” we see that he laid out the reasons why we should embrace minimalism.

•   Free Up Space To Live Life To The Fullest
•   Find Time To Pursue What Is Important
•   Obtain Financial Freedom
•   Increase Flexibility To Make Life Changes
•   Remove The Dependence On Things
•   Live More Intentionally In All Areas Of Life
•   Increase Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
•   Increase Focus On Contribution To Society

Embracing minimalism is not just an opportunity to clear out clutter; it’s a way to expand our spirit so that we may live more meaningful lives.

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