Introduction
Hi,
Since minimalism is such an important part of my life. Both in my personal life and in my design process, I thought I would share a few thoughts about it. I have so much to say about this subject that it will probably end up being a series of blog posts, in which I will discuss various aspects of this enormous subject.
So here goes...
What is minimalism?
Minimalism requires precision. It is about making choices. It is about researching our needs, our way of life, and finding what are things we love and need. It is only when we understand ourselves, our physical and emotional needs as well as those of the people around us, that we can make educated choices. Only then we are able to chose the right thing for us, instead of surrounding ourselves with more and more objects, trying to fulfill imaginary needs, when all they actually do is created emotional and visual clutter.
The Benefits of Minimalism
Being exact about what I needed and pursuing a minimal way of life help me live a happy and satisfying live. Minimalism, when achieved thoughtfully creates welfare and happiness. It lets us have more space and resources that we can invest in the things that are important to us. Minimalism frees time for the people around us - because we have less noise in our souls, and because we have more time we used to spend on organizing our stuff over and over again. It also allows us to invest time in hobbies and experiences - because we spend much less time and money on stuff we actually didn't really need.
Minimalism - the Jewish way. Or, Spring Cleaning as a Chance to Execute Minimalism
In many cultures, there is a tradition of spring cleaning. In Jewish tradition, we take it to the extreme, as there is a religious law that requires that no "hametz" be found or seen around us for the week of Passover ("Hametz" is food prepared from five species of grain–wheat, barley, oats, spelt, and rye–that has been allowed to leaven). In order to be sure there isn't even a grain left, we clean our houses like crazy, which is an opportunity to purge our surroundings. Even non religious people (like me) use this time of year to do a thorough cleaning of our house. For me, it is also a chance to go over all of my stuff and decide on their fate Kon Mari style. I lead a rather minimal life as it is, but still manage to accumulate so much stuff! So I go over my closet and take out any clothes, books, toys, plates, etc. that I did not use in the last year, or that do not make me happy anymore and donate them. I am always amazed at the quantity of things I am able to rid myself of, and always feel lighter at the end of the process.
The Effect of Minimizing
After this purging process, which can be tedious at times, when my house is as clean as it can be, and my closets airy I can see all my belongings, and therefore use them all. The fact that I have less stuff that is well organized gives me peace. This peace also enables to me to see if there is something that I miss, if there is something that I would like to purchase. Because, you see, I am not an extremist. I like to buy new things. It feels good to have new things, to indulge oneself. The trick is to get, either for yourself or as gifts, things that are really special. Find the dress, necklace, book, clock, whatever... that will make you, or the recipient of the gift happy for a long time. It should be of good quality so it can last, and have something unique about it, so it will stand out from the rest.
The Unavoidable Pitch
Since, after all, I am a jewelry designer, I hope you will find this one piece, that special ring, necklace, earring, or bracelet, in my shop. Get it for yourself, or gift it to someone you love, so you or them can enjoy them for many years.
Love,
Baara