An open letter to folks on minimalism

Minimalism is often misunderstood. Some see it as an aesthetic—white walls, sparse furniture, a single ceramic mug. Others believe it’s a rejection of material wealth, a vow of asceticism. But at its core, minimalism is about clarity. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary to see better what matters.

Simplicity isn’t about deprivation; it’s about refinement. It’s about making physical, mental, and emotional space for things that bring depth and meaning to life. And that space looks different for each of us.

Minimalism didn’t come naturally to me. For years, I believed more was better—more options, opportunities, and possessions. I spent time chasing things I needed, only to feel weighed down by them. It wasn’t until I started letting go that I realized how much lighter life could feel.

The wisdom of via negativa

There’s a concept called via negativa, the idea that we improve our lives not by accumulating, but by removing. Instead of chasing the perfect habit, I eliminate the ones that drain me. Instead of seeking happiness through acquisition, I find it by shedding what no longer serves me.

Think of a sculptor facing a block of marble. The masterpiece isn’t created by adding, but by chiseling away. Life, too, is shaped by what we choose to remove—and the things we choose not to do.

For me, this approach has been liberating. I used to think I needed a rigid plan to simplify my life—a checklist of items to discard or rules to follow.

But the most powerful shifts happened not through what I did, but through what I stopped doing. I stopped saying yes to things that didn’t align with my values. I stopped holding onto possessions out of guilt. I stopped filling every free moment with distractions.

Minimalism isn’t a list of rules or a contest to own the fewest things. It’s a mindset that helps me navigate life with intention. And that means my version of minimalism might look different from someone else’s.

My journey, my minimalism

There is no universal formula for simplicity. Some find it in a tiny home; others in a thoughtfully curated library. Some embrace an all-black wardrobe; others, a single pair of shoes that truly fits.

Minimalism isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about aligning my life with what feels true. So, I let go of the pressure to meet someone else’s definition. If a cluttered desk fuels my creativity, I keep it. If a shelf of well-loved books brings me joy, I cherish them.

The goal isn’t to live with less—it’s to live with enough.

I’ve also learned that minimalism isn’t just about physical things. It’s about the mental clutter—the obligations, expectations, and distractions that keep me from being present. Letting go of those has been just as important as decluttering my home.

The ongoing practice of letting go

Simplicity isn’t a finish line. It’s a practice. Some days, I feel completely in tune with the minimalist mindset, free from excess and focused on what matters. Other days, I get caught up in wanting more, feeling the pull of consumption. And that’s okay.

I remind myself that minimalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about course-correcting, making small daily choices to clear space for what truly matters. I don’t have it all figured out, and I don’t think I ever will.

But I know this: life feels richer, fuller, and lighter when I focus on what’s essential. And that’s enough.

Comments

7 responses to “An open letter to folks on minimalism”

  1. Joanne Finley Avatar
    Joanne Finley

    Hi Brian,

    Well written! It is great to see your name & article posted on the Becoming Minimalist weekend reads.

    I hope you & your wife are doing well. (We were in the same table group during the Financial Peace course at church.)

    May God always fill your lives with blessings!

    Joanne

  2. Julie Avatar

    Excellent article!

    “The goal isn’t to live with less—it’s to live with enough”. This really struck a chord.

  3. Karen Lindell Avatar
    Karen Lindell

    Great article. I love the sculpting analogy. Just saw a post by Jane Goodall that relates to this. If more people approached life this way I think they – and the planet – would be much happier. It’s a journey for us all.

  4. Tracy Avatar

    I love this Brian and very much align with your thoughts on minimalism. Clarity, Refinement, Curation and Getting to the Heart of the Matter, the Essence, is what Minimalism is teaching me.
    Thank you!

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