The 'Less Is More' Theory
Growing up, we were lucky to experience living on a family farm. My family didn't have much, we lived pretty simply but I remember being happy. Waste wasn't a thing, my mother and grandmother always found a way to re-use or utilise food and belongings to ensure we didn't waste. From our kitchen, to our bedroom wardrobes, things were simple and minimal. Fast forward to thirty odd years or so, living in London, I see the opposite.
Over the years, we have become driven by consumption. Capitalism. Gone are the days of buying what was truly essential, and good for you (and good quality) to now a fast-paced, consumer driven era. I call it the 'Greedy' era. But what if we all slowed down a tad and started thinking about what truly matters. What we truly need to survive. What our children need to be happy and healthy, both in mind and spirit.
Introducing 'L'art De La Simplicite'. A book I recently read written by author Dominique Loreau, who advocates a Japanese-inspired minimalist lifestyle ("less is more") for a happier, uncluttered, and more spiritual life. It covers all areas of life, from simplifying your home, wardrobes, diets, minds and even relationships, with a big focus on the negative ones. This was a game changer for me. If you're looking to simplify and re-wire, this ones for you.
Here are some of the key points I've started thinking about daily, the areas I found the most helpful.
1. Abandoning Compulsive Buying
This part is the core component on her 'less is more' philosophy. Key aspects include mindful consumption. The theory of paying close attention to your spending habits, trying to recognise that many of our purchases are driven by temporary desires we may have seen online, across social media or by societal pressures rather than genuine needs. By being more mindful, we can challenge these impulses which have been pushed on us.
2. Decluttering Possessions
This focuses on the Japanese Zen principles. The core idea is that excessive possessions create physical and mental burdens. By stripping away the things we don't really need, we can achieve a richer, more intentional life. Focusing on quality, beauty and inner peace.
3. Simplifying Diet
Eating better and eating less. We're surrounded by food everywhere. It makes me wonder how we're producing so much all the time and how it's being produced. Is it as nutritional as it once was when it was limited? It's worth and think and some digging. She advocates simplifying ones diet by focusing on quality, and mindful eating to achieve better health, a calmer mind, and a more energetic body. It's time to move away from western excess and toward a Japanese-inspired minimalist approach.
4. Caring For Body & Mind
This approach focuses on discipline, self-respect, and the pursuit of quality and clarity over excess. The core idea is to treat the body as a temple through discipline and moderation, ensuring it doesn't burden the mind. Eating less but better, engaging in regular, gentle exercise, using fewer but good quality toiletry and self-care products, daily cleansing rituals and acknowledging the bodies need for adequate rest.
5. Achieving Mental Calm
Loreau emphasises reducing mental and emotional 'clutter' to achieve clarity and focus. This involves limiting digital distractions, practicing mindfulness and engaging in regular reflection to ensure actions align with core values. Practicing gratitude for what one has, rather than focusing on what is lacking, fosters contentment.
Remember, we're in control of our spending habits and our lifestyle choices. Brands aren't looking out for your best interest, they're looking out for theirs. Having worked with many corporate and mid-size companies, I have experienced this first-hand. The numbers are the most important element to any business and growth needs to come at any cost. Even if it means the consumer is at a loss.
Will you be trying the 'Less Is More Theory'? I'd love to hear your thoughts below.