Art and Minimalism
- Miriam
- Jul 26, 2016
- 3 min read
The busyness of summer has enveloped our lives.
My husband works full time approximately 10 hours a day. I'm running around doing errands, cleaning, cooking, painting, marketing, planning for the weekends (which are always full), and saying yes just about every time someone asks to hang out. So even though I'm a stay-at-home wife, I find it difficult to fit everything I want to do and need to do into each day. Summer is coming to an end and I feel as though I've hardly accomplished anything. And why is that? Because first of all, my priorities are out of order. And second, we have too much stuff!
My priorities have easily been misplaced in social media, the desire to impress others, and the false security of owning more material possessions.
If you were ever to visit out apartment, you would know that it doesn't look like we have too much stuff. In fact, you'd probably leave thinking we didn't have enough!
However, after reading "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker, I've come to look at our apartment through a new perspective. I see all the things I don't need, don't use, and don't want, taking up space that I do want - I want that space empty, or full of something more meaningful. Minimalism has helped me clear my life of things I didn't realize were actually adding more stress. With less stuff, it doesn't take as long to clean or organize, and realizing I really don't need much, I spend less time shopping. Minimalism frees me up to spend more time on the things that give much more meaning to my life than material possessions.
Now, I have really only started this minimalist journey, as I am still in the process of removing unnecessary clutter from our apartment! But it already feels great and I'm starting to see how it applies to everything in our lives!
The area I'd like to focus on is art (duh! It's an artist's blog, what else would you expect? :P)!
When we get rid of all the distractions and clutter in our lives, it becomes easier to pick out the things that bring us true joy. Then, when we create, those things that bring us true joy are what should inspire us! Like I said in my last blog, I now only paint when I am inspired because chances are, if I don't like my painting, neither will others. There has to be passion behind it.
I remember when I would always compare my work to others'. Looking at others' work is a good thing when it inspires you or challenges you to become a better artist, but for me it was only wishing I could paint like them, or draw like them, or create like them. And that wasn't healthy! As I journeyed through my painting-a-day challenge (which is still ongoing), I learned to stop comparing and just paint because I enjoy it. As I journey through my minimalist thinking, I am learning that having less helps me enjoy things more, and knowing what I enjoy inspires me to paint! I don't compare as I used to because I see the things in my own life that matter more than the negative thoughts in my head.
I believe this is true for so many aspects of life; the fact that owning less is freeing you from distractions to enjoy the important things life has to offer and really LIVE.
For me, those important things are spending time with family and friends, moving my body, creating, and trying new recipes! What I've also found is that I don't feel rushed through my day and end up taking more time to pray (which is a VERY important part of my spiritual life)!
For you, they may be completely different, but the important thing is that you find what you're really passionate about and go for it!
Put down the phone.
Close your computer.
Get rid of unnecessary clutter -
-you don't need that 4th vehicle.
-you don't want that odd decorative piece your grandma gave you.
-you spend too much time putting on makeup and finding the perfect outfit.
-you spend more time talking about the next new tool you want than you do using the ones you have.
-as Dave Ramsey states it: "we spend money we don't have on things we don't need to impress people we don't like!"
SO make a change, and you'll reap the benefits of a fuller life!
And don't just take my word for it, either. I would encourage you to look into the stories of others who have begun to live a minimalist life. Even read that book "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker! You won't regret it.
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