If you follow Hip Diggs, you know I struggle a little with the term minimalist. Sometimes, I feel like I own too much to be a minimalist. I’ve gone as far as considering myself a pragmatist or a moderate minimalist. Whatever I call me, and whatever you call you, there’s a simple secret I’d like to share with you.
Want To Learn The Secret To Simple And Happy?
The secret behind minimalism is simple. Not only that, it’s also the secret behind happiness. That’s right. It’s a two-for-one deal. Great minds throughout history have understood this secret. Socrates summed it up quite well:
The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. – Socrates
It’s hard to believe, but the secret is really that simple. The secret isn’t really even a secret. It’s information that everyone has access to. The difficult part is learning to develop the capacity to enjoy less.
In this modern era, we’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need more. That makes it harder to develop the capacity to enjoy less. Less goes against the flow. Here’s another secret. It’s easier to enjoy less than you might first believe.
It’s As Simple As Finding Contentment In These Things
I hear some of you protest, “Sounds great, Dan, but it also sounds boring. We need more.” Do you? Really? Of course we need to meet our basic needs. But here’s another secret: Rather than consuming more to try to fulfill your needs and desires, try producing something.
There are dozens of minimalist hobbies that you can practice. You’ll find that producing something is actually much more fulfilling than consuming things.
Try These Meditative Hobbies
- Writing
- Playing ukulele
- Knitting
- Drawing or painting
- Reading
- Photography
- Gardening
Sure, most of these hobbies require a minimal amount of equipment, but they’ll also help to keep your mind creative. A creative mind occupies itself. It doesn’t need the latest entertainment. It doesn’t need more gadgets. It doesn’t need flashy clothing and jewelry. It doesn’t need a faster car or a new boat.
The Secret Of Minimalism Is Simple: Use Your Mind
That’s all. Use your mind. Keep it active. Be satisfied with the things you create and produce rather than trying to fill your life with stuff. Stuff will not satisfy. Stuff will accumulate. Stuff costs money. Think about it.
The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. – Socrates
Learn more about happiness and simple living in my free ebook, The Happiness Of Simple. Just click the link below to get started on your simple-living journey.
