Minimalism, Simplicity, Abundance

I am a minimalist at my core. Minimalism is my foundation. I think it is totally possible to live as a minimalist family -- kids "need" and can be completely happy with as little amount of stuff as an adult. The thing with minimalism (and I can only speak for myself) is that when we have so little external stuff to care for and maintain and look at and such, we can spend more energy internally, more energy enjoying experiences and relationships, more energy on depth. Because we require so little "stuff", we can thrive on a smaller budget and we can purchase quality perfect stuff to meet our few needs and desires. If our life were a garden, instead of having many different plants, we would have a few huge ones that were very well taken care of and plenty of time to dance, rest, sing, play, laugh, and cry in our garden since we have so little responsibility. Minimalism can look very different, depending on the person living it. I love being a testament to my own style of minimalism, which centers around a beautiful handmade theme -- some I've seen can look very sterile and industrial. So, if you research minimalism, don't be discouraged. You can tailor it to meet your needs :)

If minimalism is my foundation, I build upon it with simplicity. Because a minimalist foundation would be small and practical, my framing can only be, too :) Simplicity looks like adding an ipod and ipod dock to my garden so we can dance to music (and maybe a few instruments that my kids enjoy or could explore), adding an eating area (a small table with storage space underneath for 4 plates, bowls, cups, silverware, a cutting board, a cooler) and a sleeping area (one big bed we all share) or a nice couch to be comfortable and better enjoy each other's company. Maybe adding a couple twirly skirts for the girls to spin endlessly in, a few books to read together or seperately, a small pile of dirt and some animals, cars, dinosaurs, "guys", and blocks for my younger kids to play content forever. The bulk of our time would be spent being together, finding new ways to enjoy the spaces we have and the things we have, leaving the garden to see what the world has to offer.

Abundance is embedded in our simple life -- in the richness of togetherness, imagination, joy, our values. Abundance of "stuff" might mean we have connections to any and everything we want, like a library full of books (or Amazon to buy and sell), friends willing to loan us stuff, thrift stores to buy from and donate to, a giant world full of free events and days to draw from at our leisure, a few well-rounded amazing places that we pay for membership to (like the Wild Animal Park, an aquarium, and the Museum of Making Music, for example). Abundance is paying for internet so we have access to more information than a together-busy family could ever consume in one lifetime (but we sure try in our spare time!). Abundance is having a digital camera to capture as much beauty and memorable moments as my hard drive will allow. Abundance comes in waves of impermanence. We don't have to keep everything in our garden forever to be able to enjoy any and everything we want. Abundance may look like my simple sewing interest comes with 2 bookshelves and a large table, and don't even ask about my simple recycling crafts interest!

Speaking of... A few barriers (and remedies) to this beautiful picture I have just painted: we live consensually and not all of us are as inclined toward impermance of stuff in our space (*cough*cough*myoldest), I  have a million started projects, and I have a hard time not accepting something that is free and in good condition. My remedies... Said oldest child can keep as much stuff in her room as long as the door closes. I am working on wrapping up projects (like keeping them all in one place and revisiting them often and trying to find inspiration to complete them) or completing them in one sitting. And we now have a big would-be-empty garage (since we don't keep a lot of stuff in the garage for keeping) to store the free stuff in for garage sales, Craigslist sales, etc. I have even gathered a few free items that would have been on their way to the dumpster to refinish and find good homes for. It's quite exciting :)) I look forward to having more time for these interests and sharing them (complete with pictures) with you :)

Speaking of simple, beautiful spaces...