Minimalism

[LOOP2012]

Great video. I'm a minimalist and this video resonated deeply with me. Looking forward to viewing your others.

[account98]

"simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - leonardo di vinci

[captainjosue]

Thank God I found you and this channel. Embracing the minimalist approach. Don't have a car payment, debt is growing smaller each day and it's working. Got rid of my God damn iPhone. I will never, ever, EVER buy another smart phone. Everyone plugs into them excited about receiving a text as if their life is dependent upon receiving texts. Get a life people. I have a no text policy and talk to people either by phone or in person. Thank you.

[wwood14]

Great message. Thank you.

[ucingtigatiga]

steve, how about minimalism in the mind? i mean belief,knowledge,goals,thinkin­g pattern,past memories etc.and i think goals if the focal point is the present moment and nothing to do with adding content to the "the basket" can be vehicle for spirit to grow (wu wei in taoism).regards from indonesia...(come here steve!)

[LivingMindfully1975]

I love, love minimalism and simplicity. I naturally embraced both as I grew spiritually.

[CarlosMacMartin]

It's nice to slow down and look at the colors around any environment,to listen to the sound of birds singing,to smell flowers or trees,or just to concentrate on your own breathing.Otherwise,a person can really go nuts!

[neznor]

The movie is called The Bridge.

[CosmicBrain21]

Thank you so much for posting this video. You made some excellent points, and I loved your analogies. Keep it up!

[plutoplatters]

so damn right on it kills me !!!!!!!!! 

[paullie6719]

Great video Steve. I've been simplifying for a while and am always finding new ways to do it. Example, I use cheap electric hair clippers for a quick hair cut and/or shave. Leaves 5 o'clock shadow stubbles on my face but don't need razors or cream and its real quick and my crew cut needs very little maintenance as well.

[ljfrisco]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[KathleenLouise84]

80/20 Principle is fantastic!



[arwenevenstar123]

Hello,

Have you read the 4 hour work week? I think some of things you talk about have been mentioned in it. For examples the 80/20 principal. Right now I am decluttering my rented apartment and with every item I remove I'm getting happier and more focused on what I really want : to travel and be free. Thank you for your positive videos.

[vagabondsteve]

@arwenevenstar123 I haven't read it. I read "The 80/20 Principle" by Richard Koch. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[Doanvq1]

good philosophy

[tonyfalca]

i also think its great that you brought up language, choosing our words more precisely and actually thinking about what we are saying; having meaningful discussions. theres so much rhetoric and non-constructive gossip these days and thats an understatement

[tonyfalca]

i think this is a great philosophy to life. i either junked and gave away 90% of the material things i owned a few months ago except for the essentials, even lots of the books i had already read, and it was actually a shock to find out how much of a burden most of these things were, even the stuff that just sat in my closet that you think would have absolutely no affect. now, i only have the car, cpu, weights, a few books, and the tv that i rarely watch. it feels amazing..

[XenuBlud]

you're glowing

[SOLIDSNAKEXXX360]

Its the society that we were brought up in. People have miserable lives, work at jobs they hate, sacrifice their health working long hours because they are slaves to their posessions, to their mortgage payments and car payments that they have to pay and then they are brainwashed by the media into buying things that you dont need. You were not created to work, to buy a house, or to buy the next iphone or whatever to make CEOs and banks richer by profiting off you. Let go and be free.

[lessismorejesus]

Interesting video dear soul. I will take a listen to your others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We are shedding posessions right now and the process has been very fruitful thus far.

[ladd428]

It's been way too long since I've watched some of your videos. I get in these funks and always turn to them. This one in particular reminded me of the classic transcendentalists like Thoreau. Always words of wisdom. :) Always enjoy.

[AdlerChalk]

That is how I do it.

[juicyXD]

I feel that as I am awakening, I want to get back to nature. Not in a hippie, groovy manner, but just enjoying nature and thus getting back to the rest of my body and getting out of my mind...all the excessive thinking of unnecessary, worrisome things.

Part of that seems to be getting rid of a lot of material things as well...so, not just a mind process, but a whole body engagement! THANKS for posting your thoughts!

[vagabondsteve]

@juicyXD Well said! Thinking is the problem not the solution.

[tiarnan76]

The movie was called "The Bridge"

[vagabondsteve]

@tiarnan76 Thank you.

[tiarnan76]

@vagabondsteve Like your video, its very true...dunno if you read much of Cormac McCarthy...but The Road is very similar as it strips away all possessions and focuses on the relationship with just the boy and the father, but its also quite spiritual in that the father is trying to show the son the right "path" or road....McCarthys writing is also as minimalist as you can get.

[vagabondsteve]

@tiarnan76 Thanks for the book recommendations.

[Maskarakachinba]

thank u for sharing Steve :) this one was off the hook, I know ur higher power uses u to take a message of freedom

[Maskarakachinba]

thank u for sharing Steve :)

[OpticalFascism]

What's so great and "spiritual" about a movie where a guy films suicidal persons for sensationalism and fame?

[vagabondsteve]

@OpticalFascism Did you see the movie? He doesn't just film people's suicide. He interviews their family and finds out about their history. It's not a 'spiritual' movie but rather a glimpse into what causes someone to go such an extreme. It also raises awareness about the cause and prevention of suicide. Thank you for your comment.

[FeelOfFriction]

Cannabis is a great aid to living in the moment.

[vagabondsteve]

@FeelOfFriction Growing up I knew people who smoked a lot of Cannabis and they seemed mentally foggy and unmotivated even when they weren't high. Why do so many people love it when there are negative side effects?

[Davidow1]

@vagabondsteve I agree with you steve, I smoked cannabis three times a week for a couple of months last year and soon felt that my mind was not as bright as it used to be, even while sober. Stopped using it and after a month I felt much better! I have friends who have had the same experience.

[vagabondsteve]

@Davidow1 Thanks for sharing. Cannabis and other drugs are an artificial way to quiet the mind. Awareness is so much more effective without all the side effects.

[mitchyd89]

@vagabondsteve I think cannabis is a very different drug than any other. It actually stimulates intellectual curiosity which is the complete opposite of alcohol. It actually increases awareness in the person who has actually figured out that it can. Even most people I know, smoke it and act stupid. When I smoke, I love to think about EVERYTHING, from the cosmos to society to the exact things that you talk about and why things are the way they are. Carl Sagan is proof it doesn't make you stupid.

[vagabondsteve]

@mitchyd89 To each his own. I know people who can reach the state you describe without any crutches.

[mitchyd89]

@vagabondsteve No offense but you missed my point. I like alcohol, I make my own wine, but I will openly admit it IS a crutch. Cannabis is really not like any other drug. Even caffeine is a crutch in my opinion but cannabis is just an herb. You can't really appreciate what I mean by this if you haven't had the enlightening yourself. I'm not saying go try it, but don't tell me what I use is a crutch when what I explained is just a different perspective. Obviously you don't know what I meant.

[vagabondsteve]

@mitchyd89 Why can't a herb also be a crutch?

[mitchyd89]

@vagabondsteve From experience, I can honestly admit that alcohol caffeine etc are crutches. But cannabis is not a crutch. It is just a supplement that gives you a different perspective. I know you won't agree with me but why would I deny it being a crutch if I admit alcohol IS and I make my own wine. If cannabis was a crutch I would just admit it. Plus, people use herbs as supplements. I don't hear of lemon balm being used as a crutch.

[mitchyd89]

@Davidow1 I think that effect may have stemmed from the conditioning of society telling you that it makes you less bright. I have found the exact opposite. It lets you think about things from a different perspective(outside the box). If you do meaningless stupid things while consuming cannabis then your going to feel less bright. I love to think about "norms" and question them and question everything. Of course you can do this without cannabis but i think it just adds another level.

[Xycopixie]

I needed to hear this so much. Thank you for the message.

[kac1964]

Outstanding! Thanks.... :)

[Sougen02]

It's a shame to be limited 10 minutes per video. :/

It would be great if you were a Youtube partner, just so you may have longer videos. It's apparent that you hurry up and finish when approaching 10 minutes.

These restrictions are limiting the all of your wise words! :p

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you for your advice and kind words. I should look into becoming a partner. Part of me also thinks maybe over 10 minutes is too long for people to sit and watch a video.

[dillingerexcape87]

another great video. thank you

[argenteum]

If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

William Morris

[malogames]

minimalism ftw

[erinhaz]

hm, interesting video. it gives me a few things to think about. if it were true, that a simpler life is possible...well that would give me hope.

[zingerbrain]

The Movie is called The Bridge.

[vagabondsteve]

@zingerbrain Thanks!

[shane6003PQ]

Basically, if someone studies traditional Japanese architecture, music, and culture, they will have a huge understanding of minimalism. The Japanese garden is a prime example of minimalism, along with traditional houses and buildings from Japanese history. Learn about the Soto Japanese Zen monasteries, and you'll find that they even go as far as not wasting ANY food, water, or space if possible.

However I disagree with "spiritualism" having anything to do with minimalism.

[douglundy]

minimalism is bliss, the problem with it is getting a date who wants to share your cardboard box...

[vagabondsteve]

@douglundy Women want nests. The middle path is the solution. It doesn't have to be a mansion nor a cardboard box. Also one needs to find a non-materialistic partner.

[Fieldofaware]

The biggest material thing that weighs me down is my house. It is paid for, but still you hae to clean it, care for it, and I can't travel because of fear someone will break in. Steal things etc

Would be nice to just be free!~

[vagabondsteve]

Some possessions are worth the sacrifice.

[dsgorham]

@Fieldofaware Sell it! By the sounds of it, you won't miss it!

[DanteMoodyFilms]

@Fieldofaware Sell it, buy a small piece of land that you can be self-sufficient on, and build a cob house. You can make one any way you want for under ten thousand.

[Theravadachannel]

@Fieldofaware

Of course it is your choice but you probably have a choice:

You could sell the house and buy or rent a rather small flat. The smaller, the less work and worry.

[ngot74]

@Fieldofaware Have you thought about downsizing into a condo? I also have a house and it's way too much work to maintain it plus I don't need that much space to live in.

[LeCanadienerrant]

Always enjoy your Web-cast Steve . You'll have to excuse my sarcasm about "Minimalism" but it seem paradoxical to me that you usually have a neutral white background behind you or a wild landscape outside but today that you talk about "Minimalism" you have this beautiful crafted and carved cupboard behind you...

Can I have it ?

[vagabondsteve]

Funny observation. You can't have it because I need it to store my many possessions.

[vagabondsteve]

@LeCanadienerrant It's not mine.

[EricCarterNow]

Great video thank you!

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you for subscribing and commenting.

[HouseholderAlan]

My dear friend. Once again, you hit the nail on the head. You still speak to me and feel free to share our journey, both together, and apart, with others. At this time, I am the "anti-minimalist". But, I am comign back around. Peace.

[vagabondsteve]

TY my friend. Release attachment to all that perishes. Freedom will follow you like a cat's tail.

[SodiumFreeVideos]

You're so awesome! I'm grateful for every video of yours. I've never thought of talking as part of the minimalist goals. I've never been a big talker and have felt weird about it at times in my life. I guess I can just say I'm a simple kind of guy.

[LeCanadienerrant]

Thank you "vagabonsteve" and also Thank you " SodiumFreeVideos". I am a men of few words myself and used to feel "weird" about it specially in company of friends who are eloquent and articulate but since reading Eckart Tolle I feel quite alwright been myself.

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you for your comment. Anything which extracts energy from our lives (even small amounts) can be minimized. Spending money, talking, dating, circle of friends, watching TV, arguing, self criticism, going to bed late, eating, etc.

[faszika]

whats wrong with washing dishes? if you judge people according to what they work you are a moron

[vagabondsteve]

Never said it was wrong. You just misinterpreted my words. Most people in Western Society would feel like their life was a failure if they washed dishes in their 50's. He was one of my greatest inspirations. Feel free to watch the video again.

[faszika]

i know exactly what you meant, the comment wasn't directed in any way at you :)

[ffatali]

Thanks for sharing this positive mesage.

:-)

[DouglasUrantia]

Your post of August 19, 2007 was very much like this one. Good to hear the same message again. 20/80

[vagabondsteve]

The 80/20 principle is revolutionary. Thanks for your kind words Douglas.

[Being48]

You are a beautiful Being...Thank You :-)

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you!

[fnog9]

You say in '"spirituality" there is this shift of internal contentment and away from extracting your happiness from "the world". That doesn't make sense. All things are experienced internally. The only reason people like material things is bc material things make people feel good internally. The shift you refer to is merely a shift away from complex things to simpler things, which is fine, but nothing "spiritual" about it. Use 8000 words? alright.

[vagabondsteve]

Good point. Material things clutter and weigh down our being. Many people's lives are so complex they can't even begin to see how their perceptions drown their spirit. There is something very spiritual about minimalism because it frees you to go within. I appreciate your comment.

[fnog9]

oh boy, here come the isms.

[vagabondsteve]

???

[alowlyapprentice]

Where do you get your figures for the percentage of words used that are relevant? I would really like to know.

I totally dig the concept of "Success is not a destination, it's a journey, so stop running".

But what you are talking about is really whether or not your ideas, values and beliefs, are imposed by your environment, or whether they are your own, or a mix.

For you, what is excess may be needed by someone else. Minimalism does not necessarily equal happiness. For some yes, for some no.

[vagabondsteve]

They're used as illustrations. Google Pareto's 80/20 Principle. Also a great book on the topic is: "The 80/20 Principle The Secret to Success by Achieving More with Less" by Richard Koch. Agreed minimalism is an individual choice.

[alowlyapprentice]

Thanks for the info. It's greatly appreciated. I'm glad you did not take my comment as a pointed criticism.

I'm kinda naturally minimalistic. But I'm getting there from a different place. I don't necessarily agree with your concept of the ego. I have noticed a straying from the classical definition of ego over the past 20 years or so. But then again languages live and evolve. So I groove with definitions at hand for the purpose of discussion.

I will check out more of your videos.

PEACE

[Jangaboo]

these videos are pretty cool man

thx for sharing

[vagabondsteve]

My pleasure. Thank you for your support.

[OnTheBackroads]

Yet another wonderful message.

Thank you, Steve. =)

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you! You're living the life.

[Luv4Learning]

Once again, I LOOOOOVE you videos!!! I'm feeling this way right now. I'm looking how I can pare things down in my life to the most essential.

~Namaste~

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you for your comment and video reply.

[wolffenhaus]

I ve worn  my keys (2) on a string around my neck for years. No more searches for me. Im here.

[seethroughyourshit]

I believe this was directed at me! Thank You my lil Guru! Christy

[vagabondsteve]

Your welcome Christy! How are you doing?

[JustWickedSwede]

The documentarys name is "The Bridge"

I think it's up on youtube

[vagabondsteve]

Thank you. Great documentary.

[kaiserpathos]

Well said man!

I started getting rid of extraneous unneeded things in the past 2 months and it's amazingly liberating to the spirit. I have also had to quieten my words and focus on the 20% of what needs to be said or communicated. I agree we are conditioned wrongly to spend our life energy on external things to gauge our self-worth. Much of our society is slowly awakening from that path, I hope it's not too late.

[yozeroz]

great take on things there. agree that minimalism can be used to streamline things and cut the fat instead of always chewing on it! :)

[eb352mm]

Thanks again brother! :-)