March 6, 2009 Minimalism, being there
Here’s a re-post from 2007 - more relevant than ever given the turmoil of 2009.
A lot of people think of minimalism as very modern, but there is little new under the sun. I’m reminded of a certain teacher of some antiquity who was a light travel proponent: “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff…” While we have our can of philosophical wax open, why not muse on ways that light travel skills and strategies can affect our everyday, non-traveling lives? Here goes: It’s just possible that lessons learned (about luggage and layering?) might help us live more simply any time and anywhere with less reliance on things, possessions, stuff. Accumulation is a Western way of life. Traveling light encourages its opposite. We all have security blankets of some type. Some we drag behind us; some we carry on our shoulders. Light travel teaches us to leave them at home. And go somewhere and do something…
There’s a fair amount of cultural buzz about a New Minimalist approach to art, fashion, design, and lifestyle. The new minimalism may be viewed (and promoted) from a variety of perspectives including spiritual/religious, sustainable/green, pragmatic/functional, artistic/aesthetic. Light travel is surely a minimalist approach. It won’t save your soul - or the earth - but it might save your back, your neighbor’s toes, some money, some time, and some sanity. Let’s call it common sense minimalism.
Reader Comments (2)
I use a similar philosophy to traveling light in certain aspects of my daily life. First, I never do more than I really have to. :) Maximum outcome with minimum effort.
On a more concrete level I skimmed down my wallet years ago. it is not necessary to carry a trunk in one's pocket. I just keep the four or five most important cards including IDs plus a little cash in one of the clip+card wallets. It lightens the load and makes for a better silhouette. Bulky pants don't look good. I recommend deeppcockets and Tumi wallets. The deeppockets are even more practical, the Tumis a bit more stylish.
Coins are emptied out into four containers at home. The pennies are converted in one of those machines and the silver coins I use in a coin holder for parking money in the car.
I also forgo a case for my phone. It is a very flat Samsung i320 and goes directly into my coat or pants pocket. The thing is so flat that sometimes I have trouble finding it.
In general one can relate this approach also to decreasing one's carbon footprint. I found out with different carbon footprint calculators that mine is only about a third of the average Americans. More like that of an American homeless person, which is still double the world average. The only problem is that I am flying too much. This increases my footprint from 8 to 24 or 32 depending on the calculator. 22-24 is American average apparently.
So, in a way, by traveling light I am theoretically decreasing fuel consumption. If everyone did it, the planes wouldn't need so much fuel.
Till
Two trips ago (with non gel/liquid toiletries) I had an epiphany, if I can do without all the bathroom clobber whilst on holiday, what the heck am I doing with it at home?!! So I minimalised the bathroom cabinet. Which led to having a massive garage sale after I minimalised the rest of the house, I couldn't stop.......what a cleansing experience....what an addiction!
I remember the years I spent dragging heavy suitcases around, the agony of aching arm muscles and back and now each time I pack my carry-on, I test myself as to how little I will take. My dream (and until I win the lottery will remain a dream), is to pack one change of clothes, a few necessary toiletries and my credit card. That, to me is the ultimate in 'light' travel.
My everyday wardrobe is also changing because of minimal packing. I've found materials (especially Modal) that are marvellous for travelling in, so comfortable and soft, cool in the summer, warm in winter and great under layers. So little by little the dry clean / iron / easily wrinkled clothes are gradually being replaced by wrinkle free, easy to wash or drip dry items. If I don't need to use my dryer I would prefer not to.