I decided that I had one too many large tables this week thats primary function just served to collect plates and trash.
I got rid of it and sort of had an existential moment of realization. I'm scraping the barrel on minimalism. Last year I moved into a small tent full time. Downsized my bed to a cot, made my own solar system, pump my water, and got rid of all my trinkets and toys.
I just don't have much left to get rid of. Not much left to store or organize. No need for large tables, my smaller collapsable tables do what I need. All thats left is bare essential appliances, clothing, bedding, and daily use devices. just a little more I wouldn't even need a shelf anymore.
I feel free. Like a weight is being lifted off of me. Possessing means maintenance and emotional attachment to objects. Each thing I get rid of feels like a win, like I'm letting go of something that I didn't really need. The few things that stay I truly appreciate for what they provide me in life.
But I feel like I'm kind of weird for feeling these way. Its the societal norm to collect things, compare social status with objects, show off your ideaologoies and interest by decorations. The 'dream' for most people is a big home to fill with a spouce, kids, and things.
People get mad at the idea of 'pod life' and 'owning nothing and being happy', which I understand its about being g forced into poverty not minimalistic zen type letting go of attachment. But I personally feel like theres too much hoarding and consumerism in daily life.
I wish that nomadic minimal lifestyles were looked better upon by society and not equated to homelessness. I don't have any stuff tying me down I want to explore my country without monthly apartment rents in an old van. Why is that wrong? Because I'm not making taxable property income or stimulating the economy with constant purchase?
Anything you own ends up owning you or something like that.
Btw, why do you care what others think? Aren't you free? Didn't you do this for yourself and not to impress anyone? You should be secure in your rationale for living your lifestyle.
Great question. Sometimes I feel like ive lost the plot of enjoying the human experience. When the majority of the members of my species exhibit a behavior or inpulse that I cant relate to or dont understand, I second guess whether its me missing something fundamental to enjoying my existence or whether Ive overcome a certain flaw most others haven't or something else.
You are correct though I should be a little more confident in the choices ive made and the rationals of why I made it.
It's okay to doubt; doubt is natural for those who question and those who reflect, you are way ahead simply for reflecting, and choosing to live your life by being honest to the principles you feel are important.