At first glance, the concept of ‘beautiful minimalism’ and the namesake of The Beautiful Minimalist may seem an oxymoron. If you have a visceral reaction to the word ‘minimalism,’ perhaps ‘beautiful simplicity’ rings more true to you? There is a seeming paradox in the act of minimizing, simplifying, and reducing while at the same time preserving and even enhancing beauty. And yet, these concepts are not mutually exclusive; instead, we subtract to reveal or even add beauty to our lives.
In this context, ‘beautiful minimalism’ refers to a space in which the beauty of ‘what is (left)’ and ‘what remains’ can reveal itself without distraction or detraction. This space can be concrete and measurable or a more abstract space for ideas, emotions, and community.
For some, the term ‘minimalism’ corresponds to a design aesthetic emphasizing simplicity, serenity, and order. For others, minimalism may mean owning fewer material goods, being less busy, doing less ‘doing,’ and being and experiencing more. This focus on being influences values, lifestyle decisions, and how one spends time and finds meaning and purpose.
Beautiful Minimalism is a way of life that emphasizes less for more. It is the opposite of clutter, urgency and chaos so that the beauty of time, relationships, reflection, intentionality and the natural beauty of life can reveal itself and shine through.
What could you ‘beautifully minimalize’ in your life?