20 Things that I let go of to make my life SIMPLE, more MINDFUL, and FREE as a Minimalist 

I used to work in sales and say "let's get this bread" every morning to manifest prosperity. And when I was working from home, I'd start my day by saying "Today is the best day ever" now I work the career I've always wanted and I say "I know the things I have are enough" which is a phrase I learned from you.

1. Treating things roughly 2. Eating lunch 3. Bed 4. Checking the phone after waking up 5. Folding clothes 6. Seeking happiness 7. Using a bath towel 8. Going to the gym 9. Using social media app limitlessly 10. Drinking coffee 11. Staying up late 12. Using coins 13. Television 14. Watching the news 15. Saying YES to everything 16. Doing a big clean up 17. Checking e-mails multiple time 18. Aiming for perfection 19. Keeping the phone near the matress 20. Saying bad words

Love the idea of treating things gently for increasing mindfulness. So easy to do. I watch my roommate 'slam' things down and toss things on the floor and there is so much unrecognised anger, as well as carelessness, in those actions. It is really shocking.

I stopped watching and reading news 11 years ago and it was the best decision ever! Your life goes on happier and without the burden of so many problems that aren't yours.

The First said habit of keeping things delicately on their places has calmed my anger issues❤

People don't understand the difference between happiness and pleasure. Happiness is long lasting. Pleasure is fleeting. So many people chase pleasure thinking they're chasing happiness.

1. Treating things roughly “When placing things, do it as delicately as you would when parting ways with your lover” 2. Eating lunch 3. Bed 4. Checking the phone after waking up 5. Folding clothes 6. Seeking happiness “Being able to walk and breathe normally are such precious things” Happiness isn’t something to seek; it’s already there! Just notice it, and the life will become simply happy. 7. Using a bath towel 8. Going to the gym 9. Using social media apps limitlessly 10. Drinking coffee 11. Stay up late 12. Using coins 13. Television 14. Watching the news 15. Saying YES to everything “Instead of saying YES to everything, say YES only to things you’re really excited about.” 16. Doing a big cleanup 17. Checking emails multiple times 18. Aiming for perfection “I learned that moderation is the key to simple life”. 19. Keeping the phone near the mattress 20. Trying not saying bad words

I always treated (and not only my own) things gently - I was raised this way (thanks, Mom and Dad). The result is that my things look like new and last for decades! It saves time, money, and energy. Purchase simply designed (then, it's almost impossible to identify which year the thing was manufactured) timeless stuff you indeed need, and take good care of; you will be surprised how long your things can last in great condition and how much money you can save. It's valid for everything - from houses and cars to furniture, clothing, books, ceramics, just about everything!

I agree that avoiding local news can really change your life. It's like saving yourself from all the negativity. Not just the local news but media in general. Most information shared through media are biased on the writers and producers interest. Call me skeptic but, this realization is so evident.

i read a comment which said commenting helps feeling the algorithm, so heres my contribution. love your video! i just made a sticky note calculating that i would lose 12 years of my life if i used electronics daily for 5 hours everyday for 60 years, this was an eye-opener! thank you so much!

Having no TV, was one of the best choices I made about 4 years ago.

All I can think about these days is the movie "Perfect Days"; this video is no accident popping up on my feed. Appreciation is the key. Appreciating EVERYTHING in life. Even the pain.

Greetings from Minnesota, USA. Nothing makes me happier than opening up your next videos. I get a huge smile on my face when I hear you begin to talk. I have implemented many of your ideas on simple living and my anxiety is barley noticeable now. I love my home because only the thing within makes my heart happy. I'm anxious to try having Macha in the morning out on my deck early in the morning greeting the new day that The Creator has made. Listening to your voice brings such peace & anticipation of what I will implement into my simple life next. Thanks!

wow, treating things gently really resonates with me. It struck me that how we treat things often reflects how we treat ourselves and other beings. Thank you!

For 99% of people this is so much better and massively more helpful than any Ted talk has ever been, thank you SO MUCH🎉❤

What a wonderful teacher... Thoreau said it too, 'We fritter away our lives with endless detail. Simplify. Simplify.' Thanks for the reminder!

I completely agree on the news; the news in my country are also horrible, all negative and it just made me so sad that I cried after watching them. It is too sad for me watching worldwide bad news that you can't really do anything about. Since watching the news at dinner is something that my family does, I try to not listen to them and focus on my food only.

I learned a new Japanese word, “kotodama”. It’s so true! I’ll gradually try all those things, except, maybe, my morning coffee 😊

people need to realise that a workout is anything that includes any movement, not just in a gym. including things like playing with a child, walking to a shop from a car parked further away and doing a deep clean. if you've done anything like that uninterrupted for about an hour a day, that still counts towards exercise/movement. I stopped drinking caffeine drinks from 28+ cups a week, to 4-8 cups a week and only when I am out and it's taken a long time to stop and a longer time to not always crave it every morning. I have a toddler and we are on our own. I drink one or two at baby groups twice a week so will have one or two a time there, if I visit someone else house I might have one or two or if I buy one from a cafe whilst out I might just have the one, or two on a long day.

The first thing really surprised me, no one mentions this but it is so good and profound when you think about it.

Totally agree on the happiness segment. I ended up in icu on new years night and didn’t come out of the hospital until over a month later. Life is precious. I had to learn the hard way how the simplest things make me happy

Happiness is already there: CATS 😻😻😻

Someone wise came up with this, and it is beautiful; I don’t eat just anything, I don’t do just anything, and I don’t think just anything. Warm greetings from Poland.🙂🙃😉

I have been practising #20 for a long time. Our mindset can really influence one's perspective. By avoiding bad words and use good words instead, it can create a positive outlook on things. Great video Aki San 👍

This video came perfectly in time! Gonna leave this comment early to feed the algorithm.

I love how your videos bring refreshing wind to my life, they are very inspirational, thank you.

The prophet Muhammad also had minimalistic tendencies. He used roughly 3,1 to 5 litres of water to wash in. I tried it and it is indeed possible. The trick is to scoop water with hands and rub it over body. This way, one washes with a lot of intention, while saving water. Lots of people don't have save water to drink, cook and wash in. How lucky we are to have this right of water.

After I read Goodbye Things, I bought a 3 pack of tenugui. They make GREAT kitchen towels, but if you have thick hair and you keep it in a bob(a short and easy to maintain haircut for many women) and are relatively tall, the bath towel ends up being easier. I have to use multiple towels to dry myself and unless I want to own many many tenugui, it's easier for me to keep towels. The fluffy material simply absorbs more.

You inspire me. I love watching your wisdom in action! Thank you. ❤️

Great list. I have been without TV for over 20 years and don’t regret it. 😊.

watching your videos is making me happy, may God bless you sir.

This was honestly so much more insightful than I expected. Thank you 🙏🏽

I love watching your simple living and minimalism videos. Thank you

Going to bed earlier has been one of the best things I have done in my life. Helps me wake up at 7-8 am and not feel exhausted throughout the day. Going to bed late and waking up at 10 am, I am drained for the rest of the day.

Hands down. You are just amazing! The positivity you radiate, it’s wonderful to listen to someone like this. I just bumped into your video by accident - how lucky! :-)

I love your videos. I have found inspiration in the things u try to teach. Thank you so much 💚

You described the “Living on a boat” lifestyle. Anyone who lives on a boat lives like you suggest, and it works! Thank you for reminding me do the “KISS” acronym, “Keep It Simple, Smarty”.😅

I love the prints on those little towels! Alas, I inherited enough bath towels to last the rest of my life and I avoid wasting things, so I'm just going to keep using them. My version of simple living 😊

Thank you for the video! Very positive message, which is always welcome ❤

i will put these by heart... especially nowadays the world is full of negativity.

I read and drink tea in my loved bed. Very important, a warm and fluffy Nest.

Thank you for the inspiration 🎉

This is something I needed to see. Unlike other simplifying videos, this focused on positive reasons. Right now, I gotta simplify. My apartment is hip deep in things that haven't been put away, some or a lot of which I could happily do without. I've been making a pile of things I am using every day. That pile is very small: 4 pairs of jeans, three pairs of shoes, and a medium-sized pile of tops. Everything is washable and doesn't need ironing. I think the only thing I won't do is the bed on the floor. Just not me -- but my stuff is mostly Scandinavian Modern, so tranquility comes with it.

All your videos look like 100% to me! Love Samurai Matcha

I ❤ you, Samurai Matcha. I started drinking matcha in 2009 when living at a zen monastery. I enjoy it every day. It has made my life so much better🙏🏼

This channel really brings me hope and motivation when I pick up bad habits or feel stressed out. I am no minimalist, but this channel always reminds me to sit back and relax, and admire the simple things in life! Recently got a bonsai tree and realized plants bring me a lot of fun even though they are so simple, when I move to a bigger room, I will purchase many plants!

I got this video recommended by a friend and it is really helpful as she said! I truly feel motivated now to be more mindful, have a simple life and already fee the happiness being here! thank you for your wisdom :)

There’s a few of these principles I use already - tiny towel, clean my space everyday, not using bad words and focusing on the “good “. Thank you for the continued inspiration to add new things to my list

I really love this kind of minimal topics. I love you man.

I think this is one of your best videos yet! And I’ve been a follower for a long time and never noticed the shift from 100% to 80% in your videos - perfection is just a subjective mental bar set too high

Calming and inspiring as always, thank you~

Your videos really have changed my life. I have applied so many of your principles in my daily life and find myself living more mindfully and intentionally. Keep doing what you're doing!

Hey, just wanted to say that your videos always bring me peace and happiness, your energy is magnetic and just beautiful! No RU-vidr has had such a positive effect on me :)

Thank you for the wisdom of living a simple life. It really helps one sleep at night and wake refreshed.

Hi samurai What a welcome change your video is on a rather dismal Sunday Love your wisdom and knowledge There is always something good to learn from them Wishing you peace and good health x

This is the BEST video I’ve ever watched!!!! I can relate to you on so many levels! Thank you for making these videos I’m sharing them with my kids!!

I’ve already started doing some of theses things and it really is unbelievable how much they help. I used to have no energy and was always in a bad mood but now I have tons of energy and I’m generally happier than I was!

Great advice, I will try and take the first one to heart. I am not a gentle person but do think I would benefit greatly doing things more deliberate and gentle. Thank you for the wise words, Aki.

Your joy is remembers my brother. Always full of energy

We attended a master tea ceremony in Kyoto last month in a historic Samurai House and so true, this is how she moved. So delicate, so conscious, so precise 💕🎀✨

I don't have a TV, I rarely drink coffee (Loose genmai cha is my fav), I don't do social media, I eat 2 meals a day no breakfast, still have landline and only use iPhone went out of the house. I would love to go to bed earlier than midnight, but I often wind up not being able to fall asleep. I am retired so no need to get up unless I have an appointment. Still try to be up and about by 7-7:30 which I feel is too late. No TV or social media....but I do have a computer and I am an information junkie...love learning new things, about other cultures, food, art, gardening ...too many interesting websites. Also, I live in the US and feel a need to know what is going on in the world of politics and of course internationally. So these are 2 areas I would like to put more effort into changing..Bedtime and too much you tube.

I'm that kind of person who just can't go without eating every four /five hours. And I'm eating healthy, so it's not about too much sugar intake and then levels drop suddenly. Breakfast at 7:30, stomach rumbling at 11ish, sometimes a snack at 5. But that lunch is a must have, otherwise I feel funny the whole afternoon. Granted my breakfast is not as wholesome as a Japanese one can be (with fish / omelet / rice / misoshiru), but it's still oatmeal with dried fruits + kiwi or banana + tea. (Other than that, great video. Basic recipe for a resistance-free daily life)

"It's already there" that was amazing👌

For some reason, your videos have not been popping up for me and now suddenly when I am at a kind of crossroads I am seeing your videos again. I clearly needed your timely reminders

I want to live in japan for atleast some time in my life and adapt to its peaceful lifestyle. Something about it just draws me in like nothing else!

I'm 68 and have been mak8ng changes too. L9ve your video. I have rls which makes things difficult but doing what I can. Even had foot surgery and I'm decluttering it feels so free to me. I have a ways to go but it's happening. I watch very little TV and don't miss it. Most days no tv.Hey get a betta fish I put mine in a 5 or 10 gal tank there beautiful and teach me a lot. Water parameters behavior etc. I like to use some money to help a friend instead of buying myself things which I don't need. What to do around negative people.

I really enjoyed your video on the 20 things you let go of to simplify your life and become more mindful. Your ideas were all great, and I found them very inspiring. I especially liked the suggestion to swap out a regular bed for a fold-away mattress and cutting back on bath towels-such interesting and practical tips! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you again for sharing your wisdom. I realise that I desperately should go to bed much, much earlier than I do. It is not uncommon for me to not get to bed before 1am (even though I have set a 10pm reminder on my watch!). I'll do it tonight! On the plus side, it is several years now that I have been leaving my phone out of my bedroom all together. The effect? I read books now. I love this change. How do I set my alarms? Well, I just use my smart watch, which is set to prevent any other interruptions between 10pm and 8am. It is so great.

For those of you that have an iPhone, if you want to limit your social media or any app usage the iPhone has an internal setting called, “app limits.” 1. settings app, 2. click on screen time 3. section that says limit usage, 4. app limits It allows you to pick any apps you want to limit, on multiple devices, and allows you to pick the time limit and specific days if you don’t want to do it everyday.

Great ideas! The TV and social media distractions are a real challenge today in the U.S. It is really affecting our youth and I am very glad I grew up during a simpler less techy time! Cannecting in person and being outdoors was a natural part of our existence and try to incorporate this today. Love the suggestion about watching our words and I would add watching our thoughts.

I love your videos AKI! They are so helpful for space first, then body, then mind, then soul…. But the effect from watching them impacts that list the other way around! I hope you get my meaning. I love your style, positive attitude and casual humor makes it seem within reach. I do my laundry with Magnesium sachet and orange oil now! Many friends that don’t have extra money in a big city love your tips too. Have fun!

Love all of these. Planning to reduce time spent on social media. Got rid of my TV 30 years ago. It's one of the best things I've ever done.

Such a wonderful video. Thank you very much.

These are great. Ive started cleaning my toilet more often from another of your videos, and it inspired me to clean my refrigerator. So great suggestions. Thank you for taking time to make these videos. They really help.

When your single with no kids there's all kinds of time to do all of this.. There's no restrictions to your life other than what you decide to do or not do.. I mean good for those who don't have things pulling on them much of the time

Hey, just wanted to say that your videos always bring me peace and happiness, your energy is magnetic and beautiful! I haven't seen any RU-vidr that had such a positive effect over my mood :)

I agree that the mood is affected when you see what others are doing and starts comparing your present situation to others.

Thank you. Glad you do what you do and share for people like me! Practical ideas and showing us so we can see!

Great video as always Aki 💞 I was so excited when I saw your new video pop up yesterday and even more excited this evening when I had a moment to watch it after my 5 children went to bed. I have been decluttering a lot since February as we prepare to move to Japan next year and now have lost momentum. But as always, your video reminds me to continue and to let go of those things that are not important in our lives 🥰 Love you so much 😘 Hope you are enjoying your new day in Japan as we get ready for bed in USA.

After watching your video, I’m calmed 🥹💖

I love the concept of kotodama- so powerful! Thank you for another very helpful video! 😀

Well, I gave up watching TV about 26 years ago...just threw it out of my room! In fact, I threw out the bed as well around the same time. I don't need it. But not even for a mattress, a thin blanket is enough for me! I've been sleeping on a hard surface ever since. And I feel much better this way, even my back pain is gone! And TV... for what? It's just a dust-catching advertising space in your apartment maintained with your own money, by which you are constantly urged "thanks" to the advertiser to buy things for expensive money that you don't need at all, and that you never dreamed of, that you didn't even know existed until then, and without which you were able to survive perfectly happily until then, without feeling any lack! Also, I threw the closets out of my room. I don't need them. The thing is, I have little more than what fits in a large military backpack, a suitcase and a handbag. I have a few other things besides these, yes, I admit it, but not much, and I wouldn't consider it a big tragedy if I lost everything that doesn't fit in the 3 packages listed above. To begin with, I only live on 14 square meters, including this bathroom... Anyway, my hobby has been "survival in extreme conditions" for a while now, i.e. I know from experience that there would be no serious threat of starvation or freezing or anything if I were suddenly in the middle of a wild, temperate jungle, with only a small belt bag in which only it holds about 2 kilos of useful survival gear! I WOULD EVEN SURVIVE. Why do I need more stuff?! Compared to that situation, I currently live in luxurious conditions! I have no jewelry (but I don't need them because I'm a man), I don't have a car, in fact, youI'll not going to believe what I'm writing now, but it's true: not long ago I told my boss that I'd rather I would go to another position, where my salary will be only half as much approximately as now, but I will have MUCH more free time! The boss was very surprised, but because it was in his interest to keep me at least in this sense, he started looking for a new guy in my current position, I already got the news that the new guy will arrive next week. So my salary will be MUCH less, but I'm HAPPY about it, because I'll have more free time, less stress, and my principle is that we shouldn't be addicted to work (and money...) either!

Without you tube I would not have seen this. However, point taken. Limit time is wonderful idea.

I have to laugh at number four because that is what I am doing right now 😂 I love the first tip, I find that as I reduce more and more I automatically treat the remaining things with more respect and kindness ❤ Thanks for the video ❤

Not just another minimalism video! I love that you start with #1 as something that not even a "thing" i.e. tangible item. I don't have time to watch the whole video right now, but felt compelled to comment (which I don't do often) and am looking forward to coming back to hear and see the rest.

As someone who has one recently started to re-learn the art of letting go after a few years of chasing others and things again, this appeared on my feed at the right moment. I have always believed our words affect our days so it was nice to learn that in Japan you actually have a word for this and believe the same! I enjoy your channel - and as a cyclist myself I totally dig that bamboo bike! 👌🏻🙏🏻

I do some of these especially TV and the news. Yes it does make a difference in how you feel. I spend most of my time writing and or playing music. Unfortunately I am a RU-vid addict 😂. But only things that are not negative. I could definitely change some things. I also often write down what I am grateful for when I first wake up. It usually makes a difference in the day ahead.

I personally relate to ditching the big cleanup. I always find myself irritated when I do big cleanups because of how messy and unclean the house is. I totally agree that 5 mins daily cleanup is much efficient than a whole big cleanup at the end of the week. But it's kind of hard to attain if you live with your family. The house can get pretty messy everytime 😂😂

Kotodama! A good word to know, and I’m going to share it with my sisters. Your list of 20 is fantastic, but I know I will never give up my bed, and probably not the coffee, either. One more thing! I’m going to take your advice, and stop cleaning big. Spending 10-15 minutes in the morning, to keep my bedroom clean and uncluttered, sounds doable! Thanks for this inspiring video!

your character is so cute :) I really enjoy your way of explaining things and giving tips for happiness and simplicity!

I used to be lucky to get 20 minutes for lunch on a good day. I had to gulp my meal, often go to help a colleague during my 20 minutes, and generally work right through. Then I was allocated elsewhere. Two other people who 'outranked' me took one hour to sit, eat a proper meal and relax. The first time I did this with them, I was astounded by how much better I performed through the afternoon! More alert, less fatigued, less grumpy, and happier. I cooked a dish suitable for the 3 of us the following shift, and it had not been a fluke! The afternoon flew by! We began to take it in turns each Saturday we worked together to provide a meal for 3 with Faith considerations covered. It was a transformation. I mention it because, had I not had this experience myself I would not have believed. It was a physically, emotionally and mentally tiring job.

Loved this episode ❤️ I WILL have to challenge myself on 1. No coffee! 2. No TV!! 3. No negative self sabotaging words!!! Thanks for sharing this insightful video. Well done! God Bless! ❤🙏

Thank you for sharing your insights.

Mindfulness keeps you present, and that is the only place opportunities and connection exist.

Just discovered your videos today and they are great! Yes, moderation is the key to a simple life😀

I’ve only found your channel today, I’ve literally been binging your videos, this one is fantastic 👏🏼❤️

Also I started a new thing to make me smile...I bought a tall glass vase at dollar store and I bought some artificial flowers. I place one flower a day in vase.I don't have real flowers and there expensive. I live in AZ.

Your English pronunciation has really improved the last few years! Must be all that mindfulness 🫶

Definitely need to practice #1 treating things roughly! Another thing to practice when living in the present is managing the urge to record joyous moments. While recording can detract from being fully present, it can also help highlight and appreciate moments. With smartphones, taking pictures or recording has become almost automatic. This impulse can interfere with fully experiencing the moment. Balancing the desire to capture memories with staying present can enhance overall well-being and satisfaction.

All good advice.. I love the saying.. “live simply so others may simply live”.. in other words.. living simply has ripple effects.. it’s good for others as well.. Thanks for your lovely video.. I’m still working on almost all of your suggestions!!.. thanks again!!