I lived in a monastery for years and paid no attention to material possessions until I was nearly 35 years old since 18 years old. At this point I have to say that basic materials things are important, like shelter, food and medicine. We can think about spirituality after having these. But being detached from material stuff is so important for happiness. Eventually we will loose our youth, and also our life. Everything is impermanente. Having necessary things, but not being trapped by the ownership is a key for detached mind set.
There is an unconscious need to accumulate because we are conscious of an emptiness in our core and don't know how to fill in that gap. Attachment to material things reflects our fear for lack of control...humans have a hard time to let go control... we've been programmed to live in that insecurity since birth it's in our DNA . It's exhausting and creates anxiety. We're addicted to it without knowing.
I like the idea, detachment. I can’t deny the power of the ability to buy stuff and services for the case of turning disabled or just old. Autonomy and some life standards in any scenario. It’s also powerful being able to say No to stuff. Less things to worry about. I should cultivate that, the power to buy, rather than exhausting my purchasing power… 🤔👀
More Research IS Needed here .. We ARE ETERNAL Energy that Must Accomplish Our Soul's Mission-Purpose of Creation to FINALLY Break the Vicious cycle of Reincarnation Loop, which continues to occur until We do. .. F.E.A.R. = IS You're Only god.God.. False Evidence Appearing Real.
I appreciate your message and I am a minimalist and have been one for years. I do want to point out that people who have lower incomes are not just naturally more grateful or satisfied. Maybe I did not hear you correctly but I thought that is what you were implying. I can only speak from my experience, but having lived many years below the poverty level I can tell you that living like that is very stressful. It is very difficult to meditate or to be satisfied in situations that are very stressful. I think there is a danger in romanticizing the experiences of low income people.
It does feel that many people like Todd that have found their way and are well on the joyful spiritual path did indeed start from a platform of having more than the bare minimum, which makes it easier to explore the options. As much as people say it doesn't matter, to go from having the resources-money, mortgage etc, to no resources is easier than when you have none to start with. The basics are a healthy consciousness/mind/body/soul-water to drink, nourishing food to eat and a roof over our head. The roof over our head comes with a large amount of stress and disharmony, for me anyway. Existing in this "physical world, a basic roof over our head is manipulated and intentionally put out of reach to the people without. I could live in a tent in the middle of nowhere (but land is also out of reach...) and live simply (husband is not keen on that). Maybe when we finally ascend to that higher place (away from the physical), the multiverse will take care of the roof over our head :)
I’m so grateful for your teachings . Your voice is calm and Serene . I recently became lost in proving myself as a successful single mother to evade the black sheep/ failure feelings placed on me by my family . This brought me back to my minimalist nature and out of my head and into my heart . ❤️
The deeper I dive into minimalism and my distaste for consumerism and waste , I have as of late am also trying to minimize the noise in my life , I do play piano , but I noticed I am playing softer , I am talking less, and avoiding excess talkers or loud talkers I don’t use tv and I shut windows and have become so sensitive to car noises and machinery , it’s such a noisy world !
I have been witness to people whom have very little and yet are so Grateful for what they do have and are sooo very Humble and Happy!!! Africa and Argentina were 2 countries, where the "people" and their spirits are what spoke to and came HOME with me!! I LOVED THIS VIDEO TODD!! Your videos are relatable and keep my head and heart in the right place... 💝
same. it's ridiculous what I spent on a pair of pants from free people. my mind gets hooked but after I'm out of that trance I wonder what I was thinking. my therapist talked about a patient she sees that goes to Target and puts all the stuff in her cart but then leaves it all at the store. I'm going back to thrift store shopping or 2nd hand online like poshmark
I like my things. They tell the story of my life but I need to let go of other things that because I’ve bought it I still have it or they are valuable and can’t find a buyer. I value life. I’m a vegan and promote sustainability. I have difficulty with the values of others but I’m working on compassion for myself, others and acceptance of what I can’t change.
I am going to watch this with my kids on this weekend. There is a beautiful message in this and we all need to make sure that it reaches everyone especially our kids so they don't get trapped in this deadly cycle of owning things and in turn getting owned by them.
My husband has a storage locker full of 'stuff' from the past. It goes against the grain with me but I know it would distress him to dump it. There is so much need in the world right now that the money he spends on this could be put to better use. However, I'm grateful that his present needs are extremely minimalist. He is still using a 'clam' phone that belonged to his father many years ago!
Our relatives are seldom happy to be left with our stuff but strangers often like it, that's why I gave my things to people who actually use them. If no one likes them - it's garbage.
I have to maintain the things, that's why I decide what serves me. People who care more about my things than me can stay away. I don't buy for others. Actually I did buy for others because I gave it all away 😅
I call myself a born minimalist, I've never felt the need to have a lot of stuff. It just always cluttered my mind and then affects me physically. I feel I'm lucky my basic needs are met...i just want to figure out getting myself to part time work or retirement, basic bills still have to be paid.
I just love you brother for sharing this experience. Like we we're taught in the bible. Knock. And the door shall be opened. You are witnessing your great spiritual awakening to us and feels like pure love
Your words are music to my ears learning how to use our time for the the best is the best once we feel the power of the turning wheel inside there no going back to the old self and using our Wisdom will guide us safe in the sea of illusion what a game is being played out is the only game worth playing. A big THANKS. 💜😊🙏☯️☮️🎶
I loved this and I learned so much. I agree and understand everything you talked about. Personally I am the opposite of a hoarder. I am always getting rid of stuff. Except books. There we differ. What are you going to do Todd when there is no more internet? They are already banning books. What if your books are deleted ? That is why I never get rid of a book and will never read one online. But thats just me. I
In response to low uncome comment, the message i am reciving is not mininuzing needs of one, just steppung back and becomibg aware whether we are using material external THINGS, instead of foxusung on whats goung on on the inside and in finding peace balance wirhin ourselves we can get off the treadmill from the enslavement to instabt gratification and ezperience long term results from feelings of beinf okay with ourselves
I agreed on all except the book advice. I believe people have jumped on the kindle, e-book, campaign- bandwagon false advertisement. Nothing will beat the feel of holding a book. Also, the more exposed we are to electronics the crazier and more stupid common people have become? Everything else in this video I agree.
Your last message may be upsetting to some people, but it's only because it's true & the truth hurts. I know many people who go into the gas station for $10 worth of gas and come out with $40 worth of candy, chips, drinks & cigarettes and cry that they are broke. They just don't get it
Thank you. I've been a minimalist, by nature, from childhood. I've always instinctively felt a need to have few possessions because it gives a sense of space and control. The less I have, the more I don't want.
Same here! I get anxious when I feel like I have too much junk or clothes etc. the ppl I know with the most junk and cluttered desks (the stuff just sits there never getting used, almost just for show collecting dust) are the least mentally healthy I know
I absolutely love this video! Thank you so much. The past few years I've been practicing meditation and a minimalist lifestyle. It's absolutely the best thing I've ever done. I am no longer on anxiety meds and I feel happier than I have in a long time. I can now feel a small breeze on my face and smile to it knowing that I am not alone...small things make me smile now because they are gifts from the universe that are free when you are aware 🙂. I just received your book Perels of Wisdom can't wait to read it. Thanks for all that you do ❤️
Loved this! I also went from a lucrative career in advertising to getting off the monkey wheel to spirituality, mysticism, and minimalism. ❤ I went from earning a lot of money full of emptiness to a path of true fulfillment.
@@ZdeninaB. there a thousand ways to make money. You have to choose what works for you. But no, I never used my savings. I am celebrating 10 years of freedom from that life and love that more people are normalizing it.
@@mysticsociety1111 Thank you for replying, it was really a genuine interest from my part... I've just quit my job without having found a new one first. I stopped seeing any sense in it. Now I'm trying to figure out what to do to make some living doing something useful. Looking for inspiration everywhere...
@@ZdeninaB. Mine also was a genuine reply. So much of my identity had been wrapped into being X level of this and earning X. The career had been fulfilling on many levels for many years. Until it wasn't. It turned into an ultra-stressful life-draining career at the turn of 2008. I don't get too wrapped up in what I do for money with meaning and purpose. I think it mucks the waters personally. The freedom I have is to take on jobs or work that I find fun and enjoyable. Lots of autonomy and freedom. This has allowed me to let go of all "social status", do all kinds of interesting things, and meet incredible people. I am sincere when I say you have to find what works for you. What your values are, and what is important to you. For me, if I am faced with choosing freedom vs money-I will choose freedom every single time. My lifestyle is not for everyone. I am happy to say that once my husband caught onto what I was doing, he left his job as well. He is now following his passions, but at the same time will do odd jobs for money when he needs it. Life is to be enjoyed, not survived. We live in a small condo, drive old cars, and don't want much. We have never gone without. Our freedom was the golden ticket we were looking for.
I was arrested and put in jail for twelve months. In prison, I learnt to sit in my cell and mediate, for there was nothing else I could do. I practised no thought and was at peace. When I got out I knew I didn't need much to survive, cloths food and shelter were all I needed. I didn't want anything and I didn't need anything. Now I am in a relationship with a lady who wants and needs everything. I hope to maintain this relationship without losing my peace. Any advice?
What a remarkable journey you had! Amazing how those horrible circumstances put life into perspective. In the same way, relationships can also show us where we still have room to grow. Only we can lose our peace, no one else can take it.
Omg, I needed to see this so much. I was raised with the idea that the more things you have is the mark of your status & whether you are successful. Now I have a bunch of crap & all of it needs to be "taken care of"... Cleaned, sorted, packed, moved, displayed or gotten rid of. It's a lot of work and is exhausting. I am in the process of getting rid of most of it. Every time I let something go a weight is lifted off my shoulders and I say " I just lost "however many" pounds. I am pushing myself with a mental image of "being free" very soon.Thank you for the encouragement.
We all got the point, but Elon and the like want more results. Money and stuff are not the results Elon wants, just means. Obviously, other people just want to retire ASAP, buy cool stuff... Well, after all it seems money is just means for everyone. Just it is wanted for different ends. Even if untouched in a bank account, it is a way to have some financial peace of mind, I guess.. 👀
I have never been into shopping, and yet I have recently graduated for a new life and the anxiety of having to market myself and self doubt leads me to want every book and training on more mastery of skills and achieving more spiritually. The path is difficult, even with daily meditation. Thank you for your videos, I always find great wisdom in them. ❤
I've come to understand that you don't own things; they own you. And so you spend your life acquiring, insuring, maintaining, repairing, storing possessions. Things don't bring the joy that freedom does.
I was a minimalist when I was using cannabis every day, and later drinking and smoking cigarettes every day. I felt satisfied with those escapes plus daily meditation and exercise. Then I stopped drinking and within a year started collecting toys. It's addiction replacement. I get a high from making the purchases, but honestly, having the toys gives me little to no joy. Once in a while I get inspired to make videos with them and that is fun. Also, I get some approval and validation from other people with the same habit/addiction. It's frustrating feeling like I still have addictive tendencies and desire for social validation after so many spiritual breakthroughs and so much time just being still. How did I get back on the wheel of suffering?
First of, your insights into your self put you miles ahead of most people struggling with addiction, so you are very close. Like anything else, you need to witness those cravings come and go without acting on them. This will build a new habit of conscious shopping. Check out my videos on smoking and shopping addiction because they are very similar
This is a work of art. I read a book with similar content, and it was truly a work of art. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove
I love to detach from belongings and I often clear it all out. I do however have an issue with dopamine shopping for clothes 😑 I'm aware of it though and working on catching it and working through how I actually feel in the moment x
