Photos made by me and edited on Canva.
Minimalism is still a concept rarely discussed in Brazil. Perhaps because the majority of people here are living in poverty. Typically, in underdeveloped countries, people often focus on improving their financial lives to achieve various material goals. In Brazil, this is no different, as we have a quite consumerist culture. The need for financial education in schools is urgent. We grow up with the false idea that having is better than being, and consequently, when there is no intervention to prevent this, we become accumulators. Fortunately, I've known the concept of minimalism for a few years and realized that even before I encountered it, I already had a minimalist approach to consumption as part of my personality.
The type of behavior I engage in the most, without a doubt, is having a small wardrobe and wearing the same clothes as much as possible. Typically, I only buy a pair of jeans if the one I'm currently wearing is torn. In this case, it's a choice. I never wanted to be a hoarder of clothes or objects. I'm fortunate not to be very attached to material items. However, there are some other actions of mine that I consider minimalist because they largely depend on me and require very little money.
Something I'd like to do more of is traveling. That's why, whenever possible, I go to the nearest beach in my municipality and try to see it through the eyes of a tourist. It's interesting to view a familiar landscape from a different perspective. I always discover something new that I like and feel grateful for being able to enjoy it without spending too much because it's a place close to my home. Seeking a connection with nature has been something that has made me feel good since I was a child, and the sea has always symbolized that.
Another thing I enjoy doing is watching the sunset. The feeling of the end of the day, that another day is slipping away, evokes a certain melancholy in me and makes me reflect on whether I've been living my days to the best of my ability. The end of the day signifies that tomorrow we will have a new chance. It's a melancholic feeling, but one I'm accustomed to, and it helps me appreciate the good moments when I have them. This photo is from last week, during a solar eclipse. I really enjoyed taking it.
Being a minimalist means being content with the simple, and one simple thing I enjoy doing is watching my cat sleep. Admiring him makes me feel at peace. It's interesting how well-being is easy to achieve when we value the simple things in life.
Another inexpensive and useful habit I have is assembling jigsaw puzzles. I can spend hours doing this, entering a meditative state. I usually do puzzles with my daughter, allowing us quality time together. Is there any greater wealth than having quality time with your children?
Finally, I'd like to talk about my teas. In the photo, you can see my rue plant and my little dog in the background. Rue tea is great for cramps, and the aroma it produces is very pleasant. Since I planted these rues in this spot, my dog started lying down near them. I think she enjoys the scent as much as I do. In addition to rue, I also have rosemary plants. They are my favorite teas, and it's undoubtedly therapeutic to be able to pick what I'll consume in my yard to calm myself on anxious days.
These are just some of the habits I have that I believe represent the minimalist lifestyle I lead. There are other reflections I'd like to bring and discuss in future posts. I'm happy to have found this space where I can talk more about this. Thank you for reading.
