The More of Less:  Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker describes not only what minimalism is, but also why you should practice minimalism.  He defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.  The beauty of minimalism isn’t in what it takes away.  The beauty and the full potential of minimalism lies in what it gives” (p. 18).  This book clearly presents the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle,

1. More time and energy – Our possessions consume our time more than we realize.  The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you.

2. More money – Choosing to accumulate only the essentials often results in financial freedom.

3. More generosity – Money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on.

4. More freedom – The sense of freedom that comes from minimalism is truly refreshing.

5. Less stress – Owning fewer possessions creates less stress in your life.  Mess + excess = stress. 

6. Less distraction – Everything around us competes for our attention.

7. Less environmental impact – The less we consume, the less damage we do to the environment.

8. Higher-quality belongings – More is not better . . . better is better.

9. A better example for our kids – These are valuable life lessons they will not learn from the world.

10. Less Work for Someone Else – Create a less stressful life and lessen the burden on others.

11. Less comparison – Our natural tendencies cause us to compare our lives with those around us.

12. More contentment – Material possessions will never fully satisfy the desires of our hearts.  (pp. 8-11)

Minimalist living is counter-cultural to our society that emphasizes consumerism. Advertising advocates the accumulation of possessions to achieve contentment.  Contentment is not getting what you want but it’s wanting what you’ve got.  The essence of contentment is not found in having great wealth but is found in having few wants.  The truth is there is more joy to be found in owning less than can be found pursuing more.  “The goal of minimalism is to unburden our lives so we can accomplish more” (p, 40).

Throughout the book, the author provides helpful principles and practices that assist the reader in developing a minimalist lifestyle.  He points out the importance of gratitude, “Gratitude is a discipline, not an emotion” (p. 150).  We must learn to give thanks when we should, not simply when we feel like it.  We need to realize that we “don’t need to own all this stuff” (p.3).

Ultimately, the purpose of a minimalist lifestyle is to benefit others.  The author and his wife have founded an organization called The Hope Effect.  “Our goal with this nonprofit is to change orphan care around the world by providing solutions that mimic the family” (p. 215).  A minimalist lifestyle provided the margin they needed to launch this ministry.

The author’s desire is that you will not be a slave to your possessions but that they will enable you to make a positive difference in this world.  “Our contribution to this world can be measured by something more meaningful than the size of our house, the car we drive, or the designer label on our jeans.  Our lives are going to have lasting significance in how we choose to live them . . . and how we enable others to live theirs” (p. 219).

For more information, you may want to visit his website and blog:  http://www.becomingminimalist.com/.  May you be encouraged as you live simply so that others may simply live.   (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review).

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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