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Minimalist Game



Having a restless, gypsy heart makes for a lot of moving, even if it is within a 30 mile radius. Perhaps it was living in the same house growing up that has prompted this desire to live in different communities, but I have found myself moving 8 different times in the last decade. For me, it wasn’t until I’m packing and physically moving boxes am I finally confronted with the amount of THINGS and STUFF I have. Instead of waiting until my next move to be almost embarrassed with all the unnecessary possessions that I have, I’ve decided to take on the Minimalist Game this May.

The rise of popularity in the Minimalist movement has really intrigued me and gotten my attention. I’ve found myself reading articles and posts on wardrobe capsules, tiny houses, and how some millennials are embracing this revolution. Well, the wardrobe capsule post inspired me to clear out my closet and drawers, which resulted in 10 bags either being donated or tossed, but I highly doubt that I can widdle my closet down to 37 items…I just love scarves too much. While I think the tiny house movement is an interesting one and I would like to explore that more when it comes to helping people without safe, sustainable housing in different areas I don’t think it is a movement that will take off in the Midwest. A tiny house on the beach? Or a house that can move around for this restless heart? Sign me up.

huffingtonpost.com 

I’ve concluded that like with most things, this movement can be incorporated into my life within moderation. I know, it goes against the whole “minimalist” definition but hear me out. These articles and this lifestyle provides a great springboard for conversation, questioning, and action. It brings up the question of what things add value to our lives? What value can be added by clearing the clutter in our lives that makes room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution?

In order to be intentional about the above questions, I’ve decided to take on the Minimalist Game for the month of May and challenge my friends. The idea is to donate, toss, or sell 1 thing on the 1st, 2 on the 2nd, 3 on the 3rd, etc. Whoever can keep it going the longest wins. While it’s an easy game at first, I imagine by week two I’ll start to get desperate - I did the math it - is 496 items to be donated, sold, or tossed! However, competing with two friends so far and being a competitive person I’ll make the hard decisions and move on.

I already know that “Future Kate” will appreciate taking on this challenge when it comes time to move, but I look forward to seeing how this “game” will provide a new outlook and perspective when it comes to “things”. 
While this movement is not spiritual in it’s intent I can’t help but wonder how minimalizing the stuff of our lives will allow us to connect more deeply to the Divine or each other? Or if we really boil it down is this idea and way of life prompted by selfish motivations? Instead of connecting more deeply with others, will I find myself holed up in “my place” because I can enjoy and appreciate MY space more it might shuts others out? Or perhaps like my moderation approach to this movement it really does lend itself to external and internal motivations? But I can’t help by wonder how it could connect to deeper ideological and theological underpinnings? Perhaps the minimalists (and myself this month) are well on our way to living out the idea of Jesus’ command to selling all of our possessions and giving to the poor and we don't even realize it.

Are you up for this challenge with me? Perhaps we can figure out some of these questions together. 
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