6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

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Kooper
YOYO member
文章: 2725
註冊時間: 週三 4月 11, 2007 11:40 pm

6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Kooper »

When I hijacked the topic “minimalism” from John last week, I thought it won’t be challenging for me as host and attendee-would-be to prepare. After all, we just talked about a related topic six months ago. After watching some more videos and speeches from minimalists, I, however, realized that I just scratched the surface of it: my impression of minimalism was somewhat wrong.

There are many myths surrounding minimalism. To begin with, minimalism does not mean to declutter our houses to be like an IKEA store. The rule of thumb in decluttering is to evaluate every material item in house carefully on a regular basis, retain only the things that add value or bring joy to our life, and let go of everything else. Thus it’s not a surprise to see a minimalist’s house with quite a bunch of stuff in it, as long as all the belongings serve a purpose.

Second, decluttering house isn’t simply throwing unnecessary possessions away. It’s also about being mindful & disciplined in consumption so as to break the repeating cycle of impulsive consumption and dumping. Before making any purchase, ask oneself questions like “Do I want it, or do I need it?” “Can I wait one week to buy it?” “Is it duplicating or replacing something else I’ve owned?” “Can I borrow or rent it instead?” will help.

Third, removing the clutter isn’t the end. It’s merely the first step. With the clutter cleared, we’ll feel less stressed and anxious, more focused and free. Decluttering material possessions leads to the decluttering of metal space and emotional space; we’ll be left with more time, space, and breathing rooms for self-reflection, which in term will prompt us to ask deeper questions about our core values, to find ourselves. At this stage, minimalists start spending more time on things that really matter, things that are more aligned with their values. They become more passionate and purpose driven, living intentional and meaningful lives.

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In the meeting, we'll take a crack at linking minimalism to the theory of habit loop from the book The Power of Habit. If you have no clue about the habit loop, you're encouraged to watch the TED talk that was just discussed two weeks ago in a meeting held by Kat. But no worries I'll explain the theory in the opening anyway.


Questions for Discussion
Session One:
1. One minimalist ever said, “Just In Case are the three most dangerous words in the English language. We hold on to everything just in case we need it someday in some non-existent hypothetical future.” Do you agree? Is there any material thing that you possess for the same reason, but that hasn’t been touched for years? Do you consider throwing them away now?

2. Do you keep many old/sentimental stuff for the sake of memory? When was the last time you took them out? Do you consider letting go of some after knowing more about minimalism? Can technology help us let go of some possessions while still keeping our memories?

3. Becoming a minimalist means acquiring some new habits. One minimalist started small, asking himself to remove one material possession from his life each day for a month, and it quickly snowballed into a transformation in himself. What new cue-routine-reward habit loop may his throw-one-stuff-a-day initiative get into?

4. A friend of the previous minimalist, after observing his successful transformation, took a rather drastic approach to decluttering: he boxed up all of his material possessions and only kept those that got taken out for use in the following three weeks. In this case, how do you explain the theory behind the creation of his new habit?

****Bonus question****
A. List a few goods that you have stopped using because of newer technologies but are still being kept at house.

B. Have you bought stuff out of conspicuous consumption or impulsive consumption? Do you still keep these unnecessary possessions? Why?


Session Two:
5. If you are going to practice minimalism and do all the decluttering, which approach will you take - start small or do the drastic one? How can technology help us lead a decluttered existence? (e.g. digitization, renting/subscription vs. buying)

6. The first step toward minimalism is often decluttering one's house. Why is that? Why decluttering could prompt people to ask deeper questions such as what's truly important in life and help them live a life that better aligned with their values? Could this effect be explained by any theory from the book The Power of Habit?

7. According to the video, what kind of PR problem (public relations) does minimalism have? (In other words, what are common misconceptions about minimalism?)

8. Why did one of the interviewees in the video say minimalism could also be called as "essentialism," "intentionalism," or "living-within-your-means-ism?

****Bonus question****
Is the practice of minimalism positive to economics? What are the pros and cons to human societies? What would our society be shaped into if there were a high portion of minimalists?


********************************************************************************************************************************************
Agenda:
3:45 ~ 4:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
4:00 ~ 4:20pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
4:20 ~ 5:00pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
5:00 ~ 5:20pm Summarization (20 mins)
5:20 ~ 5:25pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Taking a 10 Minutes Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
5:25 ~ 6:05pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
6:05 ~ 6:25pm Summarization (20 mins)
6:25 ~ 6:30pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements ********************************************************************************************************************************************
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聚會時間:請準時 4:00 pm 到 ~ 約 6:30 pm 左右結束
星期六聚會地點:丹堤濟南店
地址、電話:台北市濟南路三段25號 地圖 (02) 2740-2350
捷運站:板南線 忠孝新生站 3 號出口
走法:出忠孝新生站 3 號出口後,沿著巷子(忠孝東路三段10巷)走約 2 分鐘,到了濟南路口,左轉走約 2 分鐘即可看到。
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JohnH
YOYO member
文章: 27
註冊時間: 週日 5月 13, 2018 11:10 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 JohnH »

Another idea that I find quite fascinating is dadaism which was an art movement initially but I suppose to some degree it could be practiced as a lifestyle. Just let everything run its course and the chaos is the state they are certain to reach one day. There is no restriction, boundary between everything. The creation doesn't always come with a purpose and meaning. However, I am quite afraid that I would also be homeless if I adopt this doctrine.
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Gloria Lo
YOYO member
文章: 367
註冊時間: 週一 2月 04, 2008 7:51 am

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Gloria Lo »

It's intriguing, I didn't know this before. Totally opposite to intentional living, which we disscussed in the meeting. :oops: :mrgreen: :wink: .

https://sono1215.pixnet.net/blog/post/250500515

John, would you please list some questions about it, make it our meeting topic in the future. Even you're abroad, you can still contribute to YOYO. PLASE PLEASE PLEASE
最後由 Gloria Lo 於 週六 6月 06, 2020 11:28 am 編輯,總共編輯了 1 次。
Michael-liu
YOYO member
文章: 708
註冊時間: 週五 4月 24, 2009 6:09 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Michael-liu »

I think technology does help us practice this minimalism thing. Now I don't buy hardcopy books and movie/porn DVDs anymore.

However, due to the convenience of Internet, one of my family members gets many free stuff such as children books, toys, lady bags, small furitures,...etc. from Facebook community groups. People in these groups give away stuff they don't need anymore.

Although getting these free stuff can save some money, one of rooms in my house is totally full of these stuff, which is absurd and drives me crazy.

Sorry, I am complaining my family member again.
Kooper
YOYO member
文章: 2725
註冊時間: 週三 4月 11, 2007 11:40 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Kooper »

Hi Michael, it is difficult to practice minimalism if you and your family members are not on the same page. :?
Kooper
YOYO member
文章: 2725
註冊時間: 週三 4月 11, 2007 11:40 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Kooper »

Here are expressions that you might use during discussion:

Group One - to throw away something
get rid of sth
throw away sth
discard sth, dispose of sth
chuck away sth
do away with sth
dump sth, trash sth
let go of sth
shed sth
part with sth
declutter a place/space
remove clutter from a place

Group Two - to keep something
hold on to sth
cling to sth

Group Three - a place is filled with many things
The house is stuffed with thousands of ...
The house is cluttered with thousands of ...
the clutter in the house
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Gloria Lo
YOYO member
文章: 367
註冊時間: 週一 2月 04, 2008 7:51 am

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Gloria Lo »

I think to some degree I am a hoarder.
Decades ago, I was so impressed by a senior Mom who prepared things for children efficiently. After I became a mom, I was also aware that it brought a huge sense of achievement if I could satisfy my kid whenever she needs something. When my kid grew older, I took care of my own needs the same way. That’s the reason contributing to what I am now. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Michael-liu
YOYO member
文章: 708
註冊時間: 週五 4月 24, 2009 6:09 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Michael-liu »

My family member is a super hoarder too.

Then again, if my mother was a hoarder and kept some toys in my childhood, then I could have something to bring back my childhood memory. But my mom kept nothing, not even one toy I played with. 嗚嗚............><

Yes, Kooper, so I am unable to declutter any useless stuff in my house because I am not allowed to do that. Sigh..............
Kooper
YOYO member
文章: 2725
註冊時間: 週三 4月 11, 2007 11:40 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Kooper »

I think we can at least part with our own belongings that have become redundant, though this is not as effective as if the whole family do so together. :drink:
Kooper
YOYO member
文章: 2725
註冊時間: 週三 4月 11, 2007 11:40 pm

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Kooper »

Attendees(22): Jeff, Stephen, Timothy, Laura, John, Jason, Carmelo, David Jr., Sherry, Shirley, Thomas, Tim, Kat, Luis, Steve, Robert, Leon, Ramesh, Julian, Christine, Jerry, Kooper
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Laura
YOYO member
文章: 351
註冊時間: 週二 12月 16, 2003 10:28 am

Re: 6/6(Sat.) Minimalism (Host: Kooper)

文章 Laura »

I found " Lady later " from name list. :roll:

The earth without women's sentimental consumption (jokking),
minimalism can improve quality of living that is true. :ssmile:

Thanks for Kooper's hosting and John's concept ! :sun:
The best teacher is child,
the worst mistake for one is to abandon oneself,
the greatest treasure in the world is love!
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