Learning minimalist life from the common people of the Edo period

From Maxilist to Minimalist

In modern times、Many people are freed from a life filled with thingsAiming for、「Minimalist LifeI practice "。but、Tips for living a simple and comfortable life、It is actually hidden in Japanese history。it is、Life of the common people in the Edo period。What are the wisdom of minimalism that can be learned from their lives?、Let's dig deeper。

Why minimalism is popular with foreigners

in recent years、Minimalism is attracting attention all over the world。The background is、There are the following reasons。

• Reduce stress: Few things make managing easier、It gives you mental leeway。
• Environmental consideration: Reducing environmental impact by reducing consumption。
• Pursuing self-growth: Aiming for internal fulfillment through a simple life。

Japanese minimalism in particular、It includes aesthetics and spirituality、It is influenced by Zen and wabi-sabi。This cultural background is attractive to foreigners.。

Characteristics of minimalism in the Edo period

Common people in the Edo period、I naturally lived a simple and rational life。Let's take a look at the characteristics of that life。

1. Limited space

• Living environment: The room in the tenement house where the common people lived、A littleFour and a half degreewas common。To live in this limited space, the whole family、I couldn't carry much。
• Storage techniques: The furniture is minimal too、A need for ideas to efficiently store items。

2. Preparation for a fire

• Fires frequently: In urban areas in the Edo periodThere are many firesI'm doing it、Common people keep their luggage to a minimum、needYou can only bring out the minimumI was doing it like that。
• Don't get attached to things: In the wake of a fire、Decreased obsession with things、A simple life was inherent。

3. A culture that values ​​things

• Reuse and repair: Clothes and tools、If it breaks, repair it、When it got old it was reused for another purpose。
• Rediscovering value: It's only natural to use things for a long timein、Rather than buying new items,Raise"There was fun。

Modern application

The wisdom of minimalism in the Edo period、It's very useful even today。

1. Have only what you need

Today, we are an age where things are overflowing、Just like in the Edo period, we choose only the bare minimum necessary items.、It's possible to live simply。for example、Let's take the following ideas:。

• Clothes declutter: Rethinking the clothes you really need every season。
• Managing property: Create a rule to let go of each purchase。

2. Use things carefully

To live a sustainable life、Let's incorporate the habit of cherishing things like ordinary people of the Edo period.。

• Revival of repair culture: Repair and use broken furniture and clothing。
• Ideals to use up: Use ingredients and tools all the way to the end without waste。

3. Have peace of mind

The mental leeway you can gain from reducing your amount、It is the same as what people experienced in the Edo period.。

• Make time: Reduce time to manage things、Spend time with hobbies and family。
• Spiritual richness: Based on Zen philosophy、A simple life brings peace of mind。

Online reviews and examples

Many foreigners are influenced by Japanese minimalism.、I share my experiences on social media and blogs。

• Minimalist YouTuber: JapanSmall apartmentInA simple lifeThe video introducing the、It is very popular overseas。
• Japanese Culture Books: There are also an increasing number of books and documentaries introducing lifestyles in the Edo period.、Many readers commented that they "get a hint of life."。
• Examples of reuse: Use second-hand clothing and second-hand items、"Edo period"too good to waste"The number of foreigners is increasingly adopting the spirit。

summary

The lives of ordinary people in the Edo period、Packed with many wisdoms that relate to modern minimalist life。Preparation for limited spaces and fires、A culture that values ​​things、It gives you tips for achieving a simple and rich life。

The modern life、By having something, it feels like you are trying to satisfy your desire for approval。Of course, the desire for approval is satisfied、There's a sense of pleasure and joy。but、The desire for approval is only fulfilled the moment you possess something.、Over time, the desire for approval becomes empty。Repeat this and things will overflow、The desire for approval is enveloped in emptiness。However, can you live a wonderful life if you casually let go of anything, whatever you want? That's not the case, so、It may be necessary to think about what you really need, what information, and what emotions you need.。Maybe you should focus on what you think of yourself rather than what someone thinks you.。

if、If you have any impressions after reading this article、Please let us know in the comments section! By sharing your opinions and experiences、You may find new insights and inspiration。

lastly、If you find this helpful、Please bookmark and share! Learn wisdom from Japanese history、Share it with people all over the world。