‘The energy shift that I experienced practicing minimalism was both on a physical and emotional level’ – Sharmistha Basu

I have been practicing a minimalistic lifestyle for a few years now. During Covid, I attended a workshop on decluttering. The concept is to free energy that is stale and stagnant and allows circulation of fresh flow of positive energy in our homes and lives. The exercise involved decluttering at 5 levels – physical, emotional, digital, mental and spiritual. It was a conscious effort to decide to work on the self first without imposing anything on the family. Another very important thing we had to bear in mind was it had to be done in a joyful and respectful way without causing any stress.

When I embarked on this exercise, it felt very daunting! I didn’t know where to begin! I decided to dedicate about 2 hours every day for the decluttering exercise.I made a list broadly classifying the 5 heads. It was easy to start on the physical level. I identified the physical things at home starting from books, clothes, cosmetics, bags, footwear, bed linen, artifacts, souvenirs, old collections of audio cassettes and video cds and audio systems etc. that could no longer be repaired. As I support an NGO named Umang, it was easy for me to segregate and donate items.

Besides the physical declutter, I became mindful of the emotional, digital, mental and spiritual declutter. I set into a routine of meditation and mindfulness of my thoughts and this helped release pent up negative emotions and hurt that I held within myself. Books and talks helped me stay positive in my mind and emotions. In the electronic age that we live with the phone and our other digital devices have become our second self. Every day while just sitting, I would go through my phone and delete messages, numbers and pictures stored in my digital device that I didn’t think mattered to me anymore.

The energy shift that I experienced practicing minimalism was both on a physical and emotional level. With lesser things in my cupboard everything seemed orderly and this made me less stressful. The home energy feels vibrant with less clutter. Minimalism has helped me stay in more awareness and to seek balance of peace and harmony in my being.

Recipe – Raw Raita

Recipes using minimal ingredients can actually be super tasty. Try this cooling raw raita and you will be surprised how delicious it is and has no dairy too! Plus can be whipped up in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped or grated salad vegetables of your choice
  
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, for the garnish

For the Curd

• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 10 curry leaves
• ½ tsp ginger chilli paste (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

In a blender, blend all the ingredients for the curd together, to obtain a smooth, creamy curd. Transfer to a bowl, mix in the veggies  and garnish with coriander leaves.

Serves 3-4

Food For The Mind

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Ways to lighten your footprint

Earth day is celebrated every April 22nd, and for a good reason. Here are just some fun suggestions to reduce your footprint on the planet.

1. Purchase carefully Shopping is fun. It’s always great to get something new. When shopping ask yourself if you really need it. In case you do, you could buy high quality so that it need not be replaced soon.

2. Go shopping for the right things Instead of going to buy new clothes, shoes or gifts that may not be needed you could get the same high by buying consumables – high quality organic fruits and vegetables, or maybe even some handmade treats, preferably in minimal or reusable packaging if any.

3. Choose your footwear properly Instead of choosing footwear that looks good and matches your clothes, but ends up killing your feet or breaking easily, it’s better to buy high quality footwear that lasts long and provides comfort. Perhaps a brand that already works for you, so that you minimise those aches and pains and you are comfortable on your feet. No wastage here.

4. Borrow sometimes Have you ever bought something for an occasion knowing that you will rarely have the chance to use it again? It happens a lot with clothes and accessories. Instead, if you know that you are only going to wear it once you may consider borrowing it. Don’t forget to share your things with them so that, they too can buy less!

5. Travel sustainably Opt to travel by train, bus or some other shared transport or provide rides to others. If on a holiday you may choose an eco-resort or something that tries to give back to the environment.

6. Support stores that sell recycled materials Second hand stores are growing in numbers, and you can perhaps buy a pre-loved item rather than a new one. Or support a company that makes products out of recycled or eco materials.

7. Make your own homecare and personal care products This reduces the chemical load on your body and the environment.  All that plastic and packaging is not required. And wastage is less likely too.

8. Avoid ordering in Avoid all that plastic packaging. You may want to subscribe to a tiffin service instead. Or walk over to a nearby restaurant.

9. Use technology that helps you understand your footprint There are websites like Zoobop (www.zoobop.com) that keep you aware of the ecological footprint of a product before you buy. You can even calculate your current footprint on www.footprintcalculator.org