Living an intentional life: The Minimalists
Running a busy legal practice makes it easy for other parts of your life to fall by the wayside.
Over the years, I wouldn’t deny that I’ve neglected some aspects of my ‘out of work’ life, although I’ve always been an active exerciser to various extremes.
Recently I’ve searched for ways to get some more balance, perspective and clarity back into my life that I couldn't get from exercise alone. Until recently, I struggled to find a way that resonated with me.
When I stumbled across a podcast called ‘The Minimalists’ a few years ago, it was as though these guys had come looking for me.
Their straightforward, non-religious, non-judgmental message of simple living around 5 core values was exactly what I needed to hear, even if I didn't want to hear it. Listening to their podcast, I had numerous "aha" moments where I realised I'd been giving time and attention to things which weren't helping me.
At the bar its easy to get swept up with the herd and ignore one's inner voices which may yearn for a life of connection, meaning, kindness.
The Minimalists' message goes beyond the 'work-life balance' debate that rages eternal in the legal profession. Its more sophisticated than working less, taking more breaks, an 'attitude of gratitude' etc. They discuss issues that are deeper and more fundamental, such as thinking about one's core values, what gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, what contentment might look like for each person, who and what is truly important in our short lives.
For The Minimalists, its not just about balance or deprivation or even simplicity. Its about intention.
Listening to them puts things into perspective.
The Minimalists' 5 core values are to only do something if it adds value to your:
Relationships
Health
Sense of contribution
Passions
Personal growth
The above 5 items are explored by The Minimalists in lots of detail, with numerous examples and stories. Their ideas apply equally to a single person as to a large family. Find them here: