Ep. 267 | Zen Living (with Leo Babauta)

Joshua and Ryan discuss finding peace within and without with writer Leo Babauta. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
00:00 How can you be a minimalist with a large family?
05:10 How did you start on your minimalist journey?
08:37 Who inspired you to adopt minimalism?
11:03 How do you convert other family members to minimalism to ensure peace when you’re living in close quarters?
12:19 How important is it to recognize what you’ve accomplished?
15:23 Is leading by example the best approach to helping others adopt minimalist practices?
19:33 How do you recognize when you’re taking decluttering too far?
21:35 Is there a danger in living to minimize?
28:22 What does it mean to “question the ‘must’”?
29:10 What is spartanism?
31:30 What is Metta meditation?
34:34 How do we shift between decluttering and simplifying to live a life of purpose?
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Podcast: theminimalists.com/podcast
Patreon: / theminimalists
Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast
#TheMinimalists

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

Due to an unfortunate technical difficulty, the audio and video for this episode are occasionally out of sync. We apologize for this inconvenience. If it's too bothersome, listen to the audio version at minimalists.com/podcast

[@1124Lara]

It’s OK... the content still AMAZING.... Thank you both for all the light you bring to the world. 🙏💕✨

[@richardshamspectacles]

This man changed my life. Thank you. ❤

[@prettysimplemusic]

Leo was the first person to introduce me to “Less is More”! I’m now a millionaire because of his influence (and I still live a non-material *focused lifestyle)...

[@SteveV1960]

Being frugal is so much fun! A few days ago I unplugged my refrigerator , put my food in a picnic cooler outside in the snow. Been doing it for years during the winter months . My friends think I'm insane . Maybe I am, but it is so much fun living like I am on a camping trip with over 1 million in my savings accounts.

[@TakeThisPersonally]

Where abouts are you? I love this idea, but where I am (Canada), everything would be frozen solid pretty quickly. Do you have a special trick or do you just live in the perfect climate for it?

[@helenaquin1797]

What a cool idea..Just to experiment with things we normally take for granted. On a sidenote, "frugal" is a word derived from the Latin's 15C frux, "fruit", as in 'feeding on fruits' (of ones' labour(?)).. Over a decade ago, I'd read some source that noted how the word began with the meaning, 'full of life'. What seems the heart of minimalism-for-essentialism... Focus your efforts to enhance your enjoyment of life.

[@amandasymon4363]

Love and loosening - too much rigour - Powerful podcast - thank you 🙏

[@carolvega_orion]

Because of Leo I'm a minimalist. I remember that I found his blog about minimalism in 2015 and it changed my life. Thank you.

[@cstar6682]

Leo is the man. Can't get enough of his wisdom. Great episode guys.

[@Bhudc]

Interesting idea I came up with for anything sentimental that I’m adding in: Go through sentimental treasures and knick knacks I refuse to get rid of. Sort into monthly boxes, including sentimental Christmas decorations. Every month, rotate and display around house. When done, fully clean and deep clean area before putting it back up.

[@gracesimplified3860]

Minimalism shouldn’t be measured by how many things you owned but by how attached you are to those things.

[@ratihmaulida4239]

Wow Leo Babauta, I read his blog 6 years ago about his journey that I really can relate somehow, searched so hard on Google to find any interview of him and found only a few and short , so happy that finally I am watching this right now.

[@shifafarzana81]

This is unbelievable! Seeing you guys together!! One more thing to add on my gratitude list for 2020 ❤🙏

[@judiko142]

Been a Leo fan since he first started blogging zen habits. He's the OG

[@AmberSlemmer]

I can't thank you guys enough for having the OG Minimalist on your podcast!! Like many others on this journey, Leo was my very first introduction to the idea of simplifying my life both physically and mentally. Leo, I am a dancer over 40 and I suffer from chronic pain. I bought your book Zen Habits and actually cut a page out of the book to keep in my BUJO. It's chapter 40, pg. 186 "See the suffering that you're experiencing, and see the ideal that you are attached to that is causing the suffering: the ideal of being the Self that is healthy and free of pain, which is a Self that no longer exists in reality...Loosen your attachment to this ideal, which is causing you suffering on top of the actual physical pain and discomfort from the disease. Let your tightness around this attachment melt a little at a time." I read this to myself before a dance class, I have had my husband read it to me. I read it over and over and over and it has REALLY helped me. Thank you so so much for all the inspiration over the years. Your work has been truly life changing for me!!

[@tithiprabhakar2779]

You guys have taught me about minimalism...and more importantly to answer the why? Of Minimalism. Why I wanted to be a minimalist. I so needed it at that point in my life... recovering from Cancer and wanting to de clutter my life so, that I could only hang on to the important things. Thanks for teaching me how to do just that❤️❤️❤️

[@jfarr3760]

Wow Leo is amazing!! My story is so similar, Started journey of Minimalism after being introduced to Joshua Beckers book Became vegan shortly after adopting minimalism Simultaneously decided to get out of debt.... I feel like minimalism opened up so many doors and opportunities for self-discovery and improvement in my family's life ❤️❤️ Really appreciate this podcast! 👍👍 Thank you guys for all you do!

[@lindsaysimplified]

So excited he was finally on the podcast!

[@ashleyandrews1277]

Please have Tracy McCubbin on the show. Her book really helped me. Also a show on chronic illness and minimalism

[@Kris-jh2ud]

Josh, I loved it when you talked about the guy cleaning under the chairs with a toothbrush!!! I have that problem. People always talk about my house being so clean, but when I see or hear about someone cleaning something I never thought to clean, “I think … oh, maybe I should be cleaning that too and then I add it to my list.” Thank you!!! I needed to hear that!!!

[@jojokaleido]

"As your life changes, the things that are appropriate for your life changes." So true. It's easier to minimize once you realize you are no longer the person you once where when you accumulated those things. 🤯🤯🤯

[@pennykrone2132]

Wow, thank you! The ultimate minimalist's Christmas gift; a podcast with you guys and the awesome Leo Babauta! Love and good vibes from NZ :-)

[@ms.h.1064]

F egg Rd go

[@HananBenNafa]

Wow, Leo is so wonderful, always smiling and relaxed.. a great man, no doubt. Love & respect to you all.

[@charlottewilliams3]

OMG im so excited to watch this!! I would never have gotten so deep into minimalism if it wasn't for Leo Babauta! Long time coming :) You three together is pretty special YAY!

[@anitacarpez7710]

Is it me or is the sound slightly out of sync? 😶

[@leemanwrong]

yeh its out of sync

[@thosewhowander5815]

Horrible.

[@RezaRecords]

I guess we should use this episode like a podcast! lol

[@Youtuber-o]

yes, sound is out of sync, annoying.

[@sclarke4969]

OMG! What a way to end 2020, The Minimalists AND Leo!! Thank you 😊

[@trace9897]

Last year I put thousands of euros on my car. Ended up using it less and less as time passed. I am so happy I could get rid of it recently and enjoy riding my bike at work. In case I need one, I rent it on the spot, or a couple of days ahead. Turns out we have a great car rental system in Belgium (Cambio) and a good public transport system too. The money will go for our eco friendly wedding, I feel more at peace knowing I have less negative impact on the environnement and my wallet :)

[@mariahsmom9457]

Leo's 50 Zen Habits was my first exposure to the frugality and minimalism space.

[@eightyninetreasure]

People have been mentioning the audio being out of sync. Because it’s a podcast I often listen to this during driving or tidying my home. Some parts of the video are in sync, so it goes in and out. I’m content to see Leo here. I hope to see Rob Greenfield next...

[@debsmith1936]

Merry Christmas to Me! Thanks Guys! Best Present ever! Happy Holidays! 🌲❤️🌲

[@s.torres242]

We are on the same journey...gradually releasing "things", closer to being a vegetarian (both financial & health reasons). It's never too late. We have downsized from 3,000 Sq ft to 1,600 Sq ft. We are now considering a tiny house. Life is so much simpler & economical! Thank you for this podcast!

[@dyanisb]

I have a biggest crush on Leo eversince I started reading his blogs way back 2010. He's basically my mentor on productivity. It's rare to see his face in "public". What a gem this is!

[@salomelopes4156]

I wish he had a KZbin channel. It would be amazing...

[@anitacarpez7710]

So good to see this interview! I first heard of Leo through the their first documentary. I then joined his mailing list and I eventually signed up to his Fearless training... Which meant to have him as a coach in group sessions and in my case I also had some private ones. Very grateful that I met him through you, guys! Xxx

[@fatemakw9990]

Amazing interview and discussion. Thanks!!

[@carylmaluping9632]

Woah I've been waiting for this. Thank you ❤️

[@Hazel-im8mq]

Wow is was nice to see Leo in such a long time., time does goes fast but he looks the same or maybe younger.

[@gmcmullins3251]

Minimalist All Stars

[@carliemccracken5089]

Loved this episode! Thank you! I want to learn more about Leo now!

[@a.j.chaffee695]

So happy for this episode!! 🖤‼

[@daisygirl111975]

Elaine St. James was my catalyst. I wish she was still writing books. She disappeared...to go live her simple life.

[@dianeyoung8068]

I loved Elaine St. James, she was very inspiring.

[@ramadaani]

I live the first 10 seconds of all your podcasts

[@PinkSallyProductions]

Great episode, thank you all so very much 🌹

[@alexg8788]

Looks like a good present for a holiday, thanks for the inspiration!

[@pvsk10]

The OG!!

[@kirstyhermans1400]

Really great & interesting episode - lots of deep insights from you all.

[@ruthannamarteifio9069]

This was fun-----Thank you all! :) (CFR, mentioned by the man from Canada, is NOT an unbiased org.)

[@maryetdave]

I thought my Airpods Pro were out of sync, glad its just the video. Nice content guys, keep it coming

[@regdesousa9763]

This was so good to listen to while taking a brisk walk in the cold today!!Thanks ! I love you guys and Leo too !!Have you ever had Rob Greenfield on your show ??

[@hopestreet3452]

Thank you for the genuine conversation about mental health and minimalism - it means a lot as I struggle with 'tightening' as well. I'd like to try metta meditation :)

[@dpg2155]

Read Sharon Salzburg’s book “Real Happiness” with accompanying meditations. She talks a lot about meta meditation and the importance of self care.

[@alexajacques4020]

Thank you Joshua, and Ryan for having Leo on your Podcast. Absolutely love your podcast, and I’m looking forward to your new documentary Less is Now. Kudos Leo for mentioning Elaine St. James and all the inspirational content you provide on Zenhabits.net . Keep up the GREAT work you guys.

[@coreycarter4225]

Leo's mnmlist.com was my introduction to minimalism. Thanks for having him on.

[@eightyninetreasure]

Thank you for the introduction. I know of Zen Habits and never heard of this blog.

[@Hmina]

Does Lea has a KZbin channel? I read his Zenhabits blog. Bit I think if he has a channel it will be great

[@feathersky860]

Love yourSIMLPTON💙

[@syams1o1]

pointing to commitment (lets start) talk to my self

[@gmcmullins3251]

The Minimalist Godfather Leo Babauta at 3:00 minutes speaks

[@debbiebarnett5673]

Do you believe that clutter can affect your overall physical health?

[@davidconradaclan3691]

At last!

[@iarroyo612]

I prefer to be frugal and minimal

[@iarroyo612]

My OCD triggers is that I like having things in pairs or in groups or color grouo things and cleaning I get overwhelmed when a home is cluttered

[@TL-xv9of]

None smoker since 5/26/98

[@gracesimplified3860]

Elaine St James validated and helped me refine my already minimalist tendencies.

[@user-od9xe5oy5s]

How to deal with homesickness and feeling heartache for leaving the people who did everything to see you happy and helped with your journey? ...

[@kevvy22]

Leo, what happened to your mnmlsm blogs?

[@barathpa]

audio kinda messed it up for me, always wanted to see Leo in this show

[@audibleadventures9004]

what age was Leo when he first became a minamalist?

[@mentenaya]

Hi ! I have been minimalist all my Life because im poor 😂 🤣 do you meet some girl who talks about minimalism? Thanks!

[@theminimalist6595]

Hi

[@cozzy8910]

The minimiser 😂😂😂

[@alanbirkner1958]

Everyone has things they find important. Then there are things they need. In between are all the choices we can make. You can keep your tiny stuffed animals, I will keep my earrings. This is what makes us human. Tina

[@linok7317]

All these men never age 😜

[@andrerodrigues8222]

Audio is out of sync

[@rachelarada162]

0

[@ruthannamarteifio9069]

This was fun-----Thank you all! :) (CFR, mentioned by the man from Canada, is NOT an unbiased org.)