Non-possession: seeking intense simplicity and the good life

Peter Lawrence has few possessions. He can fit nearly everything he owns in a suitcase. Lawrence is a self-described minimalist. After years of living simply while working as a manager for Hewlett Packard- saving much more than he spent-, he was able to retire soon after turning 40 and he now spends much of his time working on the internal stuff.
After a friend urged him to tell the story of "his unique lifestyle", he wrote and self-published a book called "The Happy Minimalist".
Lawrence makes tries to make clear- not just with the book's title- that for him, minimalism isn't about deprivation or sacrifice, but a way of finding fulfillment.
More information in original video: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...
[Filming credit: Sushil Nedyavila and Peter Lawrence]

[@Aurel--iw9su]

"We can always go online and see how much money we have left, but none of us know how much time we have left".

[@renysimone3312]

Yes! Love this!

[@vballray71]

I have come to love the idea of minimalism....I've been sleeping on the floor for about 14 years now so that's a pretty good start...Bottom line,the less I own,the happier I become...This may not be for everyone,but through my life's experiences, it's totally for me. I'll never turn back.

[@paupaopow]

an empty room is eye candy to me!! love this!!

[@Petipulpul]

this guy is like a urban monk.

[@IamSpiritful]

"All that is mine I carry with me"

[@kismetau]

"We can always go online to check how much money we have left, but we can't do that with time ..... You can recover money but l know of no-one who has recovered time ..... Nothing in life is guaranteed only death" wise words

[@angelaotimo9297]

Minimalism is really leading to happiness!Less distractions, more focus on the important things in life!I was having a small renovation in my house two months ago, and I started packing my stuff in order to prevent dust. As I was going through my stuff, I realized that most of them were useless for years, and I should not pack, but donate them. After days, I unpacked the things that weren't purged-the ones that I had considered as "important"-and I realized that over 50% of them was clutter.Since then I am decluttering almost every week, and every bag that goes out of my house is a Relief for me. I look around me and I don't have clutter, only things that I use and love, and cleaning my house is much more easy! Also, I have a clear mind and more time and room for creativity!

[@s.lee1313]

as a retired person I have been getting rid of stuff and downsizing for 6 years. even moved from house in country on 2 Acres to a small condo and so could walk to the grocery store. this is the best thing I ever did to boost happiness and help environment. You don't need much to be truly happy and the less stuff I have the happier I am. I simplify more everyday. I can't believe the feeling it brings in my heart. I have donated most of my things and if I buy something it's usually at a thrift store. I'm not an extreme minimalist but have only what I need or love. I have furniture to entertain family and enough dishes to do that too but on a daily basis I like to use the same bowl and cup then wash them and put them away. Just doing that makes me happy. If everyone tried it then they'd know how it feels to be at peace, have less stress and relaxed. God bless!!

[@patriciafisher3108]

Sharon, I too am retired and live a very quite, simple, clutter free life. From time to time I get the itch to have even less stuff. It is then that I go around and gather up items to donate. Once that is done, I can't wait to get the stuff out of my apartment. It feels so great to have created more space. It is calming to me. Truly, the less I have, the happier I am.

[@thedeepend4419]

I've watched this video over & over. I hope I can also someday achieve a similar level of non possession & place more attention on navigating my way toward fulfilling my true calling & purpose rather than living aimlessly & accumulating things. Thank you for posting.

[@josephmanes4137]

danny d me too. I've watched repeatedly

[@tjohannam]

"I lack skills I don't lack things" Wow, that's really powerful and a really good way to refocus your life on a much more worthy purpose because the skills you always carry whithin you!

[@cnotenesmith]

You can't buy the internal things....that's the biggest lesson I received from watching this video. Thanks a lot!

[@paulmccartneyadorrer]

The lesson of Madam Blueberry 🫐 ( A VeggieTales reference - where high society Madam Blueberry goes to the store to buy a new heart, only to discover they don’t sell hearts aka Compassion. )

[@jorasparents]

Love the projector and I am totally into getting rid of all but the essentials - but I WOULD feel depressed in such a big, empty space. I'd want a smaller, cozier space, and my "essentials" would include a comfy sofa, probably from craigslist - but that's just me. Kudos to this guy for finding what works best for him! :)

[@txbobcat74]

He is still one of my favorites! Could you do an update?

[@patriciafisher3108]

I too would like an update. I rewatch this video from time to time. It is clear he is a happy contented man.

[@StreetFighterIIFeb]

kirsten does not do updates

[@AccidentalPreppper]

@@narra711 update hes stuck in 2020 like the rest of us..

[@williamtan4470]

Kirsten has done an update on Peter Lawrence

[@ZenTeaNow]

Peter Lawrence just published a book called "For the Thinking Sapiens" last year. Very good insights.I am Singaporean too, and am amazed how different he is from most of us, he is like a modern day itinerant wise monk.

[@kkevdog]

"Yes, it's true that I may not have a bed, but that doesn't mean I don't sleep well..." - love it!!

[@gabrielefugazzi579]

This is my fav YT video of all time!

[@rootedwithglamour]

This guy makes me proud to be a minimalist.

[@vaitownexus4935]

@@KA2HRO i would say a car is really important because its freedom. You can go where you want.

[@judylloyd7901]

@@vaitownexus4935 Update - he gets rid of his car 😄 In fact, he gets rid of everything except what he can carry in his backpack, and spends the next phase of his life travelling and living for a few months at a time in other countries - "eternal spring" is what he chases, because he prefers the temperatures 😁 Look for: -- 5 years as frugal snowbird 😁😁

[@KA2HRO]

@@vaitownexus4935 yeah, you have a good point. I got rid of mine but at times I feel it would be nice to have it back. In some respects it makes life a bit easier.

[@evetsiksatu]

So nice to see how generally positive the feedback is on this video. KZbin is usually a heaven for haters and cheap shots... What does this say about the minimalist crowd? Are we generally more positive and upbeat?

[@KA2HRO]

I think it's hard for most people to be against someone who simply wants less. I think it would be a riot to hear someone say, "how dare he want less????" lol...

[@wmnoffaith1]

I have seen nasty comments on minimalistic videos. It's usually something like, "so, in other words you've failed in the real world where everyone else lives, and now because you have no choice you're trying to sell your loser lifestyle to the rest of us" it's really pathetic, but there are people who seem offended that someone disagrees with the concept that success is about stuff. They automatically think that if a person lives like this, it's because they couldn't handle the stiff competition to make it to the bottom. It's ridiculous. I love this. I lean more towards a small country cottage, Amish way of life though.youre right though, the fact that he has no trolls is amazing and great

[@PolygonmanTV]

"You can lose all your money in one day, and subsequently make it back. But, I know of no one who has been able to recover lost time." - Peter Lawrence DEEEEEEEP!

[@Unknown-qu8lp]

i love how happy he is about the lid fitting pot and pan

[@Inverted314]

Completely agree on the value behind this philosophy of building skills and talents instead of owning and shopping. This guy is more hardcore then me, I'm still fine with a bed and other things but to each his own. The beauty of minimalism is it doesn't me we have to own nothing. We can own a few really great, high quality items instead of rooms and rooms full of cheap crap.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I do not consider myself a minimalist. Still, dropping to 120sf and beautiful colorful things. Books, plants. I have plenty of stuff, maintained neatly.

[@user-dm1sd7fz2b]

minimalism is not about the quality or high price. If you are content with something cheap and accessible, doesn't it mean that you are easier to please and hence you don't need much for happiness? Many people in the third world countries can't afford high quality things but they can still be minimalists by owning little. Even high quality/high price things can suffocate you if you have too much of them.

[@georgihristev2000]

Wise man.I must admit as many other comments here.I have seen this video many times to remind myself about important things we forget in life.

[@1lif2liv]

I've watched this every few months for the past 7 years and still love it.

[@damien_t]

Same! He's so inspiring.

[@kwokweng76]

@@damien_t SAME here!!

[@judylloyd7901]

Look for: -- 5 years as frugal snowbird. It's an update about him.

[@AlexxWretched]

this man is truly inspiring

[@ZenTeaNow]

I like this story. Very inspiring. I am a Singaporean like him. Singapore is a rich and materialistic city state. and it is encouraging and empowrring to see someone taking a different path. Good role model

[@vashti2389]

i wanna get rid of 80%-90% of the stuff in our house!!!

[@jlmr473]

Just Do it! and it´s not a commercial add. ☻

[@plissabarrett1899]

I'm almost there!

[@plissabarrett1899]

I'm almost there!

[@LibertyMadison]

Who could rate this down? Umm lets see...mortgage companies, furniture stores, electronic stores, fast food companies. Everyone else im pretty sure rated this up!

[@KA2HRO]

You make a very good point. I'm not sure why anyone would be mad because someone wants less. It's usually the other way around. People get mad because someone is greedy. I guess there are times when ya just can't win. :)

[@Starrysong]

This was definitely a very good video.

[@WDG05]

reading peter lawrence's book now! loving it! it's not just about getting rid of things... it's about conscious living and balance. Thanks

[@IoWitter]

(in reflection of Angel Noneya below): People wouldn't believe the amount of "psychic energy": by psychic I mean here the energy of mind and how it affects body and thus energy - tiredness, uses time, mental energy and so on. Just think for a moment: Did I lock the car? Is the camera in sight on the car seat? Is the neighborhood safe to leave the car? I bought crap - how to get it home - when to place - store the old stuff - etc etc. Barely scratched the surface, but you get the idea. Whether it is free or not - we develop an attachment to that stuff, and have to maintain it. I wouldn't personally go as far as this guy - most people like a certain level of material comfort - it's just that mostly we go way beyond that level, and our happiness increases only very slightly - if at all - for the extra stuff.

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

"our happiness increases only very slightly - if at all - for the extra stuff" Very true. There might be some kind of "utility" or even "necessity" for/ of a particular item we collect, but it almost never brings any actual measure of happiness.

[@papermason]

I'm using up stuff, buying less, doing without, making do, making it myself. I'm learning to vegetable garden, sew or alter my own clothes, cook simple, pure, unprocessed foods, etc. Less time for TV and Internet. Little by little, I like your apartment it looks clean without all the stuff.

[@UltraTitan-Mudra_Quickies]

Excellent! You're an inspiration too.

[@FullmoonGarou]

this is really good minimalism

[@Jake24378]

The way this guy lives is pretty great! What I wonder though, is this: Why is he not at the fore of the minimalist movement? He has the street cred, for sure.

[@taiwanreporter]

Throw away what you did not use for one year... I wish I had the strength to do that!

[@cynthiao8516]

Your wish could come true....Just do it!

[@d-struktionfreq6287]

I remember reading a comment on a minimalist video where the person said he warned his family _not_ to buy him any gifts, because anything he receives is going straight to the charity shop!

[@plissabarrett7358]

Or 6 months,I do

[@Zavatari]

I was a pack rat, building a new closet each year. Then 19 years ago, my house burned down and I lost everything. I then lived in a small trailer for 2 years while rebuilding. I found great power in the minimalist lifestyle, and it also helped me retire early. However, being young and retired caused more possessions to accumulate as a result of the projects I started doing to occupy my time since work no longer took my time.

[@BlueSeaWendy]

Fantastic! You've come along in my life just at the right time. We are recycling EVERYTHING in our life and following your lifestyle. I can't wait to be emptied of it all. How liberating. Thanks for posting this.

[@ejg5114]

breathtaking! thank you, kirsten, for this video. this is one of two my favorite videos along with thoreauvian one. ^^

[@esterhanelle5146]

Thanks for the videos Ms. Dirksen. It helps put things into perspective.

[@Josephmgo1]

"The things you own end up owning you." -Fight Club

[@nueah]

Finally an update! Thank you!

[@Gindeshanghai]

Soooo wise: "I'd prefer to spend my limited resources, time included, to develop my skills not stuff." Yet most people know all too well regarding their lacks, they just believe that having stuff can cover up the lack and make them look better. That's just incredibly straightforward and refreshing.

[@meganokelly]

Thank you Peter and Kirsten for sharing. My husband and I interviewed Peter 4 years ago for a documentary, and Peter was the exact same...bright, kind, authentic and calming. Peter, your passion for minimalism and your consistency/commitment is a real inspiration, THANK YOU!!

[@IamSpiritful]

Fudoshin 不動心 is a Japanese word that is based on Bushido or the way of the warrior. It literally means immovable heart, but the underlying meaning is imperturbability. Having a calm that cannot be broken by any circumstances. Face every event with equanimity.

[@hotm96]

this is one of the most inspiring video Kristen you have shot!

[@rawlawgirl]

I watched this a few months ago and again at midnight today. Folks, there are many types of minimalists. There is no one size fits all. I have been a minimalist for at least 30 years, but I have a serious 8-5 job, three college degrees including one professional degree, I earn a six digit annual salary, a nrw hybrid car, and I have an expensive apartment, although quite uncluttered. I hate travel. Many minimalists live out of a backpack and travel and sleep on the couch of friends or inexpensive hostels. some find that one closet full of clothes instead of five closets is being a minimalist. it all depends on your point of view, your personality quirks, your courage, your comfort levels, your background, your resources, your peer group, and even your level of health and brain clutter. many of us come to minimalism from a desire to do and be something different or more that is as unique as we are.

[@jomycoke]

well said

[@justangvano]

Another great and inspiring video. Thank you again.

[@joycebrower2508]

Wow! Great video! Food for thought!

[@andreasoliver6185]

COOL! Well DONE ! I really like your lifestyle ! thanks for sharing!

[@kkhodgkinson]

Thanks so much for sharing this. As a minimalist myself, I've been very inspired by Peter and this video. He explains the essence of minimalism - Omnia mea mecum porto.

[@paragshah5444]

thank you so much ! awesome video ! motivational !

[@renysimone3312]

I love this so much! Great philosophy & living such an awesome life! I especially love how he works out & NO GYM or equipment needed! Perfect!

[@nicolasboullosa]

Inspiration with no preservatives. Thank you for sharing, Peter.

[@postnothing1]

I had this lifestyle once...then my girlfriend moved in.

[@kidokacio]

Partners can be a biggest clutter in life. Could be nice having relationships like books from the bib. Borrow them and give it back!

[@xxiaowenxx1]

Ben Standard Actually, I disagree. Girlfriends don't cause clutter. All you need to do is find someone with the same ideals and respect for minimalist. If not, well, then yes, your partner will bring clutter.

[@KA2HRO]

my girlfriend never moved in once she saw the lifestyle. :)

[@kimgremmels9053]

Very motivating and inspiring!

[@malsila3696]

Excellent video, thought provoking!

[@LISAXU]

Very inspiring! You have a beautiful soul

[@carlacook8294]

thanks Kyle I appreciate the support. awesome video.

[@320squarefoothome]

Good for you, Peter! I remember a time when i owned two suitcases full of stuff, it was so liberating. This is inspiring.

[@Vanillamis]

Wow very wise and aware! Happy I found this video! I am in transition to a more simple minimalist life style. Definitely want to buy gis book!

[@jspate61]

Wow, he strikes a chord that really resonates. Love it. Cheers

[@skellymom]

I think I would need a bedroll. More cushy and perhaps a bit warmer in the winter. And all those blank walls...the artist in me would buy some inexpensive paints at the craft store and paint murals all over the place!

[@AdultsOnlyMagic]

I'm heading down the same path, man. Especially here in Midwest America, people think I'm just a weirdo for living this way, and I can feel people judging me when they visit my home for the first time. I almost always warn them I'm a minimalist, and they seem to understand, but then when they arrive, they appear genuinely shocked at how little I actually own. It *IS* pretty difficult to try to explain why I don't like "things" - Any tips on doing so? Usually I just say, "I don't like clutter."

[@caliqueen777]

Your awesome, very inspiring & humbling.

[@1lif2liv]

I have watched this probably 12 times in the past year. Good Will has truly benefited from this video.

[@lauralu4175]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@briarrosehibiscuscoast1994]

Its amazing that we don't actually need all the stuff that we have... the more stuff you have the more mess you make so this man is extremely inspiring that he has been able to make his home this simple without cluttering it up more!

[@nzmentoring2769]

Thank you for sharing this; I am going to start cluttering and releasing now

[@KamyriaMourn]

He is an inspiration. Just recently I started going through some of the stuff I have and realized some of it I haven't even seen in years.... Why do I keep it? I started purging... throwing stuff out.... and found an immense happiness in that. I would love to live minimalist life style but my husband would never go for that. I will do what I can on my side though.

[@roknfnrol]

My wife would never go for it.

[@roknfnrol]

Haha, a lot of my minimalists ideas and practices are rubbing off on her finally.

[@paulmccartneyadorrer]

What an incredible life and what an inspiring way of being 💓 thank you for sharing this man’s story 🙏🏼

[@paulmccartneyadorrer]

The musician must make music, the painter must paint, and the poet must write poetry. I am all these things, but I believe the overwhelming amount (though still very little compared to most) of possessions I share my space with have caused me to literally lose sight and focus on the things that make me unique and that I love. So incredibly grateful for this confirmation and reminder. 🕊

[@Swameh]

I have his book! So cool that I found this video, I deff needed a reawakening. It s a commitment.

[@KA2HRO]

Sounds like you might like to live in a similar way. I think you can do it. Good luck.

[@anidaipod]

December last year I started my minimalist journey and sometimes re watch this video for inspiration. I've slowly gotten rid of maybe 80% of my stuff and barely remember most of it and definitely don't miss a thing. Books were the hardest but I've adopted new, I believe healthier way of looking at stuff. I now have a single shelf of books I love or want to read instead of around 300 books that were strangers to me. The library is the best bookshelf. The things I really love have been unburied!

[@Smithpolly]

The apartment probably appears bigger than it is precisely because he hasn't filled that space with things. He clearly enjoys that space. He can move around that space without hitting a piece of furniture after the first step. Just because he doesn't fill it with stuff doesn't mean that the space is wasted.

[@giff74]

This is one my favorite videos you have produced. I have true aspirations of minimalism, but having a family it is very difficult to explain why we would do without things to our kids.

[@veganprincess01]

We all can learn from this man! Thanks for the vid.

[@vanitytraveler2323]

so much wisdom!!!

[@StarchildMagic]

This man is my new hero. I don't know if I could pare myself down to that few possessions, but I'm certainly working on it! And the peace and liberation that comes with that...best feeling in the world.

[@8080pc]

Peter, you are in inspiration! I have been downsizing and is gets easier as you get into it.

[@trekcannondale11]

Love it. Great Idea.

[@Gingermarie745]

Thanks for sharing! Nice video!

[@CristianGarcia-or4ox]

This is so beautiful its frustrating.

[@DeniseJackson9633]

Extremely disciplined lifestyle tailored specifically for HIS personality style. I admire him greatly.

[@xWithBrokenWingsx]

very interesting. Love these vids

[@rey777777]

Excellent video!!! ... too deep for the 90% of ppl, but we need to see this kind of person more in this planet, actually we HAVE to be more and more like him everyday

[@laetitiadeconche2758]

Waouh j'admire. Merci pour cette vidéo passionnante qui donne l'envie aux changements 🤔

[@bruceleeroy7554]

I am so glad you're formula is working for you to find real fullfilment in life. I truly admire your gentle spirit. However, can you comment more about the specifics of what you eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and what you would cook if freinds came over. It will help me be more minimalistic in the kitchen/cooking area. thaaaaanks!

[@bodytv5629]

Wow, so deep. I could watch this all day. I never looked at the development of skills like possessions. I would marry this man❤

[@trevmonkeyan597]

I think Peter sets the benchmark for a minimalist lifestyle, whilst still living in what I'd describe as a conventional home. I think being in a warm and dry climate helps in this kind of lifestyle as it allows greater use of the outside space to exercise and socialise. As I live in the UK I wish I had the abundance of natural light that Peter has, as most days of the year are overcast. I also wish my door frames were as strong as his too!!! Thanks for posting, definitely food for thought!

[@bobbiewera1293]

Peter--great video and a wonderful companion to your book. Barb (Carol's friend)

[@ChazEvansdale]

I'm doing much of what this guys is doing including body weight fitness, minimalism, leaving the corporate world behind, and healthier eating. I can say for every step of the process I've become happier by doing so. Having less distractions gives you more time to focus on what is really important to you.

[@YorkshireGirlinDarwin]

Beautiful reflections ❤❤

[@Alexis_theRealtor]

oh my, I loved when he said "You can always go online and see how much money you have left but no one and go online and see how much time you have left" I'm like yessssssssssssssssssss preach!

[@sheeshaa10]

Well said!!

[@workyourdreammd]

Even in his minimalism, he has an emergency bag ready. Food for thought.

[@ragz12345678]

Amazing!!

[@25redzombie]

I love the acoustics of the space. He needs that much space for his activities.

[@roxyrose1700]

Oh my god so much space to run around! :D I need to do this

[@vangielee7929]

when you said we can always know how much money we have left but none of us know how much time we have left bring tears to my eyes because we are so ignorant to this fact. Thank you for this vid.

[@valeriudaminescu4020]

Thanks very nice video!

[@nenia120]

I have read his book! cool to see this video! :)

[@Gindeshanghai]

Oh I loooove the way he's living. It's like ... so easy to stocktake himself and his life. He's so sure everything's proper spot and I guess when there's an emergency he'll know where to run for instantly - unless other people who will just panic. Truly Awesome!

[@danjobry333]

Peter Lawrence is my minimalist Guru!! 🌅