On being a minimalist, letting go of stuff, and being free!

The real problem isn't actually the tangible stuff in our lives, but our fear of letting go, and our tendency to cling to everything (it just manifests around us in stuff we buy, but the problem is much deeper). If we can't part with objects in our lives, imagine how difficult it would be to move on when someone close to us passes away or when we lose our own youth, health and life itself. By practicing letting go today, we will not be afraid to let go when it really matters.
"Be redefining what 'enough' means to us, we discover that we have plenty of it!" -Timber Hawkeye
Let's not fall victim to societal pressures to have more stuff, or feel incomplete without the latest and greatest. We've thrived for many years with a lot less.
Best selling author of Buddhist Boot Camp, prescribes gratitude as medicine for people to heal themselves from the inside out. His message invites the best version of you to resurface, inevitably leading to the true meaning of success (being happy), and better health (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual). In an ongoing effort to eradicate society's ever-growing sense of entitlement, which he considers nothing short of an epidemic, and replace it with a sense of appreciation for each breath we are given, Timber's intention is to awaken, enlighten, enrich and inspire, by sharing mindfulness-enhancing techniques that anyone can relate to and implement in their daily lives.
If you find value in my work, please show your support with as little as $1/month through / buddhistbootcamp or make one-off contributions on Venmo @TimberHawkeye or through Jemi, where you can also schedule a private one-on-one Zoom to discuss the topic of your choice: jemi.app/buddhistbootcamp - Thank you for being a Soldier of Peace in the Army of Love.

[@melissatoni8633]

I already immediately relate to you and what you’re saying. When I ditched my entire life’s accumulation of stuff to run away from all the horrible people and forces that wanted to hurt me and keep me small to live in a van for a bit with my cat, she and I learned hardcore how very little we need. Once you learn that, there is no going back to stuff, stuff, stuff. You value and keep only what’s important. That extends beyond stuff as well.

[@deb664]

I loved your answer. My Beloved Mother always said, “ The more you own, the more it owns you.” My parents were minimalist long before the word had the meaning.

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😮

[@danlc95]

The act of purging is one of the most liberating experiences I've encountered.

[@GospelTruth37059]

If I ever get finished I will throw a party hahahahahaha

[@melissatoni8633]

Yes!! I agree again. The more you let go, the less worry. Don’t have to think about what to wear when you only have just what you need. I too stopped with the hairdresser years ago as well as makeup. I could go on and on, and it’s true: you become freer and freer and more connected to what’s real and actually matters, which are your insides, spirituality, and connecting with beautiful-insided people as well.

[@GamingandSocialfun]

I became a minimalist today. Its really helping my depression I actually have allot more hope then I had when I was attached to materialism.

[@language-n-learning]

"Am I working a job I hate so I can buy stuff I don't need to impress people I don't like?" Great question!

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😊

[@replicantmonk4310]

"Those who are possessed by nothing, possess everything." - Morihei Ueshiba

[@misho129]

I'm a hardcore minimalist. I sold and donated 90% of my possessions and I've never felt happier and free'er!

[@hahahatudia636]

awesome

[@kristibattalini9943]

Wow that’s awesome. I am getting rid of stuff little by little bit then sometimes I buy stuff back such as clothes ..

[@suefrancis2751]

Me too,! Wish I did it years ago!!!!

[@GospelTruth37059]

Way to go!!!!!

[@icecream4depression]

I gave away 60% of my clothes last week. Getting dressed is much faster when it is only the things I love.

[@lilygreen221]

LiveLikeBrittney me too! I'm more happy and relax now.

[@sarahannsqueaks4283]

this is my goal!

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😮

[@homesteadingatthervpark1497]

'who are these people who are judging us and why are we friends with them?' powerful stuff. thank you.

[@language-n-learning]

I love that line too. Part of minimalist purging involves getting rid of the toxic people in our lives. Cheers.

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed🎉😮🎉

[@ck1425]

6:27 „Make one decision in my life that makes all my future decisions for me“

[@briankelly85]

i was born a minamalist. i had no idea there was even a word for it. i always felt very uncomfortable owning things/possessions...it is very freeing. i can actually breath...

[@Whoareyoupeople900]

I've been the same way since I was little. I've always had an uncomfortable feeling when I had too much stuff.

[@lisagott1354]

I was just saying that to my sister and then read this ❤️

[@clairejohnson7809]

Ive always been this way and I thought there was something wrong with me but now I embrace it.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Same here. My parents couldn’t understand that I actually wanted very few items in my room. They filled my bedroom with tons of furniture for storage of things I never wanted. It was suffocating. Ironically, even though my husband and I live in a tiny home now , we have filled every inch of space with stuff. That’s why I’m watching this type of video. 🙃

[@mimilove1649]

The older I get the less I need. Kind of amazing, I think I stopped caring as much about what others think.

[@user-wk5ff4jv3r]

Myself as well. It is a wonderful feeling. Do not live up to the expectations of others. Also the three C's - do not compare, complain or criticise. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@sandrabrown6326]

I am drowning in stuff. I know I need to let go. So hard to do. I am going to watch more of your channel. I am so tired of feeling so cluttered in life.

[@Freetobeme8181]

How’s it going? It’s so freeing to let go. The hard part is deciding to just give it all away and only keep things you actually use! Or something that brings you joy when you see it. Remember we can’t take it with us when we leave this life and we’re leaving it behind for our loved ones to deal with. That’s not loving. They won’t care for it like we did anyway! Good luck on you’re journey of to the simple life. God bless 🙏

[@praythankful4906]

"It's none of your business what other people think of you". I love that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts dear one. Peace and love to you.

[@davidcuervo1734]

Lots of wisdom in this video. Fear of criticism is one of humans greatest fear. When one can get past the fear of “criticism”, life can become much easier. Most of people’s stress is self induced. Great video! 👍

[@salsadanceclassb2180]

Huge respect to you brother!

[@clairejohnson7809]

Nothing makes me feel better than decluttering. What a high I get from that 🤯

[@TomsRoadVideo]

I have done this all of my life.....You are the first person that has put into words, the way I have lived since I left home many, many years ago....I can move in 15 minutes, put everything in the front seat of my old truck and still have room for my little dog. Ordered your book on amazon. I am sure I will read it over and over.....

[@nancylanderson8012]

I came upon you by accident...but at the exact right time in my life. I'm downsizing and I need to hear what you are saying. Bless your heart!

[@crochetstich8173]

Aaaah I like his podcast, KZbin and everything. I have only been listening to him for a good day or two❤️ and I feel sooo relaxed and worry free💯

[@cherylmason5701]

On this journey and find it totally liberating.

[@distaff2935]

Love this video. I've watched it multiple times. Word for the day: "reevaluate." Phantom house guests cracks me up every time.

[@shanab1298]

I'm a woman who decided to shave my head last year. One of the reasons was minimalism. It's not a popular choice, and I think I "look better" with my long hair or ponytail but I'm not sure it's worth the sacrifice to grow it back for all the maintenance that it took to maintain. This year I'm going to work on decluttering and getting rid of things that I don't really use or that I'm holding on to for sentimental reasons, but don't use. Good video! Thank you 🙏

[@HDvids101]

Losing not only material things but losing beliefs are even more powerful. They go hand in hand i suppose :-)

[@justfloating3944]

Had to watch this twice. The second time I took notes. This has come in a timely way. I have found it hard to let go of some fabric that I have hauled around for years. Now I'm going to donate it to our local children's hospital, so volunteers can make blankets for the kids there. THANK YOU!

[@GospelTruth37059]

Way to go clap clap clap clap!!

[@steveneisenberg917]

I have been getting rid of STUFF for years (it took me years to aquire it) in the mean time I do enjoy seeing less and less, and needing less and less. My dad once said to me, "another way of measuring wealth is by how much you DON'T NEED" A side note to you Timber, let me add this to your soup, Just because you own it, doesn't mean I HAVE TO DUST IT. Be Well.

[@jasminepouia370]

You’re so cool, I love you. I wish I could be more like you. The thought of not having my things makes me anxious. Being from a Persian upbringing, we’re taught to care a lot about the way things look and come off. Image is everything. I admire this lifestyle. I may go nuts and just hit the road like this one day.

[@catherinebronte3645]

sometimes i just want to stand in an completely empty room and breath in the nothingness.

[@moonsong2118]

Totally, me too! I just feel like I want to know what the emptiness feels like...just seems peaceful and clear, full of other possibilities

[@lisagott1354]

YES🤣

[@YorkshireGirlinDarwin]

Your message always keeps me coming back, Timber ❤

[@AndSoBeneathItAll]

This is absolutely one of the best views on minimalism ever presented, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@mikew8573]

So much is purchased on impulse then overnight BOOM, your home/office is full of 'stuff'. Then an awakening call comes through realizing 'why do I have this, that, them.......... Less is best. Living as a minimalist for more years than I can remember is brought me so much peace, non-stress, joy. I feel free from clutter and negative energy in my eyes and mind as well. When travelling I enjoy more of the sights and sounds versus hitting the tourist trap stores.

[@DemonsAreUs]

It makes me nervous and anxious to own much. Clutter makes my mind jumbled. I have to have clean, open, emptiness to be calm.

[@thebarky1988]

I have been asking these questions for about 5 months and am making a lot of progress. Timber, your book was my intro to minimalism about one year ago. It really made me think. I was one of those people who had 8 wine glasses and 12 dishes. We are a family of six and need more than a few but I have been minimizing and it feels wonderful.

[@kaceymckown1657]

I love this ❤️ I've watched it before and it's resonating more now, as i am purging and thinning out. If I don't have it, I don't have to dust it! Brilliant for a non-housekeeper! I say, "If I don't have it, I don't have to clean it!" Down to four plates - there are two of us. Doing dishes is not my thing either, so that was a no-brainer!! Thank you Timber - so clear and funny 😅

[@saturn6020]

I'm already kind of a minimalist. However, I want to move "back home" and prefer getting rid of everything instead of moving it. Your video has so inspired me to begin the process NOW. Slowly one thing here, one thing there, to get me ready. Otherwise, ill hab2e one big overwhelming chore later. After listening to this, I'm so excited to get home and start getting rid of the things I keep "just in case. " lighten my load early and be ready. Thanks for your awesome podcasts, I've been listening to one after the other.

[@caryncarmona9229]

What you talked about actually reminds me of the old society where pleasing your visitors is a big social step. These days we have reevaluated what is really important which is who we are on the inside rather than fake facades for the crowd. Minimalism also helps decrease consumerism which is also cultivated by the olden beliefs. I'm so happy people are evolving into a more grounded and real kind of humans.

[@lifebuffer9845]

I've read your book twice and it's one of my favorite, honestly. Thank you for reminding us how important it is to let go and just let life be.

[@TimberHawkeye]

Life Buffer Thank you! I'm glad the message in the book resonated with you in the same spirit it was intended. My hope is that for every book ordered, at least four people read it, so please continue sharing it with others, spreading the message of love and gratitude with the world. Extending a most deep and heartfelt bow of gratitude to you for being a soldier of peace in the army of love, your brother, Timber H.

[@peterrabbitroberts4469]

Here on the job, needed to hear your words, have a peaceful day.

[@sjames4054]

I love this. Trauma started me on my minimalism journey, I have never been happier and my children have embraced it too.

[@jayontario7285]

nice bumping into on KZbin. ....very open message......journey on...

[@houseofballet]

What an absolutely inspiring video. Such a calm and loving approach to minimalism- self-love and altruistic love, and you can tell that you're a truly beautiful soul.

[@sharonbros3616]

Thank you for this. Namaste. You have help me see a new way and learn. No one wants the "stuff" my grandma and mother put me in charge of. And the tight hold of keeping my "stuff because it's the only thing that loves me" is now ridiculous. Time to let go and be free.

[@debslifesimplified6406]

I'm always working on downsizing my belongings. I seriously want to let go of stuff I've been toting around for years. Time to let it go.

[@samproximax1790]

Wow, thanks for making this video. Very helpful

[@KeepOnKeepinOn]

Nice seminar at the RTR. You have a very calming voice.

[@vijaychinta1546]

Eye opener for me !

[@taracat7141]

I watched this a few months back and I thought it was great.... then the last month, for other reasons my life has begun the minimalist mantra and I decided to watch again and how much more relevant and it resonates so much more :-) This video is so much more informative to me now..... things / information means different things to different people at different times (and to ourselves).

[@BeautyDiva100]

I had the same discussion with my mom about how many sets of sheets I should own. I argued the point that I only wanted one set because I can wash them as needed and put them right back on the bed and when they become worn I will replace them. I had a hard time convincing my mom of this as she believed I should have multiple sets because she did. I have a much smaller home than she does with almost no storage space. It would be a burden to me to have to find a place to store multiples of the same item when one is all I truly need.

[@jengriffin3508]

You are amazing! Love your energy and knowledge!

[@paulinewhitehouse8023]

I've been thinking of going minimalist for quite some time now. I look around my home, and have so much stuff that I never use. It's crazy. There is a saying a clutter home makes a cluttered mind. So I'm on a Journey, I'm realistic it will take time, but now I have made a decision. Wish me luck .

[@CalmVibesVee]

Defining what enough means. I love that Timber. This is one of my favorite minimalism videos. So good. Thank you for encouraging us. Peace be with you.

[@angryasalways]

Excellent video! Love this!

[@lubalouka2611]

Great video. Thank you.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Whoa . Your first example just nailed it for me. I have actually spent more time and money than I want to say on different types of drinks glasses. Because of fear of judgement and also wanting to look like I know how to host parties.

[@_justjackie]

Beautifully said! So ecstatic to have stumbled upon your channel- it was meant to be. Can't wait to check out your book. Thank you for your time! Sending good vibes from Seattle 😄

[@zenshojinryori]

Love your work Timber.

[@TimberHawkeye]

Carl Fletcher Thank you, Carl. Aloha!

[@emagard8076]

You have helped make something so daunting so much simpler to understand. Thank you Timber. I not only want to live freer now but I don't want my kids to have to have the awful chore of getting rid of my junk after I die.

[@chandrika-chandrika.]

Love the "phantom house guests!" So true .. 😂

[@pinkygirl1975]

Dearest Timber, Thank you so much for sharing the writings in Buddhist Boot Camp. I found myself laughing, then crying, then contemplating the ideas and quotes. I was unexpectedly and profoundly moved by your book. With love and gratitude, Amanda

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

I too have found that less is more. I'm about to go even further. Thanks for the reminder to get back to it.

[@nutellaisgood17]

Great video! Thank you!

[@tonyzamberlin]

Great video. Im already a minimalist, but this video opened up even more insights.

[@BowerLawOffice]

Thank you so much timber. This was very moving for me.

[@Janicedaviscrane]

I SO want to life less ...i need to work out enough ! I'm clearing clutter of 56 years of keeping cos as a child I had one set of clothes and uniform. I'm off to clear cupboards of plates, towels, looking after each item needing dusting is very helpful . THANK YOU ! yes its none of my business what others think of me! spot on letting getting ! open to what comes next !

[@UltraTitan-Mudra_Quickies]

This is the perfect video to inspire people to let go of things. Thank you. :-)

[@williamarrowsmiith8380]

Brilliant, simple and absolutely so true! Thanks for sharing...

[@dorinagroves1604]

Buddhist Boot Camp is arriving at my door this Friday ~ patiently (yet eagerly) waiting!

[@AmandaRoundtheGlobe]

Omg I love this, such good things to think about!

[@clarewassermann9423]

Love your book and loved seeing you when you were in the UK in Much Wenlock speaking. You have truly changed the way I think and it's nice to see you here again giving me a nudge!

[@randyhutchinson5253]

Hi, I came across your channel last night with my boyfriend, love your channel, I downsized and living in a RV and love it, so freeing

[@wilson2810]

minimalism is hell of a lot easier if you're not married!

[@TimberHawkeye]

Marriage is a hell of a lot easier when you're a minimalist :)

[@wilson2810]

trouble is,i'm minimal and she's not,im with you I shave my head and have about 5 things in the bathroom all told,my wife has more products for her fingernails than I have for my whole body!

[@kristibattalini9943]

I can imagine. As women we are told we need all this stuff to look a certain way. It’s just not trrue

[@catherinebronte3645]

marriage is hell period.@@TimberHawkeye

[@qormi1000]

Wow this video is a keeper to watch and listen to it often. Thank you.

[@kiiabby]

Thank you so much for this. I've been on this journey for a year now, but you've helped me reassess the possessions and mindset that I have left.

[@doreenb1837]

Just found your channel....and WOW you really explain things so well. I have watched many other minimalist channels, but yours really got into my soul. I'll be watching more of your tuts and will be ordering your book. Thank you so much from a new subbie.

[@paulrudd1063]

I really like your sentiment and admire what you say in this video. For many years I lived by the principle that "if it didn't fit in my antique steamer trunk, then I had no room for it in my life". Then I was given a guitar. I like playing the guitar. So I amended my rule. All my possessions must be able to fit in the trunk. And the guitar. Then I met a girl. Then I got into a serious relationship. Then I got a house, a car. A job. A serious job. I needed clothes for that job. Special clothes that signaled I was taking this job seriously. I went to university. I accumulated books and photographs. And degrees. Each degree required its associated paraphernalia. I purchased art. I made art. Then I had children. More books and clothes and swimsuits and musical instruments and computers and DVD's and... of course I needed a bigger home. And tools for the home. Mowers and spades and tools for the car. Insurance. Because my life had become so serious. I admire a person who can reduce their belongings to the bare necessity. One of my greatest heroes is Henry David Thoreau. His book Walden is inspirational. I have read it hundreds of times. Sometimes I've even concentrated and focused while reading it! But tell me. Anyone. How can a man shed the manacles of his possessions if he has responsibilities to a family? Buddha walked away from his family. And his responsibilities. (If you believe the legends). Was that a good thing for him to do? For himself? For his family? I am far from facetious here. I ask these questions in absolute earnestness. If you had children, would you still be living this life of minimalism and contemplation? I don't think so. Not uness you are so narcissistic that you can shut out any thought of your responsibilities. So i miss my younger years, living precariously out of a single metal box. But I cannot fathom how to return to that simplicity and still be a functioning, responsible father for my kids.

[@hashanah5557]

That was awesome. In the process of declutter and starting my journey towards minimalism.

[@rose881]

Very helpful information thank you

[@kargelr]

Very meaningful. One aspect of minimalism that a lot of people don't touch on is culture. Owning more than we need seems to be a developed-culture problem. I doubt there are many third world people looking to declutter their lives - or at least their perception of excess is far different. Having too much happens mostly when there is no worry of having too little. When objects become super-available, the culture that made that possible also begins to drive consumerist and hoarding mentalities. Perhaps when owning slightly more than enough becomes normal, owning too much becomes a foreign concept.

[@davidroux7987]

I live in third world. The tendency is to max out on useless, ugly clutter.

[@ck1425]

Thank you. I‘m trying to transition into a minimalistic lifestyle. Have 4 kids 8,12,14,16....kinda hard to get rid of things. It‘s work in progress

[@MyMEGAamazinglife1]

My driving force is fear of loss. I have lost everything 2 times over so I keep things for "just in case"

[@TimberHawkeye]

Hmm.. I presume by the fact that you're still alive to comment on internet posts that our definition of "lost" and of "everything" is very different :) May we never take for granted the blessings and abundance in our lives. Fear keeps us contained, not liberated.

[@hayleybmiller2010]

I’ve been clearing out sooooo much. I hate it and feel smothered. I’m having a big yard sale tomorrow.

[@alexandriak42]

Excellent way of life. Great, free and brave living path.

[@joaniewolf9193]

EXACTLY! Thank you.

[@masondnatube]

"None of your business what other people think about you"....Ha! Re-wound that as thought you'd meant 'none of THEIR business', then the penny dropped. What a nice, helpful way of phrasing it :). Funny I'm watching this now as I'm trying to help a friend clear her house out and she has bin-loads of TOWELS!

[@deborahlugo9770]

I started going through my apt and noticed a few things I didnt need,so I asked my kids to do the same and we dropped off some things. I noticed more and more stuff that I didnt need anymore and the more I dropped off stuff at goodwill,the more I realized that I honestly didnt NEED it! I asked myself could somebody use this more then myself? Letting go of stuff felt great in my apt. It made me feel less crazy in my head lol if that makes sense. It made me focus that energy on things that bring joy. The real test is at Solstice/Christmas though. Tim if you are reading this,could you please do some podcasts of that time of year? I struggle with wanting to get somebody a little something,but the problem is there are a lot of people! And it wrecks my budget. Its very stressful. Thank you 🙏

[@rawlawgirl]

Excellent.

[@mindyvaughn8217]

I prayed for wisdom today and there you were. I am struggling with this exact issue even in the midst of feeling absolutely smothered by my possessions. I have been bound by “What if I need this later” like its handcuffs. It’s a miserable existence. I wish there was a way to go in a little more depth about this mind set. About how to mentally peal each clinging finger from around that extra toaster. It is fear. My whole life has been plagued by fear in one form or another. Fear of loss and or abandonment ( my mother being an invalid my whole life until at age 24 she died). Fear of failure ( undergrad and masters degrees), Fear if not being enough to be loved ( clothes, degrees, money), Fear of what if (gather, father, acquire). I’m so sick of all of it. I am grateful that God put you in front of me. I would very much like to purchase an autographed copy of your book. Can you tell me how?

[@IoIz0rd]

I really like the last bit of the universal flow

[@midnight851]

Well articulated and a strong message. You've earned a new subscriber

[@sharonyvonne9688]

Thank you! I really needed to hear this today. 😀

[@solromero7415]

thank you, thank you, thank you

[@hayleybmiller2010]

Getting rid of scrapbooks. That’s hard core.

[@MrWhiteguy89]

I really enjoyed your question approach rather than instruction and that you shared your personally what you experienced with your parents, I'm going through the similar situation with my mom as well. Great Video!

[@MyRawformation]

Thank you for this❤️🙏🏻

[@willswim15]

Very good information Thank you for sharing it

[@terriespann4800]

Thank you.

[@mrzed2349]

simply put. AWESOME.

[@PilotProfessional]

Beautiful mind you have!

[@gpuglisi81]

I love love this video ✌️❤ thank you Timber 🙏 peace and love to you P..s I think the towel thing is attached to wet weather and freezing cold 😂❤