In 2016, I watched a documentary that changed my life for the good. “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” features two best friends, Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Milburn who embraced the lifestyle choice of minimalism.
Each man had a starkly different life at the onset of the story, with Ryan coming to grips with his internal depression, despite having a seemingly envious high paying job. Likewise, Joshua explores the reasons for his embracement of the minimalism lifestyle. The 78 minute documentary (currently streaming on Netflix) features a large array of speakers and narrators, with the stories of the two friends being the catalyst. In an amazing bit of self-analysis and deep philosophical reflection, each man made decisions about how to achieve happiness in their own existence.
The documentary works well at promoting a message, one that makes the viewer question his or her own life. Elements focus on the study of consumer culture and the illusion of social media in a way everyone existing in 2021 can certainly relate with.
Piecing together excerpts from the pair speaking at book promotions, as well as others who believers in the practice, the documentary demonstrates the tangible and intangible ways the lifestyle change can have a positive impact. Architects who specialize in making the most efficient use of a tiny space (in an unbelievable way) or a family that wants to simplify life in order to spend more time together. There’s a mixture of emotions, ranging from funny – like the scant apartment that Joshua resides in, to a moment of deep sadness as he reads aloud his own personal testimony. These are all regular people who have ups and downs in life, and have found a way to help themselves with stress reduction.
I first heard the pair on an NPR interview. I read the book and found the website and documentary and was sold. I embraced the core concept of every possession must serve a purpose or brings you joy. I applied minimalism to my apartment, clothes, and life as a whole. I use it when grocery shopping and going to the gym, and have become a student of the discipline with other creators on various platforms (the tiny house movement being a personal favorite).
“Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things” is an amazing and must see watch. The lifestyle is becoming trendier, but you owe yourself the favor of going back to its earlier roots with this presentation.
