Step 9
Simplicity and Presence
Find fulfillment in less
In a world constantly pushing for more—more possessions, more accomplishments, more distractions—there is profound peace and fulfillment to be found in less. Simplicity and presence go hand in hand: by simplifying your life, you naturally create space for mindfulness and a deeper connection to the moment. When you clear away the excess, you make room for what truly matters.
I’ll admit, I’m not the most organized person and I’ve accumulated more things than I need. But slowly, I’m moving towards a minimalistic lifestyle—learning to let go of unnecessary belongings, commitments, and distractions. The more I simplify, the more I find peace in the present. This step is not about deprivation; it’s about clearing away the clutter so you can fully appreciate life’s simple moments, becoming an EarthEnjoyer who finds joy in everyday experiences.
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The power of simplifying your life
Our lives are often filled with distractions, obligations, and material possessions that pull us away from what truly matters. We accumulate physical clutter in our homes, emotional baggage in our hearts, and mental chatter in our minds. This complexity makes it difficult to be present and can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. By choosing simplicity, you reduce the external and internal noise, allowing you to focus on the present and experience a deeper sense of peace.
Simplicity isn’t just about decluttering your physical space—though that’s a great place to start. It’s about streamlining your relationships, your commitments, and your thoughts. When you simplify, you create room for mindfulness, deeper connections, and intentional living.
The beauty of imperfection
There is a fitting concept for this step, called Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity. In a world obsessed with perfection and constant growth, Wabi-Sabi encourages us to embrace the natural flow of life—the wear and tear, the cracks, the asymmetry. This idea fits perfectly with the minimalist mindset because it reminds us to appreciate what we have, as it is, without needing more or seeking flawless perfection.
Declutter your space and mind
A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind, making it harder to focus, relax, and be present. By clearing away unnecessary belongings, you create a more peaceful, calming environment that reflects the simplicity you want to cultivate internally.
Tips for decluttering your space:
- Start small: Focus on one area at a time—maybe a drawer, a closet, or a kitchen counter—and remove anything that doesn’t bring value or joy.
- One year rule: If you haven’t used something in the last year, it might be time to let it go. Donate, recycle, or discard items that no longer serve a purpose.
- Daily decluttering habit: Spend a few minutes each day tidying or clearing an area of your home. Over time, this small habit will create significant changes in your environment.
Just as physical clutter can weigh you down, so can mental clutter. Decluttering your mind involves letting go of overthinking, unnecessary worries, and habits that scatter your attention. Creating mental space allows you to feel more present and at peace.
Tips for decluttering your mind:
- Practice mindfulness meditation: As already stated in this guide, meditation is one of the most effective ways to clear mental clutter. By observing your thoughts without judgment, you learn to let go of mental noise and focus on the present.
- Focus on one thing at a time: Multitasking scatters your attention. Practice giving your full focus to one task, one conversation, or one experience at a time.
- Write it down: Journaling can help declutter your mind. Writing down thoughts, worries, or ideas helps you process and release them, bringing clarity and mental space.
Make time for what matters
Now, you might be thinking, Am I going to have to quit my job and become a full-time EarthEnjoyer? Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that. The reality is, you don’t need to overhaul your life or abandon your responsibilities to make room for joy and presence. Most of us have jobs, school, or other responsibilities that take up much of our day. So, how do you find time for the things that truly matter?
The truth is, we often fill our free time with tasks that don’t bring much fulfillment, whether it’s scrolling on our phones, mindlessly watching TV, or doing things out of obligation rather than joy. The key to making time for what you want is to simplify your commitments and be intentional with how you spend your hours. When you clear away the unnecessary or time-wasting activities, you create more room for the things that genuinely bring you happiness and fulfillment.
Instead of thinking about how much time you have, focus on how you use it. Even the things you already do, like cooking, walking, or spending time with family, can be done more mindfully and with more enjoyment. This approach doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your schedule, but rather a shift in how you engage with the time you have.
How to make time for what matters:
- Simplify your schedule: Look at your weekly commitments. Are there tasks or activities that don’t bring value or joy? Consider cutting back on non-essential obligations to create more space for the things that matter to you.
- Time-block for your passions: Set aside specific times during the week dedicated to things that bring you joy—whether it’s a hobby, a walk in nature, or quality time with loved ones. Protect this time as you would a work meeting or important appointment.
- Be intentional with downtime: When you have free time, instead of defaulting to passive activities like mindlessly watching TV or scrolling through social media, choose something that feels more fulfilling. This could be reading, pursuing a hobby, or Enjoying the great outdoors.
- Combine mindfulness with everyday tasks: You don’t always need to carve out extra time to Enjoy life more. Try doing the things you already do—like cooking, exercising, or cleaning—with more mindfulness and presence. By being fully engaged in each moment, you transform ordinary tasks into more meaningful experiences.
Finding fulfillment in simple moments
I’ve found that the real beauty of life often lies in the quiet, ordinary moments. By being more mindful of how I spend my time and focusing on what truly matters, life has become richer, more meaningful, and more peaceful.
The goal isn’t to overload your life with more things to do, but to clear the space needed for deeper, more fulfilling experiences. By embracing simplicity and being intentional with your time, you can truly focus on what brings you joy and live with greater presence and contentment.
Disconnect from technology
In today’s world, technology is one of the biggest barriers to simplicity and presence. While it offers countless benefits—connecting us to information, work, and people—it also creates endless distractions. Constant notifications, social media scrolling, and the pressure to always be “available” can pull us away from the present moment and into a cycle of busyness and mental clutter.
I’ve found myself lost in the endless loop of checking my phone or getting caught up in unnecessary online distractions more times than I’d like to admit. It’s easy to reach for a device out of habit, but the more I consciously step away from technology, the more space I create for meaningful, real-life experiences. Disconnecting from technology, even for short periods of time, can help you reconnect with the world around you, fostering a sense of peace and presence.
Tips for disconnecting from technology:
- Set tech-free zones: Designate certain areas of your home—like the bedroom or dining room—as technology-free spaces. This encourages you to be more present during activities like eating or relaxing without the constant pull of notifications.
- Schedule time to unplug: Intentionally schedule times during your day to disconnect from devices. For instance, you might turn off your phone for the first hour after waking up or during your evening wind-down before bed.
- Limit notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone or computer. This reduces the number of distractions vying for your attention and allows you to focus more on what’s happening around you.
- Take a digital detox: Try taking a full day or weekend off from technology every now and then. Use this time to reconnect with yourself, nature, or loved ones.
- Be mindful of your screen time: If you often find yourself reaching for your phone without thinking, start being mindful of your screen time. Apps that track your phone usage can help you become more aware of how often you’re plugged in.
By setting boundaries with your devices, you can carve out moments of stillness and focus—allowing you to engage more fully with what truly matters in your life.
Intentional technology use
While disconnecting from technology is important, it’s equally valuable to use technology intentionally when you do engage with it. The key to intentional technology use is to consciously choose when and why you are picking up a device. If you need to send a message, check an important email, or look something up, do just that—without getting sidetracked by other apps or distractions. If a calculator is what you need, perhaps it’s better to pick up a real calculator rather than your phone, where you might end up checking notifications or scrolling. Similarly, if you’re reading or studying, consider using a physical book instead of an app that could pull your focus in multiple directions.
Tips for intentional technology use:
- Single-task with technology: When you pick up your phone or open your computer, have a specific purpose in mind. Whether it’s to respond to an email or look up directions, stick to that one task and avoid opening unnecessary apps or tabs.
- Use physical tools when possible: If the task doesn’t require a phone or computer, opt for a non-digital alternative. For example, use a physical calculator, or a paper notebook. This keeps you focused on the task without getting lost in digital distractions.
- Create tech routines: Establish specific times of the day to check emails, respond to messages, or use certain apps. By having a routine, you can avoid constantly reaching for your device throughout the day and create healthier boundaries with technology.
By using technology with clear intentions, you remain focused on the task at hand without letting digital distractions steal your attention.
A minimalistic lifestyle
At its core, minimalism is about removing the excess in order to focus on what truly matters. It’s a lifestyle choice that encourages you to live with intention, shedding material clutter and unnecessary distractions that can weigh you down. I’ve realized that having fewer things and less clutter around me makes life feel lighter, both figuratively and literally. The less I own, the more time, energy, and space I have for what really counts—experiences, relationships, and being present in the moment.
As Seneca once said,
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
The Stoic mindset reminds us that we don’t need more to be happy—we need less. Minimalism helps you cultivate gratitude for what you already have, and by removing the unnecessary, you free yourself from the endless cycle of accumulation and consumption.
Living with presence
When you simplify your life, you create more space for presence and awareness. Without the distractions of excess possessions or a cluttered mind, it becomes easier to focus on the present moment and the things that bring you joy. A minimalistic lifestyle allows you to live with greater intention, appreciating the simple experiences that often get lost in the noise of a busy, overfilled life.
When you live minimally, you also live mindfully. You make conscious decisions about what you bring into your life, both materially and mentally, and in doing so, you create a life that’s more aligned with your values and what brings you true fulfillment.
A lighter journey forward
Following a minimalistic approach not only clears the physical space around you but also lightens your journey forward in life. When you let go of unnecessary possessions, commitments, and mental clutter, you move through life with more freedom and flexibility. You become less burdened by the weight of things, and your attention naturally shifts to what really matters—living fully, experiencing the beauty of the Earth, and being present in each moment.
By stripping away the excess, you create a more spacious, peaceful life where you can truly connect with the Earth and the people around you. As you move forward, remember that less is often more, and that by lightening your load, you make room for more joy, peace, and fulfillment.
This has been Step 9 of How to Enjoy the Earth: A Comprehensive Guide. Feel free to bookmark or save this step as a reminder of your progress. Since this guide is designed to be a gradual journey, keeping track helps you continue at your own pace whenever you’re ready.
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