Minimal Lifestyle.

Hello fellow Minimalist practitioners! 😁 As we intentionally create a living, I believe many of us learns what makes you happy to see in your space…for me, it’s…Plants! Greens! 🌿

Minimalism has emerged as a lifestyle choice that focuses on simplicity, mindfulness, and the elimination of excess. One way to incorporate this minimalist philosophy into our life is by embracing the beauty of houseplants, drawing inspiration from Japanese spirits and ideologies. This week, we’ll explore how we can merge the minimalist lifestyle with houseplants, all while infusing our space with the essence of Japanese wisdom.

Create space to breath, thrive for them:

The concept of “Ma” (間）

~Negative space, represents the beautiful of emptiness.

This is central to Japanese design and represents the beauty of emptiness. To embrace this spirit, start by decluttering your living space and creating a serene environment for our houseplants to thrive.

House Plants as Living Art

Incorporating houseplants into our minimalist lifestyle allows us to bring nature indoors and transform your living space into a sanctuary of tranquility. In Japan, there’s a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, as seen in traditional art forms like Ikebana (flower arranging) and Bonsai (miniature trees). Houseplants can be viewed as living artworks, adding a touch of nature’s elegance to your minimalistic abode.

Living with plants offers a multitude of benefits, and one of the most significant advantages lies in the mental well-being it promotes through physical engagement. Caring for plants requires a level of mindfulness and presence that can alleviate stress and anxiety. The act of watering, pruning, and tending to their needs creates a soothing rhythm in our daily lives, offering moments of respite from the hustle and bustle.

Selecting the Right Plants

When integrating houseplants into your minimalist space, it’s crucial to choose plants that are easy to care for and fit the minimalist aesthetic. Japanese interior design often incorporates simple and elegant elements, and you can achieve this by opting for plants with clean lines and minimalistic shapes.

The above pictures are my family…my Mom, Dad, Brother, sister in law and me going to plants nursery and picking green babies for adoption! 🌱 Since we were little, our mom would take me and my brother to plant shop…she loves learning how several plants thrive with different attention and care. Through years of learning, we definitely have developed a “type” as houseplants. Now…we are not exactly experts of them, but became more confident in identifying which are low-maintenance and resilient greens for inviting into the house. Consider varieties like snake plants, ivy, peace lilies, or succulents, which add a touch of nature without overwhelming your space.

Caring Mindfully for Your Plants

Minimalism encourages us to appreciate what we have and to be mindful in our actions. When caring for your houseplants, adopt a mindful approach. Water them with intention, and take time to prune and nurture them. This daily ritual can provide a sense of calm and connection with nature, aligning with Japanese concepts like:

The Art of Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-Sabi （侘び寂び）is a Japanese concept that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and transience. Embrace the philosophy by accepting the natural flaws and changes in your houseplants. As leaves yellow and petals fall, find beauty in these moments of impermanence. It’s a reminder that everything, including life itself, is fleeting.

Tending plants helps me to be present, and see myself as well as a living thing… that my present form is temporary, and it will be transformed into something else. Through taking care of plants, I learn to see all livings are not in their final form, but in the process of growing.

Creating a Zen Oasis

To complete your minimalist journey with houseplants, create a Zen (禅）-inspired oasis in your home. Arrange your plants in a way that promotes harmony and balance. Incorporate simple, natural materials such as wood and stone. Add elements like a small water feature or a Zen garden to enhance the sense of tranquility.

My parents love Chinese tea. They incorporate their tea setting with full of natural elements to accompany with house plants around them too. For example, bamboo screen, wooden plates, cray pot, red wood and bamboo furniture and minerals for the air plants to grow on.

The Harmony of Minimalism and House Plants

I hope you enjoy the great weather, and have your house plants to brighter your everyday life! See you next week! 🦎