Arija A.'s Webshrine for Simplicity
Simplicity is a philosophy that spans both life and technology. Craving more leaves ecosystems strained and the mind cluttered. Reducing excess creates space for clarity and focus. I believe in that less is more.
# Why Simplicity Matters
Excess in any form carries cost since accumulated objects fill homes and attention alike. Endless notifications, bloated software, and unnecessary features fragment focus as well.
By choosing what matters and discarding the rest, we reclaim energy, calm, and presence.
Simple living also protects the world, mindful consumption reduces environmental impact. Minimal software limits dependencies, energy use, and cognitive overhead.
The principle is consistent: clarity, efficiency, and care yield sustainability for both mind and ecosystem.
# Living Simply
In everyday life, simplicity can mean reducing possessions, slowing routines, or embracing intentional habits. It is about noticing impulses, questioning consumption, and cultivating what brings genuine value.
In technology, simplicity takes shape through minimal software, clear workflows, and tools that do exactly what is needed - no more, no less. Environments like suckless software, lean editors, and clean terminal workflows exemplify this: efficient and hackable.
As a German philosopher once said:
"From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs"
— Karl Marx
# The Benefits of Less
- Greater mental clarity and focus
- More time for meaningful work, creativity, and reflection
- Reduced environmental and cognitive impact
- Efficient software and digital tools that respect attention
- Increased gratitude for what is essential
- Freedom from clutter, both physical and digital
- Space to notice subtlety, beauty, and depth in daily life
# Cultivating a Simple Mind
To embrace simplicity is to cultivate attention and discernment. Question why we acquire, why we install, why we overload, why anything. Each choice becomes an opportunity to align with intention rather than habit.
# Things to Declutter
Don't throw away. Give away or sell instead.
Click to Expand
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Clothes and Accessories
- Clothes that no longer fit
- Items you haven't worn in a year
- Single-use fashion purchases
- Broken or unwanted jewellery
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Self-Care
- Makeup that never gets used
- Old skincare products past expiry
- Perfumes you don't use
- Hair products & accessories you never use
- Old nail polishes
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Kitchen
- Expired pantry items
- Duplicate utensils or gadgets
- Plastic containers missing lids
- Cookware never used
- Unused small appliances
- Old spices
- Extra mugs or plates taking up space
- Packaging saved "just in case" that's been sitting for years
- Single-use items you don't need
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Technology
- Old phones, chargers, cables
- Broken peripherals
- Obsolete gadgets collecting dust
- Extra batteries never touched
- Old cameras or accessories
- Outdated smart devices
- Unused remotes or controllers
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Digital Space
- Unused apps, software
- Old downloads you never open
- Duplicate files and documents
- Old emails and notifications
- Obsolete cloud directories
- Browser tabs open for weeks
- Redundant bookmarks
- Expired or unused subscriptions
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Entertainment
- Old books without personal value
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Unused CDs, DVDs, or games
- Craft supplies you never touch
- Expired vitamins or supplements
- Samples or free items you never used
- Extra stationery or office supplies
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Mental, Emotional Space
- Lingering grudges
- Past regrets that weigh you down
- Negative self-talk habits
- Comparisons with others
- Excessive planning without action
- Obligations done only out of guilt
- Fear of missing out on trivial things
- Perfectionism that paralyzes you
- Repetitive worrying
- Clinging to old identities
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Software and Workflows
- Bloated software you never use
- Unnecessary browser extensions
- Old configuration files
- Scripts you no longer run
- Duplicate tools for the same task
- Unused plugins in editors or IDEs