The Presence of Absence | The Minimalists Ep. 443

Space Hoarding

Space hoarding, a term that might sound like a sci-fi concept, is actually a real issue for many people. Joshua Millburn and T.K. Coleman introduce this idea by discussing a caller's dilemma about a landlord who refuses to let them use an empty garage for storage. This situation raises questions about the necessity and impact of holding onto empty spaces.

Space, the final frontier of clutter. But you know what? It's actually a problem for this caller. And maybe it's a problem for you, too.

--- Joshua Millburn

The conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how we perceive and manage our personal spaces 1.

   

Boundaries

The discussion then shifts to the boundaries related to personal space and possessions. Joshua Millburn explains the concept of reification, where abstract ideas are turned into tangible things, often leading to misunderstandings about entitlement. He shares a personal anecdote about negotiating storage space to highlight the importance of respecting others' boundaries.

They don't want your stuff on their shelf. And quite often, when we feel entitled to that, that's not the other person's problem.

--- Joshua Millburn

T.K. Coleman adds that while generosity is ideal, we must be cautious in judging others' use of their resources 2 3.

   

Absence

Embracing the 'presence of absence' is a key theme in the conversation. Joshua Millburn and T.K. Coleman discuss the value found in empty spaces and the freedom that comes with letting go of excess. They emphasize that having nothing planned or no items in a space can be a deliberate choice for peace and simplicity.

Their nothing is something to them. They want that open space, and it doesn't mean that they're hoarding it.

--- Joshua Millburn

This perspective encourages listeners to reconsider how they view and utilize their own spaces 4 5.