Minimalism

Crowded

Thats the word that could describe many aspects of life. I feel like I always have too much to do and never enough hours in the day. I feel as though every place I go on campus there is someone else, my room has a roommate, the trails on the arboretum filled with runners, the practice rooms always filled and even a 3 am walk around campus I always seem to run into someone. Even my room feels filled with materials that I barely use everyday. So what is my solution, how can I declutter my life.

While not a philosophical idea minimalism has been a tool philosophers, CEOs and priests alike have used to better focus on their work. By limiting material objects in life people are forced to confront only their essential needs as a human. Their view is not distorted by attachment to physical objects and meaningless clutter that can take away time and energy. We see great figures move to lives of solitary living, in caves like religious figures, in wooden cabins like philosophers and artists and even the modern day business CEO will take time away from their work. But how can I do this in college?

So far my answer is to find times to escape campus and the hustle and bustle of college life. I have found great pleasure in taking drives on the weekend. The feeling of turning on the radio of my car and heading out onto the highway can only be described as euphoric. We live every minute of everyday on this campus and in happy valley, so the decision to take a break from that atmosphere for me could be related to an astronaut lifting off into a brand new world. The minimalistic atmosphere that I find in my car allows me to think clearly and relax from the persona I seem to put on everyday at college.

Another way to get away from all the distractions on campus is meditation with noise cancelling headphones. I have found that with good headphones even the busiest of spaces can become quiet or filled with relaxing music or sounds. This allows me to find a bit of respite anywhere I go, by just closing my eyes and listening to whatever I choose to play.

Philosophy and logical thinking is often an activity that is done in a solitary way, so it is important to find places that work for you. One secret spot of mine is the arboretum on campus. Barely anyone goes there and you can always find a good tree to sit under. I have written many philosophy journals and papers under the cover of the trees at Penn states arboretum. If the outdoors do not suit your fancy, Websters cafe downtown is a great place to think as you are surrounded by hundreds of books and other great thinkers. I would implore anyone who feels rushed or unlike themselves to take a second and find a place on campus that is away from it all. Minimize all the things that are distracting you and just take a second to breath and think.