Over the years, I went from a house, to a condo, then to an apartment…taking all my belongs with me. I crammed everything into my apartment. My depression and anxiety went sky high. I was completely overwhelmed. Then almost two years ago, my son committed suicide. The first year I was in and out of crisis homes and psychiatric hospitals 7 times. At each place I bought tons of stuff from Amazon…stuff I felt I needed, but I didn’t. One place had to buy me a huge suitcase to fit all my stuff. I brought it all home and just threw everything in my bedroom. My art studio looks like a hurricane flew through it. Last September, I had a massive heart and almost died. I have a pacemaker. I sit in my room everyday with severe depression just looking at all my stuff. I have fantasies of taking all I need and running away somewhere else…leaving it all behind. I would not miss ANYTHING! Thank for your video. Now all I need is motivation. ❤❤

We’ve been practicing giving blankets and coats and food to homeless during this time of year I usually keep old items in my car and when I drive around I see people who need them and I share 🙏🏼

I love that you chose Lightness. For me, it is a dual meaning word. You always make me smile and I love your content. You are spreading light wherever you go! Thanks for adding some light to my life.

The problem is not in having less or more things, the problem is being attached to things.

15 years ago, I went from hoarder to minimalist. 80% of all my things are gone. Still not finished. I went from just tiny aisle ways in my house from my hoard to rooms are empty, just furniture and things I love. I'm focusing on my things in attic now, my spare room, and my oversized shed. So if you have a hoard, it takes time, but each time I purge, I do feel lighter . Less to clean, I can find things straight away, and I'm not moving things from one room to another.

I liked this very much.. thanks Habeebi 1. Lightness = ability to act = motivation 2. Get rid of clothes that aren't used for a year 3. car, in cities with good transport (ask yourself would you sell or not) 4.desk ( or furniture with no use despite emotional attachment) 5. HDD, replaced by SSD(4 terabyte, suitable for travelling) and google drive(anytime, anywhere as long as you have net) 6.wallet and replace security belt 7. Big backpack replace with lighter 8. electric shaver with a lighter (if this applies to you )

The crazy thing is, once it’s gone, you don’t miss it!

You are right. Travelling without luggage is extremely pleasant. A lot of people don't get it but that is only because they have never tried it.

You have such great teacher vibes. I bet your students love you.

Your childlike enthusiasm is adorable and liberating. One of the best things I did was getting rid of my car. Where I live, public transportation is not the best but Uber and Lyft is widely available.

I'm not a minimalist but I still enjoy watching you have your adventures in life.

I love your videos! In the US we had a column called "Hints from Heloise" in the 1980's. She also said to get rid of anything you haven't used in a year. So difficult! But my goal is to get rid of 50% of my family's household possessions this year. So far it is freeing and I am feeling the lightness. What a lovely image!

Hey! You’re telling my story. I’ve been a minimalist for many years but these last few months I’ve kicked it into high gear. Just today I scrubbed my second pair or workout shoes and donated them. And the light(ness), I’m having the same thoughts you’ve been having. I think there’s some kind of mystical Feng Shui happening. Like objects (and thoughts) are energetically blocking my movement and have to be removed.

I like this perspective, but think it’s also good to acknowledge that moving with heavy weight can be beneficial. Sometimes, it’s worth it to train the body with weight so we can appreciate the “lightness” of being that comes after, and the ability to handle heavier loads when they come.

I have gotten rid of so much furniture and things and now I am halfway through painting the exterior of my house! It’s amazing what we change!

This year I downsized my coffee cup collection. Even with some new cups we bought. Because of your channel I started drinking matcha and got myself a matcha set. I actually like the size of those cups better than the big coffee one. I noticed that I wasn't even drinking all of my coffee or matcha in the morning if it was in a big cup. It was a lot of waist. So, I told my husband we needed to get rid of them. I got rid of all my cups except our Mr. and Mrs. Coffee cups when we first got married. I also have a clear cup that I actually use for egg divination. But I got into a grove with cleaning everything I've used through out the day so I don't have to clean for long periods of time. I've noticed cleaning after you use the item even if its the bath tub. Cleaning it makes it so you don't have such a huge job later. I also got rid of a lot of jewelry and such because I collect things like that. We're slowly getting rid of lots of clutter.

How cool! The concept of lightness is huge to me in increasing life satisfaction and mobility. My mantra for this year was "Lighten up!"....applicable to all aspects of life!

Totally agree on lightness! Especially as we get older. We gave up our car in 2019.

When I travel with my husband we take one carry on case between us. We're not super minimalists, just mindful and realistic about what we need or use. We travel round the u.k by rail a lot and it's crazy how much luggage people travel with, there isn't that much space on u.k trains. These giant suitcases, I always wonder what's in them.

I love your videos on minimalism the most. Thanks for sharing this inspirational one on lightness. Whenever I get rid of any unnecessary stuff of mine, I feel I'm lighter but not only phisically but also mentally. 😊

I really appreciate this perspective on letting go of things! The physical weight does make a big difference on how stuff both physically and mentally weighs us down. Great video!

I’m sorry your bag was stolen however glad that you have a new alternative. God bless you!:) 😊❤

I love it! Even though my family thinks I have so little I feel I have too much. Since we moved into our apartment out of our RV we have more cooking items and furniture. I feel overwhelmed. I am going to keep working on my personal items to create more lightness for myself. Paperwork, clothes and bags are my struggle areas. Thank you for the video! I wish you a wonderful New Year.

Lightness not only applies to physical size and weight, but to other aspects as well. There are many ways our possessions can burden us. The burden of memories that your desk carried. Burdens of cost, regret, obligation, and more can all add emotional and mental weight to an item. For example, I used to have a collection of pocket knives that I would choose from each day. Many were lightweight, but I found myself spending too much time each morning trying to decide which I would carry that day. It caused indecision, and inaction. They were carried weight in my mind. I got rid of nearly all of them, and now I have one that is carried every day. The principle of lightness can be applied in so many more ways than physical properties, and I think the principle of lightness really gets to the core of minimalism. It is the burdens that we carry in our minds that drive us to simplify our lives! Thank you so much for your videos! I have only recently started watching, but I am enjoying learning about your Japanese approach to subjects that we share across cultures!

I love that you let go of heavy items and upgraded to lighter items that will work better.

I love this idea of "lightness." I'm gonna see how I can bring this into my life, too. Thanks.

Greetings from Luxembourg! I was very pleased to see your photo in the « panoramic elevator » of Luxembourg City 😄

Love your channel. Just a recommendation for the beard: try the classic wet shaving. The blades weight 0.5gr, and you can buy an aluminum or plastic safety razor, some of them have bamboo handles, and you will only need to replace the blade. Is the most ecological alternative and personally it's kind of a Zen ritual for me. Although I recommend a shaving brush, since you have not much beard you may don't need it. I think you look better with mustache and goatee, and also that way you don't have to shave those areas that are the most sensitive. You can just stop shaving, but if you prefer a cleaner look, this is my sugestión. Any questions you have, please feel free to do it.

OH, I need this 4Tera SSD! It's 1/3 the size of the one I'm carrying around for KZfaq which is a 2Tera. Thanks for the tip, Aki!!

What a timely and motivating video! I'm going to start off the new year with a clean out of unnecessary things, keeping a close eye out for the heavier ones. Thank you as always for sharing your experience, samurai!

So glad to have your regular videos back!! I recently switched to a futon plus the floor mattress you've previously recommended and I haven't been happier. It's amazing not having to have a giant heavy bed frame in a room. I really do feel more motivated by living in a lighter and bigger space!!

this also applies to food/meals... frequent light meals, like snacking... better for energy & motivation 👍

I'm with you on the lightness...my coat,featherdown bedding,light shoes,got rid of my heavy pottery coffee mug,clothing........

Thank you for sharing your reflections on lightness. It gave a new perspective to consider as I’m getting rid of things in preparation for a move/life change, which also includes me moving to Japan! Your channel has a played a big role in getting me to this point over the last year and a half. Thank you so much and Happy New Year, Aki!

You sold your car, nice! I feel lightness when I'm in a place without many cars causing traffic and leaving little space for pedestrians and cyclists. Of course, selling your car isn't possible everywhere but if you can, you not only free yourself but many others as well :)

I'm all into this going light since 2015, when I was travelling the world... so I did over the yrs - and funny enough: the last thing I changed to was the same SSD last April...

Holy smokes! Your English has improved, so much! I am very happy that you have found such insightful and new perspectives! I hope the New year is good for you!

You touch on a subtle thought which resonates with every true minimalist.

Aki, thank you so much for your videos. They truly make me happy and give me so much motivation. Cheers to an amazing 2024!!🎉🥰

I always love to watch your videos. Your Lightness literally soothes my nervous system! 😻 And, yes, as I'm currently traveling for a few months through Asia, I observed I packed too much, and everytime I left a location, I left some clothes or towels at that place. Constantly making the luggage lighter. And now I'm careful to only buy very light clothes! Thank you for the inspiration and I wish you a Light day! 😃✨⭐🎄

Love lightness as the minimalist seed. It feels rightminded. Will try it. Thank you, Aki, for another thoughtful video.

it's a wholesome perspective! i really thank you for sharing this. i might start applying this principles to rethinking about my stuff

We are moving to a new place in a few days, and I cannot wait to only bring things that really matter to me in the new place. I am really glad I watched you video now because thinking about a feeling while doing it is really interesting! Thank you always for your content ! Have a wonderful light day !

You are so inspiring and a great, heartwarming person! Thank you for sharing your life and Lifestyle with us ☺️

I lost my car to irreparable damage ten years ago and never replaced it. Ultimately it was one of the best things ever to happen to me, though it hurt at the moment. (I do want to get my driving license back in good standing; it expired during the pandemic and I’ve just been using my passport for my main identification document.

Great video! I have been working toward lightness for a number of years now. I have to wear a winter coat, but it's very light and packable. Since I move and travel often, I only have furniture I can carry myself (except for the bed). Most of the furniture breaks down into smaller pieces. My small house and personal items are stored in decorative boxes and kept on a lightweight short bookshelf unit. Hardly any packing needed! My clothes are light so I can wear layers easily when needed and they dry faster. I have one light cross-body purse to carry the few things I need while out. I may sell my car after my upcoming move to a city with lots of alternative choices for transportation, not the least of which is walking. I'll be close to most of the places I need and want to go. I LOVE being light!

You are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your light with us. (I started my day today by cleaning my toilet!)

Love the simple desk 😍🩵🩵

Lightness is a great way of thinking about what you have and what you keep. It is really making me think. Thank you.

I love that you chose to carry lightness. I will choose spaciousness. Thank you for the inspiration ❤

Thank you so much! I loved the way you framed this video, lightness ❤️

Great inspiration ❤ I make the same experience during travelling. Simple and light things made life easier.

Thank you Aki I have many things that I want to let go but have stopped so many times But your rule of Do you want to sell it question makes alot of sense This year I want to experience lightness in my life Thank you ❤

I love this video ! My family and I are going to Egypt on Saturday for one week. We decided to travel light. We allow ourselves only 7/8 kg each. In January, I will remember what you said "lightness = motivation" and get rid of what I don't really need . thank you !

Hi Aki, wonderful video thankyou for inspiring me once again for the new years!

I recently worked on rule 2! With work at home I mostly just wear sweatpants (or shorts in the summer) and use 2 pairs of jeans whenever I go outside. For christmas I was gifted 2 new jeans, and in my drawer I had no room for it. But I took a good look at the drawers were my bottoms go and noticed I had some pairs that no longer even fit me, or ones I stopped wearing. Ended up clearing a lot of space and now only have pants and shorts I like or want to use.

I really love your unique blend of practicallity and geniality.

Fun video and agreed 110%. I have some lovely leather things (bags, wallets) but they are so much heavier that I find I rarely choose them. I looked into Tyvek-wallets as an ultralight solution.

You’re very fortunate to live in a place where you don’t need a car. I have always had a car, so I’m not sure how I would feel about going car-less. But I live in a city that has poor public transportation and it would be very hard to be without a car. The U.S. is very car-centric - everything is pretty much designed around the car.

You are a breath of fresh air! I enjoy your teachings!! ☺️🙏🏻🇺🇸

Your videos are packed with golden information in such a easy way to understand. I follow you for year and it's always a pleasure to consume your content. Hugs from Buenos Aires.

I love, love, love that! That´s a really good point about lightness! I have had similar thoughts about what kind of clothes I wear, but I haven´t combined the lightness with being more able to take action.

You helped me to see from a different perspective! Thank you for this gem piece of insights. They are truly valuable..🌼✨

Awesome video! I also have a coat I haven't used in over a year. I don't even live in a cold weather city! I should probably give it to someone who needs it.

I love that you got rid of your car. Definitely location matters for getting rid of it. I can't get rid of my car because we have highways in the middle of everything including in my town between one area and another which is very dangerous, I have 3 kids to transport around, and there are other things too...I would LOVE to ride my bike everywhere and once told my mom as a teen that I would ride everywhere instead of drive, until I moved away from home (where it was bike friendly). I used to ride my bike to work up through my early 20s. One day I hope to go back to my bike! I fit all my clothes in one drawer. The problem is, I gave birth six months ago and am not in my skinny in shape body that I was. I am working on getting back to my usual self, but I HAVE to keep the clothes I once fit in since that is my normal size (and had been my normal size since my teen years other than when pregnant or nursing like now). I feel overwhelmed by all the clothes I have (the ones I have to wear now and the ones I long to wear again). I have prioritized everything very well. I wear the same 4 outfits all week long for now though. Always love your lists!

I always come to your videos when I need the motivation to go 'lighter'. Thank you for posting such useful contents! And the beard looks great on you. It's a win-win in both ways. :)

Like your new desk and backpack ❤, perfectly fit in your New Year's motive👍. Enjoying your story.

Lightness is something I found for my self too. Carrying a similar small bag like you with only my wallet stuff, phone and some Disinfectant when I know that I use the bus or train. It so much better to live. I can even store a carry bag inside of it. I need it since I have 4 cats so it's not always guaranteed to move lightly. But I try to move lightly as much as possible

Your video motivates me. Lightness, yess. I will choose the 'light' one now to make a better simple life now. Thank you for the tips.

you sure have added a lot of stuff in the last year is probably why this video felt necessary for you. I know it can be difficult to stick to a minimalist lifestyle. Keep on doing it

🤗✨ First I would like to say I am able to understand your words much better now. Your enunciation is much clearer to my ears. You are always improving yourself, very wonderful. KAIZEN gozaimasu. I am also on the path of Lightness, it feels so good! Feeling much more peace HEIWA and happiness HAPENES. Wishing you well and thank you for sharing your inspiring Life with us. JUN’AI. 🤗🌿🧡🙏✨🌟

Thx for sharing Your wisedom. I am going to follow some of your suggestions especially about furnitures and things that makes me sad. Greetings from Sweden 🏆

Thanks for Ssd sundisk storage advice, I was looking for something like that. 🙏👌👌

That's cool how I tend to carry less in past months too, some of them was on my future plans like the security wallet! after some checking I wanted to decide if it's a good thing to do and you've solved it 🥰😍😇🍀

You are totally right,I'm agree with you.

Hi Aki, you're looking good as always. Hope you had a nice Christmas. And I enjoyed your video 👍

Awesome! I've been letting things go for years. I once had a spare bedroom filled with books! That cost me extra rent! Gone!! Love your channel. Very inspiring. 👘👍😎🇨🇦

It’s impressive how much your English has improved in a year

Lots of great ideas...... again. Thank you for sharing your evolution.

Your videos getting better and better good job mr matcha!

I like the perspective of lightness. I'll try to keep that in mind this year with the things I use.

You are just such a lovely person I adore your content and what them all plz never stop ❤

It's En-LIGHTEN-ment! Even though I have less stuff than anyone I know, I still need to reduce my stuff. Your videos are such a great help.

Thanks for sharing your things!:)

I love this so much! My Ultimate goal is lightness!

How funny, I’ve also realised this year that I much prefer light items! I hate it when my uni backpack is too heavy and bulky, inconvenient clothes like the winter jacket I’m currently using! I was really lucky to find a montbell down jacket in my size in a secondhand store, but I’m afraid to use it in rain so that the downs geht soaked. I’m currently optimising my stuff to lighter, smaller and more convenient options, so I loved your video! 🫶

Many thanks again for sharing great ideas.🙏🏻

something i would recommend is a travel size double edged metal razor. it feels nice and premium, is cheaper over the long run, is environmentally friendlier than plastic razors, and most of all is tiny

Thanks for the video. I’ve definitely gone with lighter weight materials over last few years. Good tips. Thanks.

i love your videos aki but im not giving up my old, heavy, redwing boots i like them too much and they’re great for minimalism because i can get the sole restored!

Awesome tips! Got me in the mood to throw away some stuff and recycle, too.

Inspirational!! Thank you! 🙏

Item number 1 "seldom used clothes", I don't have problems with this. My rule of thumb, if it unused for 3to6months, then its not necessary at all. I let it go. But that desk??? oh my, I will keep it for life. Those cute stickers hit me. Love this video though. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration. Arigato gozaimasu.

Lightness is certainly something to consider, but if I were hiking in the desert I'd prefer to hiking boots to the sports shoes because the former would give my feet and ankles better protection. I'm glad you're figuring out ways to make your life more enjoyable. :)

Amazing video! Very insightful :)

I enjoy when I watch your videos 💗

As a multimedia traditional artist, it's impossible to be a minimalist because I have so many art supplies 😅. But I do really try to let go of stuff that I am not using regularly and replace items with others that are smaller/convenient. Just like I also don't use a wallet, I carry a slim card carrier that fits about 4 cards which is perfect since I never carry cash either.

Thank you Samurai 🙏 I love this video and it made me laugh, you always spreak soo freeeing + with your great big smile 😃👍🏼 By expérience, I would also like to embrace Lightness in my life 🕊🎉💫

This video is gold❤

Enjoyed that, thank you Aki. I like to go handbag-free as possible 💚🤗