Karen Karn

I saw this in my Instagram feed this morning. minimalismfilm.com I don't know, either. I read somewhere that it's perfectly natural to want. As a species we are evolving, and part of evolution is to strive to achieve something more than that which lies within our immediate grasp. From the beaks of finches to fiscal ambitions, it's all about becoming better, adapting to achieve success. I understand that Joshua Becker and Ryan Nicodemus and the new minimalists are talking about mindless consumerism, the incessant desire to fill the God-shaped hole with something that bears no resemblance to God, material goods such as the latest iPhone, a new dining set or this season's handbag/haircut/shoes. I understand that The Minimalists , who I admire greatly, have been at the top of the corporate ladder, surrounded by all their material possessions and found the hole even more gaping. Aside from manic over consumerism, to want isn't always a mindless exercise. ...

In the spirit of minimalism and letting go of the past, I decided it was time to burn my journals. I decided to destroy them a while ago, and today, due to a lack of fire wood, I decided to have a go. I had a conversation with my daughter a long time ago, instructing her that I didn't want her or anyone else to read my journals (in case something happened to me before I had a chance to destroy them). She said I could have them buried with me. A good idea, I thought, but why hold on to any of it any longer? The photographs are a little blurry because of the low light. 2001, the worst year of my life, soon committed to flame. After finding some unused notes and a precious photograph of the kids, I meticulously went through each journal to prevent the destruction of any other hidden treasures. I got through all but three journals yesterday. The sheer volume of paper meant that the wood burner just couldn't handle them all at o...