The Amish and Minimalism
I recently wrote a guest blog for my friend Joshua Becker. You can read the blog here. Joshua is a big minimalism proponent. I’ve taken his classes and read his books. He’s awesome. I like his perspective on things. I like that he says “minimalism looks different for everyone.”
Most of Joshua’s readers are not familiar with the Amish, but since you’re here on my webpage I suspect you are. You’ve at least read about them, and many of you have visited Amish communities. Which started me wondering, not just about minimalism, but about Amish life in general. Would you say that knowledge of the Amish have affected your life in any way? It’s certainly influenced mine.
- I at least attempt a vegetable garden every year after seeing theirs. Mine usually burns up in the Texas heat, but at least I try.
- I’ve begun quilting because I admire this Amish skill so much. I don’t do it by hand, and I don’t expect to ever be as expert at it as they are, but I also understand that’s not the point. I think the point is to enjoy the process.
- I’m trying to be less “plugged in.” When you’re in Amish country and you see people gardening, walking, sitting on the porch, etc. you realize the one thing you don’t see is them staring at their phones. Of course, we all know some Amish have phones, but the fact that they use them less often or not at all has inspired me to stare at mine less. I definitely watch less news though I try to be aware of what’s happening in the world.
- When I’m with the Amish I get this feeling that they are satisfied with less. I don’t know that’s true. Perhaps they’re pining away for a new buggy or some new clothes. But they seem satisfied with what they have, and I’m making a conscious effort to adopt that attitude.
So what about you? Has reading about or visiting the Amish affected you in any way? I’d love to hear! And, as always, thanks for stopping by my blog!
Vannetta
Reading about the Amish makes me want to try and slow down my life. Also, I have been going through things I don’t need and trying to find someone to give them to that can use them. Thank you for your books. I enjoy reading them very much.
I have several Amish friends, and they are much busier
than we are. The women are always doing something (like cleaning, sewing, family things) The only times they really relax is on Sundays, off Sundays, or family birthdays. A lot around my area take at least one family vacation each year.
Reading and visiting the Amish has made me admire them. When I am around them, I feel calm and peaceful. I love your books.
hello. I to am trying more and more to get rid of things that I really dont need or want. I find when I do this, I feel a sense of freedom and peace. God wanted us to live within our means and to give Him the glory. I see my quilting as something that He gave me the gift, now I can share that gift by using to give to others. My husband and I have visited the Amish for many years and have enjoyed them. They really are lovely and content people. Do they have their problems? absolutely. What human doesnt.
I do love to read Amish fiction . Amish life to me is centered around the family which includes prayer time together in which a lot of their prayers are silent; from all of the Amish fiction I have read they do read the Bile and put the Lord first in their lives which involves how much they believe everything is from the Lord and He will work it all out; doing their chores individually and together such as all of the preparations that are centered around food; and being together as family whenever they can. My husband and I both prefer a simpler life style and now that we are retired it is more possible. We still use flip phones which have no internet. I use the internet on my desk top computer. Many thanks to the Amish fiction writers and the support you give each life. Enjoy celebrating life each day.
We live about 20 minutes from a large Amish community in Colorado. I love shopping in their stores and supporting them. I enjoy their beautiful farms and livestock and way of living. Thank you for the chance to win!
Hi reading about The Amish really makes me reflect of what is more important, simpler things are much better for us and for everything. To me simpler things make me happier. Now a days everything is too rushed and it seems like everybody is on their phones all the time, very sad, especially when you see people on their phones while they are driving. One must not take anything or anyone for granted. Have a great weened and stay safe.
I recently discovered your books but have read numerous others over many years about the Amish.
I recently made a major life changing move across Country. I used Joshua Becker’s 12-week “Uncluttered Course” (more than once) to sort through decades of items (I’m 73) which was not easy to do … but my kids and grandkids helped.
I now live in Texas on my oldest Son’s property. I sold my 3 bedroom home and paid to build my new 640 sq ft, 1 bedroom cottage with full kitchen, dining room, living room, and large screened in porch. I enjoyed choosing every single thing from the paint to the “bug screen” for my porch!
The Amish stories always encourage living with less, enjoying what God provides, viewing our daily lives with fresh eyes so we are open to serve others or share what we have. I have always kept oil lamps readied for power outages, but for last decade or more have ensured I have food and water stored as well. I would love to can garden vegetables like the Amish, bake bread, and I did purchase supplies and a kit with all of the pattern material to make a quilt.
A more simple life would really help a lot of stressed out people in today’s world. Technology has good and bad about it. I mostly view it as detrimental to family time and encourage my 4 kids, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren to spend LESS time on their cell phones, tablets, computers, or even their TVs and more time playing board games, playing outside, going on picnics, talking with each other, camping, etc.
We use Joshua Becker’s suggestion to not spend our money on more “things”, but instead choose “experiences” that give us great memories!
I believe the Amish spend their whole lives creating wonderful memories for their families. Rooted in hard work and love of God and family.
I wish I could find an Amish community near Conroe, Texas so I could visit and shop. Also, find one near St. Paul, Indiana when I visit my oldest daughter. Do you know of any locations we might be welcome to visit in either location?
Thank you for your stories and I look forward to spending more time reading your books.
May your days be blessed.
LadyLinda88
Some aspects of the Amish lifestyle are quite appealing but I would not like to be without electricity or drive in a horse and buggy. Thanks for this blog post and a chance to win a prize.
The Amish image I have is one of tranquility. I do know they have problems, the same as everyone else. Love their sense of community and gathering around those in need. Love reading Amish fiction, love the slower pace.
Hi Vannetta! I love reading Amish stories! I don’t think their lifestyle (although very appealing) has affected me dramatically, but I do try now to reduce excess “stuff,” and donate excess regularly. After reading your comments, I would like to try and not spend so much time looking at my phone. It will be a goal, at least. Blessings to you and your family! 💛
Reading about the Amish has made me appreciate the simple things in life.
Marilyn
Reading about the Amish customs in their cooking made me realize how alike their foods and how they prepare them are similar to my family’s customs and tastes. Perhaps our maternal great grandmother was Amish?
Joan
My late husband and I spent a month every year for 10+ years in Bird-in-Hand, and that time was the most peaceful and uplifting times for both of us. I loved the peace and quietness we experienced while there. To sit outdoors and watch and hear the buggies go by was so relaxing. We became friends of the Glick family and would visit them each time. We always ordered 13 pies to bring back to our family members. I enjoy my quiet time now while reading my Bible or a book (especially one of yours). I have also started to get rid of excessive material things. Please keep writing and publishing. I have almost all of your books and so far have not had the heart to get rid of them!
I love to read Amish stories. I am totally different from most people too so I understand them. I am Pentecostal Apostolic and I never cut my hair or wear pants. We don’t wear makeup or sleeveless or short dresses. We don’t wear earrings or necklaces. Most of us do wear a wedding ring or a mother’s ring maybe but we don’t wear several all at one time.
Now everyone that says they are Pentecostal Apostolic are not true to this but this is how we teach. I was even raised without a TV and I still don’t have one. I raised my kids the same way I was raised and they are still in the church and one is 43 and one 40 years old. They are raising their kids the same way. Thanks for your giveaways.
I learned how the Amish people do not let the problems of the outside world to bother them.
Marion
I love how the Amish don’t feel the pressure to rush through life like we do. I also admire their way of life overall. When I’m reading an Amish book it’s like stepping into another world almost but I’m a good way. I would love to be able to spend some time with them someday. 🙂
I like the way the Amish slow down and do things.
Amish are always willing to lend a hand, they help each other (barn raisings, etc.). I lived in a community where Amish also resided. One day in January it was extremely cold and the gas line on my car froze. When my husband came home from work, he attempted to push the car into our garage with me at the wheel. He was having no luck, when someone yells, “Do you need some help?. Two men pushing and the car made it into the garage. The man asked if the other vehicle was working and my hubby said it was. My husband gave the man a ride home. Yes, I sent my husband with a complete stranger and all I knew was that he was dressed in black and had on a ski mask! My husband returned safe and sound, so no need to file a missing person report with that description. The gentleman was Amish and was fighting a barn fire of an Amish family down the road from us. They are actively involved in the volunteer fire departments and have awesome pancake breakfasts.
I enjoy reading Amish books and admire their lifestyle. I don’t know that it actually makes me change my life, but it is a nice break from my world.
I love reading Amish books. Being around the Amish makes me want to slow down and enjoy what is going on around me. It seems I am always in a hurry. I love reading your books Vannetta!!
I enjoy reading about the Amish and learning about other lifestyles. I have also read one of Joshua Backer’s books. Both the Amish and Becker have good ideas about what to physically hold on to and what to hold on to in our memories.
i a am trying to de -clutter all the junk we have. Got rid of most of the junk mail and stuff in the living room. Now working on the bedroom.
Reading about the Amish puts emphasis on family, faith, and forgiveness.
Reading about the Amish is so relaxing because their lives seem so much at a slower pace Love reading Amish Books!
I love reading about the Amish and I guess I’m kinda Amish anyway. 😂 I don’t own a cell phone, I raise and can a garden, I raise chickens, hang laundry out when the weather cooperates. I don’t quilt but I sew and do other needlework, etc.
I was raised Amish in Northern Indiana. We left when I was about 12 yrs old. I still have cousins that are Amish. I do miss a lot of the things we used to do. I do not miss the hard benches for church. I love reading the Amish stories.
Yes reading about the Amish has helped me to strengthen my faith. I am drawn to their forever trust in God. It is also helped me to appreciate our life style and the many choices of clothing that we have. All in all I do enjoy Amish fiction. Thanks for writing it.
I was raised in a simple home and I’m so glad that I was. We were taught to enjoy the simple things in life, and not be too proud or ‘priviliged’, like alot of people are nowadays! There were hand me downs, sharing toys, no wasting of food, attended Church every Sun. morning & evening, as well as Wed. nights, and we were happy. I, believe, that my simple upbringing, as well as seeing my grandparents’ way of living, drew me towards the Amish lifestyle. I use to attend the Amish Mud Sales(auctions), their Benefit Dinners to raise money for their schools or community funds, and their different communities to shop their stores/products..
This all brought me to start reading the books on Amish. Tye books are, usually, faith based and clean books to read!! I enjoy the Amish Thrillers too.
All of it is just the ‘simplicity’ of everything.
I was lucky enough, in my eyes, to grow up seeing my grandparents, on my mom’s side of the family, working tobacco fields, no inside bathroom, drinking water from a metal dipping spoon after lowering the bucket into the well, the cooking on the woodstove, the old iron for ironing clothes, and so many other things. I always loved visiting them. I wanted to stay there, but they lived too far from home to do that. I’ve had numerous experiences that seems to just connect me to the Amish Way of Life😊