"My biggest takeaway so far is the concept of wanting what you have versus having what you want." - Stephen Riley
The idea of living on "6 items or less" appeared in the Trib this morning, as a group of people, nicknamed "Sixers," have set out to fight American consumerism in the form of wearing what you have, and decreasing the desire for more.
This resonates with me for a number of reasons.
{Backpacked.}
After a recent return from an involuntary mix&match - redesign - be creative mindset while abroad, I am now faced with a new challenge: overcoming the expectations and pressure of the States to own the newest&greatest _________.
{The layer life}
(After giving up the '92 Acura and 5-year-old cell, this can prove to be more challenging than originally intended...)
When I think back to my time in Europe, America tricks me into believing it was barely possible: 1.5 suitcases, (and only a backpack on the majority of weeks), a level of material desire at a low, no cell or comp...?!
Admitted: at times a feeling of disconnect ensued, but had my level of "happiness" dropped?
{Scarf gone turban. Because... why not.}
No. But why?
Because you learn to love what you have, make it work, and even give yourself a pat-on-the-back for doing so. Otherwise, at what point are you content with what you own, and not living in want of what you don't have...?
A new happiness that occurred while abroad was in part owed to being forced to live simply. And seeing that it not only works, but is the only way to live. Among the many reasons for why I want to go back, this is definitely one of them.
"It taught me I need far less than I have or think I need." - Riley
I realize that living simply can be simple. It just takes some effort to make it a lifestyle.
:) learning this. very very very slowly.
ReplyDeletesigh. i love you beckles. i feel this way often as a poor grad student, though, of course, i have way more than i need. wise words my friend.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I have heard it said we buy clothes when we unconsciously want to be closer to Spirit. If so a “clothing fast” might do the same for us that a food fast can. When I recently moved to a house with much less closet space I struggled with finding room for all my clothes. I noticed items I had not worn in years. As a minimum I thought I would at the beginning of the year mark all my clothes with a safety pin and take off the pin as I used them. At the end of the year any clothes still with a pin I would give away. Can I say New Years resolutions for 2011?! Maybe
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