belief/faith

Belief, faith, call it what you will, cannot be imposed from the outside or willed from within … it’s either there or it’s not…

To have less is to have more

The natural inclination of human beings is to “hunt and gather” … this was so in the earliest days of humanity and remains in the “modern” world … its character is the same even if what is hunted and gathered has changed. For most of us, that means “stuff” … the more the better. But at some point the roles between the owned and the owner become reversed. You think you own your stuff but your stuff actually takes on a life of its own and begins to own you… or perhaps put differently, you begin to be owned by your stuff. Freeing yourself from your “gatherings” and “hunting” less can actually be uplifting. The sense of loosening the chains of bondage forged between you and your accumulations can actually be liberating … an awakening … the lifting of the repressive cloud of “ownership” of things you think you want and need but really don’t. Realizing the freedom that comes from simplifying and whittling down your piles of booty is akin to undergoing an ontological metamorphosis. To be continued ...

making time for loved ones

People you love aren't always going to be around. But we sometimes forget this as we busy ourselves with the "important" things in life. Sometimes this awareness can become acute, forcing you to reconsider what really is important. I remember many years ago, I had a favorite "great aunt," who I would visit from time to time. I had been meaning to go visit her but kept postponing the trip, until one day, my grandmother told me that my dear aunt had died unexpectedly. I was devastated. It's not always easy to make time in our "busy" lives doing "important" things,but if we don't, the opportunity to spend time with people we love may slip away. Reassessing priorities in life ought to be done on a regular basis... Failure to do so may result not only in lasting regret but an impoverishment of daily existence.

glad to be alive

Another beautiful day of “glad to be alive” moments. The anticipation of a close four-legged friend ready to bound out the door on her daily morning walk (when deep in her consciousness she has her sights set on that “wondrous” piece of fat so thoughtfully left on the street for her). The faint guilt felt when walking by those less fortunate than myself, waiting in front of the soup kitchen for their daily handouts … I say guilt since I realize that having the means to feed a pet is unfathomable to most teaming in front of the building. Then there’s the work that awaits me… work that promises to keep me busy and keep my bills paid and meet my own need for food and drink.The peace that comes from knowing I have a bed to sleep in, too much stuff for my essential needs, and the very real urge to do with less. How many people can say that they actually dream of having less. Not very many I’m afraid.