Andy and I have been on a quest to simplify our lives lately. We feel there are ways we can eliminate wastefulness and employ some eco-enviro-community friendly techniques that can also enhance our own sense of happiness, peacefulness, and centered-ness.
Along this journey to live more fully, be more awake, and seize each day, we found a post (on the website Zen Habits) that spoke to us in a serendipitous and karmic sort of way. You know... when you happen upon something you need right at that moment and realize it's kind of a little gift just for you.
We have started "editing" already. The first thing we tackled was the refrigerator. Next we are going to do the basement and garage... then we can begin to hit the rooms inside the house. Our goal is to pare down to the things we absolutely need and the items we cannot live without, be they practical or sentimental.
It's a big task, and at times we are so tired from our 5am start, 6 mile bike ride, and whatever else we've chosen to do that day (chores, Ari-wrangling, dog-corralling, etc.), but it's an activity that brings a great sense of freedom and glee.
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3 comments:
I find that this task is never done! It is so amazing how things creep back into our lives. It really is a daily, intentional activity. I would love to hear any ideas you might have in including children in this process. I find that mine are very reluctant to let go - even if it is something they haven't touched in months!
You know, what I find Plaid, is that it's a deeply individual thing for kids. I have one who never saves anything at all. One who saves EVERYTHING and one who can, with a little help, make rational choices.
It's ANOTHER place we get to practice our intentional parenting and take our beloved children just
as they come. But modeling has to do something, right?? I'm having a big "swap meet" and breakfast next week. It's really an excuse to be together and release things we no longer need at the same time. Maybe they'll pay close attention!
Great to hear there are a number of us out there on the same path!
One suggestion we read was to look at an item and determine if we're still using it (maybe possible for your children, depending on their ages). If it's something decorative or sentimental, the idea is to display it or store it. If it's not something you regularly display, then you ask yourself if you can take a photo of it.
It's probably a long shot, but maybe your kids would be able to embrace taking photographs of some of their older toys or things they are reluctant to let go of (but are no longer using). You could create an album of toys... or find a way to commemorate their transition into an "older" stage by creating a scrapbook of the things they are ready (hopefully) to let go of.
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