During this practice of non-attachment, whereby I have given away something everyday for the past 330 days I have had to inevitably acquire things as well. But I am mindful of what I am bringing into my life because of this project. The only new items I have accumulated since this project (excluding perishables like food) are mainly art supplies and things like lightbulbs and batteries that need occasional replenishing. I have not purchased clothing, accessories, furniture, and other objects that I would have not thought twice about purchasing before this project.
I am finding that I don’t need much at all to be completely happy in this world. I do not doubt that I will eventually purchase items that will then one day be shed in the future, but I am trying to avoid that by being intentional in all realms. And my approach to everything around me has changed radically in this past year.
Case in point, when I go to the beach, as I do every possible day of the week, I pack nothing but the essentials. It is because my experience of the beach requires nothing but myself and the ocean. Many people bring entire truckloads of beach paraphernalia: umbrellas, coolers, stereos, chairs, lounge chairs, canopies, electronics, decorations, etc. The list is endless. Of course all of those things are comfortable and a wonderful bonus, but for myself, everything is simple.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t want a cold beverage at the beach. I do. And this brings me to today’s entry. I always have a vision of me bringing a cooler to the beach, filled with ice and cold drinks. So for the past few years when summer passes, I have bought coolers for a couple of dollars from places that are trying to eliminate summer items from their shelves. I imagine that the following summer I will carry the filled cooler to the beach and imbibe refreshing liquids all day long. The reality is, though, that is much more cumbersome than it is worth it for me. Whether I have a cold drink or put a water in the freezer the day before, I am completely satiated by whatever I happen to have with me. How can one not be happy at the beach regardless of what one has?
So on Day 331 of my 365 Release practice for non-attachment, letting go and change, I’m giving away something because I pack light. Once again, I learn that hoarding does nothing but take up space with anticipation and expectation. Free your space and free your mind.
[I created the 365 Release Project to practice non-attachment, letting go and change by giving away 1 thing a day for 1 year. The background, vision and guidelines to the 365 RELEASE project are here. The running list of everything I have released is here.]
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