This 365 Release practice is actually transforming the way I see everything I own. I now understand the reasons I grow attached to things, and now that I have identified those, letting go of them has become effortless.
I hold onto things for one or a combination of the following:
Information: attachment to things because they hold information (e.g books)
Nostalgia: attachment to things because of memories they hold (e.g. toys)
Habit: attachment to things because I’m so used to having them around (e.g. car club)
Misconception: attachment to things because I think I’m supposed to keep them (e.g. books, hair ponytail)
Laziness: attachment to things because I’m too lazy to purge (e.g. old CDs)
Preparedness: attachment to things in anticipation of something that may or may not happen (e.g. medical supplies)
Conservation: attachment to things so that am not wasteful (e.g. tennis balls)
Forgetfulness: attachment to things because I’ve forgotten I have them (e.g. political posters)
Pragmatism/Value: attachment to things because of perceived value (e.g. luggage)
Uniqueness: attachment to things that are irreplaceable (e.g. photos)
Beauty: attachment to things because they are beautiful (e.g. stilettos, necklace)
Capitalism: attachment to things because I am a part of consumer culture (e.g. brand name sunglasses)
It’s been over 60 days since I began my 365 Release practice for non-attachment. It has been entirely successful in teaching me to let go of things. I have reached a point where I am releasing objects without hesitation, even outside of the documentedreleases each day. I compare notes from Day 1 to the current day, and I note how I no longer have the same vacillation, nor do I find it difficult now to simply let things go.
I have also given away almost everything I have to release without submitting my life asceticism. I want to live an abundant life with pleasures and leisures. I have given away so many things and now I am left with things I do want in my life.
Precisely because it has become so easy for me to release things at this point, I am almost running the risk of becoming non-intentional. In the beginning the goal of 1 year was chosen arbitrarily, not realizing how long it would take for me to actually learn the practice and lessons. So, to keep this practice deliberate, I am switching the methodology up.
With this entry, I am closing my public writings about my 365 Release and concentrating on more personal reflection, because I want to only offer the most relevant and sincere words. Because I want to concentrate on writing more on experiences and lessons that are also contributing to my personal growth outside of the 365 Release, and because I have some writing to do in a larger format that incorporates the previous 365 Release entries. And I never want to be unintentional for a practice in intentionality. I will be working on bringing this project to a larger community and will keep everyone updated.
So my words for my 365 Release practice are lessons I have learned across my lifetime and are words I live by. I am grateful for everyone’s unconditional support of this project and practice and I cannot even believe how much I have learned in the few months I have been intentional about releasing and letting go. I will continue to practice non-attachment fearlessness and change. Imagine how far along I will be even in the next few months. We can change our lives with even the most basic of intentions. We can make our lives exactly what we want it to be with purpose and fearlessness. Most importantly, we can find complete and utter bliss through living life now.
Do not ever hesitate.
The only moment you are in is now, not before, not later, so do not dwell in the past or obsess about the future.
Meditate.
Be present.
Be fearless, it is the only way to pursue what you really want and love.
Be open to new experiences, new people.
Cultivate your community.
Tell the people around you that you love them, often.
Even if something scares the shit out of you, do it.
Live freely.
Give always.
Learn new things.
We always already have everything we need to be happy, it’s just a matter of realizing everything is right there, right within you.
Life is simple. and it is very short.
Open yourself up so someone will know you in this lifetime.
Let yourself be loved.
Fall in love.
Do only what you love.
Travel as often as you can.
If you are lost, find yourself.
Be accountable.
Our purpose in life is to be happy.
Do not ever let go of your dream because it will happen if you want it to.
Live your passion.
Live Life Now.
Ahh change IS good…sometimes. 🙂 As you embarked on this new direction, I wish you well, YK and hope it is as rewarding as your past 60-day release. This idea truly appeals to me as I am very adventurous (unfortunately, more mentally than physically-I’m working on it!). Looking forward to reading about your upcoming experiences. 🙂 Peace
thank you so much for being on this journey with me. i hope the lessons will teach me to grow and be humbled.
YK, reading about your journey is beautiful and quite intriguing. What I find most interesting is your push to transition the practice to a higher level of simply helping someone build a bar. I wonder if that act/transition is in itself the natural progression of learning non-attachment. In any case, blessings to you on this journey and I look forward to reading about more.
In light,
nicole
hey nicole, that’s a perspective i haven’t even thought of yet. thank you for that insight.
it makes the experience even more profound. thank you.