Minimalism

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” -Rumi

Think about the ocean for a moment. How often do we see the ocean completely flat and calm? What about below? Is it ever not moving? How about life within the ocean, fish, invertebrates, microscopic plankton?

We lose about 50 million skin cells every day. That means these cells are constantly regenerating, growing and dying. Although other cells have a longer life cycle, the point is that even in the tiniest portions of your body you are in a state of constant change. Like the ocean. Meaning, we are never the same from one moment to the next. What is the sense in holding on to something so fleeting? Isn’t it better to just enjoy the ride?

Holding on to emotions, relationships, material things is like trying to stop the ocean from moving. It will only cause suffering.

“It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not…People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

My answer: Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) My family of 4 lives comfortably on a sailboat. This forces us into a constant state of change and letting go. My kids are little and outgrow clothes regularly. Change. Toys break and space is limited. Change.

Allowing yourself to trust and let go can revolutionize your daily mind chatter. Cluttered house = cluttered mind. Clean out, donate, save only what is useful, necessary and valuable.